I thought I'd let you in on a few things about them. They are not regulated in any way. They can claim anything about their products they wish apparently without any reprocussions. For example, a lot of manufacturers produce substrates made with calcium this and calcium that and indicate there is low risk of impaction. It truth most substrates these manufacturers market are actually very dangerous and have impacted and killed many animals. Other products such as certain types of cricket gutload have caused problems with animals who have ingested the crickets. Things such as incandescent and halogen bulbs with that indicate they are special for reptiles are the same as the ones you can buy at your local home improvement store but about 2-3 times the cost. This is not the issue with Mercury Vapor Bulbs and certain types of colored bulbs, though. But if you are going to buy a regular basking bulb spend a fraction of the cost and buy them from the home improvement store.



The best advice I can give you with regards to reptile manufacturers is to seek out as much information about the products from forums such as this one as you can. Advice from people who have experience with these products might save you a lot of money and grief.



Also, it is unfortunate but a lot of pet store personnel will also suggest these products and do not realize they are giving out bad information. Even some who do know it is bad are trying to make a living and will tell you to buy them anyway. Not true with all pet stores but seems like a lot of them are this way.



Good luck with your little beardie. I hope the plastic gets through okay.
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Rob Talkington

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