What UVB Bulb to Use?

[DarkMeloch]

I have a bearded dragon that is 1.5 years old. I have been using the coil fluorescent bulb since that is what came with the cage. I use Zilla Tropical Series 25, 20 Watts. Today at Petco I picked up Zilla Desert Series 50, 20 Watts. Is this bulb OK to use for a bearded dragon? I have read on some websites that the fluorescent coil bulb is not a good choice. Thanks!

 

[snazzyglasses]

Coil and compact bulbs don't give off the correct wavelengths of UVB for a bearded dragon to be able to make Vitamin D3 and therefore process calcium (which is important for nerves and muscles too, not just bones ). They are also notorious for causing eye problems (sometimes it takes a bit for problems to develop, but in those cases the bulb is the culprit).
So, the best/safest bulbs on the market for bearded dragons today are the ReptiSun 10.0 tube (not the coil or compact; also make sure it's a ReptiSun 10.0 and not a ReptiGlo), or Arcadia 12% tube. Any other brand or shape is probably okay for other critters, but not bearded dragons.
Both of those tubes are cheaper online than in pet stores, I think my 18" ReptiSun 10.0 tube was $28 with shipping included
*Edited for spelling/grammar. Couldn't help it lol

 

[snazzyglasses]

You'll also need a T8 fixture for the tube. You can find an "under-cabinet fixture" I think it's called, for under $20 at a place like WalMart or a home improvement store.

 

[chastityx]

You'll also need a T8 fixture for the tube. You can find an "under-cabinet fixture" I think it's called, for under $20 at a place like WalMart or a home improvement store.

we bought our 10.0 reptisun online for a lot cheaper than in stores, about 20$ and a walmart undercabinet fixture for 8$ so it wasn't too bad to switch.

 

[DarkMeloch]

Thanks for your help! I already went out and bought the Reptisun 10.0 and the T8 fixture for it. I bought it at Petco so I paid more than the Walmart price.

I wish someone at Petsmart or Petco would've told me the coil bulbs were not good enough for my bearded dragon a long time ago. Luckily he is OK (knock on wood) and I hopefully replaced the bulb in time!

 

[TeachersPetDragon]

You'll also need a T8 fixture for the tube. You can find an "under-cabinet fixture" I think it's called, for under $20 at a place like WalMart or a home improvement store.

we bought our 10.0 reptisun online for a lot cheaper than in stores, about 20$ and a walmart undercabinet fixture for 8$ so it wasn't too bad to switch.

I paid $22 for my under-cabinet fixture! I should have checked Walmart first.