Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was in a pet store today and saw, for the first time, a Solar Bright UV heat bulb (160 watts) that was selling for over $50. I generally pay about $15 apiece for the Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp (150 watts), which was sitting on the shelf next to it.

Both say on the box that they offer a full UV spectrum in addition to heat for reptiles. The guy in the store says that despite that, there is a quantitative difference in UV output and the expensive bulb is worth the money.

Maybe, maybe not. Any opinions? I also use a full spectrum UV flourescent bulb that I keep on next to the UV heat lamp above the basking platform.

And while we are at it, what about the halogen UV bulbs? Are they worth the extra money? Only the best for my sliders!

For the heat lamp I use a normal incadecent bulb. Wattage depending on the distance it is away from the basking area. Then for UVA/UVB I use Zoomeds Repti-Sun 5.0. They have been proven to put out the highest amounts of UVB out of the flourecent bulbs. Its not UVA your looking for, its the UVB that you really want. I could not justify spending $50 on a single bulb...

-Chris
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Currently in the US Navy so I have sold off my collection. But over the years I have had dozens of turtles, fish, geckos, and other lizards. Cant wait to get back in the hobby once im out though!