Repti-Glo 10.0

[Pugwinkle]

Could someone please direct me to a link where it speaks of the research that has been done in order to determine that this bulb is not a good bulb to use for a Beardie and a URO.

I am curious to read about both the compact and the long bulb.

 

[Goodtruant]

Hopefully the UV Guide UK will come out with some in depth reports soon. I've been in contact with Frances, and recently got this message.

"Yes, I am working on a complete update of the UV Guide UK website right now, and I’m hoping to put up the all-new version this summer. It will have a whole load of new lamp tests, including metal halides, for example, and also the new T5 fluorescent tubes from Arcadia and ZooMed – which are identical, by the way, and the test results suggest that they are the best UVB lamps so far developed."

TONS of lighting info here. http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm

The website is full of great info.

 

[Claudiusx]

This whole site is all the research you need. Throughout the years here, we have been able to link ill dragons to these kind of bulbs. When we recommend the bulb be changed, and the change is made, the dragon usually gets better if there are no other underlying issues in husbandry.

Anyways, the way I look at it is this. Why use something that might work, when there is a bulb that has been proven TO work. They both basically cost the same, there is no reason to use a repti-glo instead of a reptisun.

-Brandon

 

[Pugwinkle]

Okay, maybe I'm mistaken but that link says the following

'"We have now documented 40 individual cases, occurring since September 2006, affecting 16 turtles, 3 tortoises and 21 lizards in the USA and in Europe, affected by ZooMed Reptisun 10.0 Compact Lamps and (more rarely) 5.0 Compact Lamps."

So why would we think that the tubes would be better? And they aren't mentioning Repti-Glo bulbs to be a problem so why are they not recommended?

Just a bit confused here.

Thx!

 

[Goodtruant]

Here's what Frances says about compacts and tubes. Obviously tubes sound like a much better choice. She has not gone as far as to compare different brands because she is still in the testing phase on the new lamps (tubes, metalH, and MVB).

UVB fluorescent tubes produce diffuse, low levels of UVB resembling outdoor shade on a sunny day. They emit less visible light than other bulb types. These tubes are suitable for supplying UVB to species that do not bask in sunlight, such as some forest shade-dwellers, or for small enclosures where the heat from mercury vapor lamps would cause problems with the thermal gradient. Always combine them with a better visible-light source. Quality tubes emit light with a UV Index between about 0.5 and 1.0 (sunlight in the tropics before 7:30 a.m.) at 12 inches (the usual maximum distance suggested), and they need to be replaced every year.

UVB compact fluorescent lamps also produce diffuse, low levels of UVB at basking distances. However, at close range and/or if reflectors are used, the light and UVB may be intense, making good positioning difficult. These lamps decay more rapidly than tubes and may need replacement after six months.

A few brands of fluorescent lamps for reptiles, both compact and tube types, have been found to emit hazardous shortwave UVB. These have caused eye problems such as photokeratoconjunctivitis. Some manufacturers that experienced the problem say they have addressed the issue, while others are still addressing it. However, if your reptile develops swollen eyes or refuses to open them shortly after a new lamp is installed, see your herp veterinarian immediately. You may wish to refer him or her to this article. Lamp placement, the lamp itself and/or other factors could be responsible.

Here's a sneak-peak at what she has to say in her report in regards to Arcadia 12% and Reptisun 10.0 Tube lights.

"I’ve attached my latest report on the ZooMed Reptisun 10.0 T8 (1” diameter) tube. When fitted with a reflector these (and the identical Arcadia D3+ 12%UVB) provide the equivalent of early morning spring sunlight (UV Index about 3) at a distance of around 10 inches above his back. These are the T8 tubes that come out the best on all the test results. This test report will be in the updated website when I get it finished."

 

[Goodtruant]

So in conclusion, not only did she find that tubes are safer and last longer than compacts/coils, she also found that the Arcadia and Reptisun tubes tested the best.

 

[Pugwinkle]

Thanks so much for going to the trouble of explaining that. It was very helpful. I did go and try to purchase a Reptisun tube light for my hood but they only sold the Repti-Glo at both Big Al's and Petsmart. They did have the Reptisun but it was only 24" and my hood fits a 30" bulb.

Can someone from Ontario, Canada let me know where I can purchase a 30" Reptisun tube light. I have checked at Petsandponds.com but the one size they don't have is the 30".

 

[Claudiusx]

Reptisuns don't come in 30 inch bulbs. You will need to buy a new fixture.

-Brandon