Quick question on UVB light...

[lissac67]

I have a quick question about the UVB light. I have the recommended one for Spike, the reptisun 10, the one everyone says to use. THe question I have is I am using a fixture from Walmat, but I just now realize it has a plaster cover over the bulb...should I take that off? I am trying so hard to make sure spike has all he needs, he is only 7 months old, but I didn't think about the cover until today. We have had him a month, so not a huge time. But any help is appreciated.

 

[doe222]

Yes the plastic dilutes the UVB. Take it off.

 

[XiDiS]

Yes take the plastic cover off, those things can block the UVB. Same reason you wanna mount your light INSIDE the tank as opposed to on the top through a screen.

 

[lissac67]

Ok, thanks. I did have it mounted on the inside, and it runs the whole length of the tank for the most part. I will remove the cover right now. Spike has looked a bit thin lately, though he is ready for a whole body shed, I think. He is offered lots of good greens, pheonix worms and pellets, and eats his fill, but something was concerning me this week and I just thought of that. Hopefully this will improve his activity level. I feel badly now. But it was like that 3 weeks. Hopefully not long enough to do anything really bad.

 

[XiDiS]

He should be fine.

 

[lissac67]

Thanks! I admit I am attached to this little critter! He is really my son's, but really the whole family pet. Just want to make sure he has the best of everything!

 

[missginger2177]

I have a quick question about the UVB light. I have the recommended one for Spike, the reptisun 10, the one everyone says to use. THe question I have is I am using a fixture from Walmat, but I just now realize it has a plaster cover over the bulb...should I take that off? I am trying so hard to make sure spike has all he needs, he is only 7 months old, but I didn't think about the cover until today. We have had him a month, so not a huge time. But any help is appreciated.

I have a quick question prompted by your question. Which fixture did you find from Walmart? I had one that decided not to start when I plugged in my new 10.0 bulb.

 

[lissac67]

I have a quick question about the UVB light. I have the recommended one for Spike, the reptisun 10, the one everyone says to use. THe question I have is I am using a fixture from Walmat, but I just now realize it has a plaster cover over the bulb...should I take that off? I am trying so hard to make sure spike has all he needs, he is only 7 months old, but I didn't think about the cover until today. We have had him a month, so not a huge time. But any help is appreciated.

I have a quick question prompted by your question. Which fixture did you find from Walmart? I had one that decided not to start when I plugged in my new 10.0 bulb.

I have this one.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lights-of-America-24-Fluorescent-Grow-Light-Fixture/16879945

I have it mounted along the back of the tank, now with the cover off. I just replaced the bulb in it with the reptisun 10. I used removable picture hangers (the velcro type) and stuck it on the back. So far, works great!

 

[doe222]

If you were to own the 48in like mine goto spencersgifts at the mall or spencersgifts.com and get the 48in 36watt blacklight bulb/fixture. I have come to the conclusion that for the 48in reptisun the walmart fixtures dont cut it, i blew 3 of them. This fixture is 20$ and is the fixture made for 36watt bulbs.

 

[lissac67]

The light I am using is rated for the right wattage. if your wattage of your bulb is too high, it can certainly blow out often.

 

[doe222]

Well see alot of the american made fixtures say 32 watt on them then you read the ballast it says up to 40watt then they dont handle 40watt. It can get complicated, at least with the 36watt 48in. Its weird.

 

[carlisv]

After many ridiculous visits to WalMart and home stores trying to find fixtures that fit the ReptiSun 10.0 tube, or bulbs to fit the fixtures I could find, I did it the easy way. LightYourReptiles.com will send you a fixture and bulb that go together (with a free gift of an adjustable outlet adapter, which I didn't know I needed until I got one). All you do is take it out of the box, plug it in, turn it on, and watch the happy lizard!

There is a startling lack of useful information on fluorescent fixture packaging, eclipsed only by the lack of knowledge of home store lighting department staff.