Reptile & Amphibian Forums

As summer starts to wind down here in Ohio, I am thinking about what kind of uv light to replace my old one with. My ig has been able to bask in natural sunlight several days each week this summer, but it will be back to winter quarters before we know it.
I presently use an aquarium top, long, flourescent type uv. Are there any brands that are considered especially good (or bad, for that matter)? I forget what brand I originally bought. It was from a petstore and claimed to be uv. I want to make sure I get the most bang for my buck this time, and plenty of uv to give Boris a healthy winter. Thanks in advance for your help. I hope to be able to pick up a decent brand at the All Ohio Reptile Show, but would like any suggestions.
Duffy

I personally like the Zoo med brands of things. Seem to be the easiest to get where I live. I use the Reptisun 5.0 in my aquarium light.

Renee

ZooMEd Reptisun 5.o has the best reputation.

PLease check www.myiguana.com

They sell a book on the study of these lights for those who aren't convinced.

Cindy

Boris sure will miss basking in genuine sunlight this winter.
He'll miss the fresh-picked dandelion leaves, too. We have 3 acres that we don't use any chemicals on, so I have LOTS of great greens. Some wild blackberries, too, which he likes alot.
Thanks again. Duffy

I use ReptiSun 7.0. It puts out 7% UVB. I figure the more, the better, especially with these lights only putting out UVB for about 6 months anyway. I buy my bulbs in May and November. PetSmart carries them in Jacksonville.
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Lamar, Debbie, Nathaniel and Iggi :>~

I highly recommend the mercury vapor bulbs that provide both heating and UVB lighting. I use the T-Rex 160-watt flood lamps. Once I switched to them, the difference (improvement) in my igs was nothing short of amazing! They looked better, they were more active, and they developed much better appetites. (See my other posts below on similar subjects, usually involving feeding/appetite.)

The bulbs can be a little pricey (50-60 bucks per bulb), but they typically last longer than the fluorescent tubes. You'll need to get good-quality large-size dome reflectors that can handle the high-wattage bulbs. The reflectors are usually around 10-15 dollars. The bulbs come in either flood or spot format, and range from 100-275 watts, so you can find one that will suit your particular enclosure(s).
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MichaelB

I had Powersun by Zoomed and it keeps going out. Granted they let you send it back but after doing this twice. I have had it with them.
I bought a T-Rex and it is awesome. It puts out way more heat then the other one and is still going strong.