Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK...have a UVB light but almost choked at the cost beleive it was a REPTI SUN 8.0 fluorescent bulb...lost box. I saw some compact fluorescent UVB / UVA bulbs while shopping - any good?
I also saw some incandescents that said they were full spectrum daylight - these were MUCH cheaper, but I assumed not what I was looking for..correct? Are there any cheaper alternatives for UVB / UVA than what is old in petsstores? I was told regular household spotlights could be subbed for "heat" lights so I figure there might be a slightly cheaper alternative for UV too. I have 2 Beardies and 1 Uro so far and want to keep the $$ as low as possible without skimping on care.

Thanks Elaine

That's a toughy considering the critter you have. Both the Beardies and Uromastix are desert dwelling lizards and are naturally used to LOTS of heat and UVB.

Before my Beardie I had some fence lizards, Berber skink, and Lecerta all living together (and quite well!). I had the 'lesser' Reptisun....HHmmm...I think it was 5.0 for 'jungle' lizards.....that for fellas that are used to somewhat shady conditions. But the moment I got the Beardy (and funny...I'm thinking of adding a Uro with him) I was told by several people that I'd definitely better move to the UV 8.0 and increase the wattage of the heat light to get a basking spot to at least 100 degrees.

My opinion.....get the Reptisun 8.0 and replace it every 8-10 months. (the actual length has been debated...some say 6 months....some say a year). Remember....to have the healthiest critters of any kind....you want to mimic thier natural conditions as well as you can. For desert animals that's hot and intense light (and UVB).