Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've always seen people recommend the Reptisun 5.0 and never the 8.0...but I'm wondering...if the 8.0 is just a higher % of UVA and UVB, why would we not want to use that one??? I was in a local reptile store looking for a 5.0, and they told me that the more UVA/UVB the better, so I might as well use the 8.0. What do you all think about that?

Thanks!
Kristen

P.S. This is not for the pygmies...for the Carpet and/or Jax
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0.2 pygmy leaf

Kristen-

Well I use the MV bulbs which have allot more UVB then any of the fluorescents. I have not looked at the 5.0 to 8.0 prices, but I would say the 5.0 is recommended because it is cheaper then the 8.0 and will provide enough UVB for the chameleon. If I remember correctly the ratings like 2.0, 5.0, 8.0 is the % of UVB the bulbs put off. I don't see a problem using the 8.0 for chameleons who need high UVB. The 8.0 is marketed more for desert reptiles that need lots of UVB. There is no bulb that can mimic the suns powerful rays. Hope this helps!
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John @ Chameleon Paradise
1.1 Ambilobe Panthers
1.1 Nosy Be Panthers
1.1 Sambava Panthers
1.2 Rhampholeon uluguruensis

Hi Kristen and John,

I just want to pass along what I read re: "is more better." It comes from the anole site that I have been using for all my reference (great site! I wish there was one like this for every Herp).. Anyway, here is his thinking and below is a link to his site. I would assume this would hold true for cham's and other species with similar needs. IMHO, since every breeder, reputable site, etc. recommends 5.0 there must be a reason Some things in life certainly aren't better if you get more!! LOL

"So to provide your reptiles with sufficient UV, use an 18" or longer Repti-Sun 5.0 fluorescent, depending on your cage size. Also keep in mind, it's not a matter of "more UVB is better." Because more is not better. For instance, the Repti-Glo 8 gives off 8% UVB, yet I recommend the Repti-Sun which only gives off 5%. Why? Because 5% if sufficient for keeping your Anole(s) healthy. 8% may be too much, and such bulbs were made with desert reptiles in mind. It's a matter of where the species lives in the wild, and what they need to stay healthy. Once what is needed is discovered, going above it is pointless. A 5% UVB fluorescent is all an Anole needs."
Under the Leaves

8.0s give off alittle more heat and it is a dry heat...the 5.0 gives of a warm heat that is more humid feeling...it sounds weird but its true.... the 8.0 helps to try off the desert tank and warm it up so i wouldn't use it on tropical reptiles

I do not know how anyone can say that the 5% bulbs are enough. Anyone I know that has tried to raise chameleons on them alone has had MBD. The 8% bulbs, if they are by ESU, actually put out LESS UVB than the reptisun 5.0--I saw a study that compared outputs of bulbs. If it is a 8% Zoomed bulb, it's something new. I would SERIOUSLY doubt 8% is anywhere near "too much," Besides, in larger, chameleon cages, you're going to have virtually no UVB except for the top foot or so. 5% is the equivilant of less than an hour of sunlight--most chameleons will spend several hours in full sun if outside--12 hours directly under an 8% bulb is nowhere near what they'd get if outside.

PEople were frightened of the 5% bulbs when they came out, saying vitalites were better, simply because theywere what people were used to. Nevermind the fact that they were totally useless. Now, people are scared to death about the MV bulbs, and these same people that were afraid of the 5% bulbs giving their animals skin cancer are favoring them and dcaring people away from MV bulbs.

I know a breeder that uses cheap MV bulbs from germany, no sunlight, no D3, and has NO MBD. If you try this with a reptisun, as good as they are, you're going to have MBD now or later.

We found a pamphlet exo terra puts out about all their bulbs, what they do, and what is reccomend for each reptile. It was really cool cause it showed the wave lengths and what the different lights they put out are for. According to them, all animals should have a 2.o bulb, but it is not necessary. Veiled should have a 8.0 bulb and panthers needed a 5.0 bulb. I wish I could find that booklet right now, but I can't. I suppose that information would also be on their website. I just know we baught a 8.0 bulb for Roan and he's been doing great ever since we got him.

I guess that's a problem since they're not one of the more commonly kept species.

My main reason for asking this question was because no one around here has any 5.0 bulbs...I could only find 8.0, so until I get a 5.0 I was trying to be sure this wasn't going to hurt him. If before then, I discover that he's fine with an 8.0...well, no problems there.

Thanks!
Kristen
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0.2 pygmy leaf

Kristen-

Both Eric and myself agree that no bulb especially a fluorescent can mimic the suns powerful rays. After keeping many coral reef tank, I know how important lighting is. If you guys think lighting is expensive for reptiles try a reef tank, I have spent $1000 on reef lighting. I would only be concerned about using a MV bulb on babies, monate species who don't like allot of heat, because the MV bulbs do but off HEAT! I don't see any problem using an 8.0, remember you will never mimic the sun with a bulb. As for temperature, that is really only the color the bulb puts off, no fluorescent bulb puts off more heat then another at different temps (cool/dry), that is just plain crazy. The color temp tries to mimic the color temp of certain climates, like tropical, or desert. So what I am getting to is bottom line a 5.0 is the bare minimum, you need atleast this type of bulb. Now that said as Eric pointed out how many times have we seen MBD problems even when a 5.0 bulb is in place. We all know the wonders the sun can do for a chameleon if it is exposed to the sun for a few hours, so what makes anyone think that any one bulb is to much, you got me! Hope this helps!
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John @ Chameleon Paradise
1.1 Ambilobe Panthers
1.1 Nosy Be Panthers
1.1 Sambava Panthers
1.2 Rhampholeon uluguruensis

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0.2 pygmy leaf

What is MV? Where can you buy them?

Hi-

MV is a Mercury Vapor bulb. They can be bought at most petshops and over the net. These are specially made for use on reptiles so a homedepot bulb will not work. You will only need a 100w flood bulb for chameleons. Hope this helps!
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John @ Chameleon Paradise
1.1 Ambilobe Panthers
1.1 Nosy Be Panthers
1.1 Sambava Panthers
1.2 Rhampholeon uluguruensis

what is the least expensive mv that you all have found (that's decent), and where is it available?
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groups.msn.com/JEChameleons
2.1 Chameleo Calyptratus
1 Chameleo Melleri

The guy at lizards2go.com --I forget his name--is a really nice guy, I worked security at one of the last Raleigh shows, and I talked to him so much, I must have keot him away from his table at least 2 hours a day! He told me he uses these German made MV bulbs, and has had excellent results. I do not believe they are nearly as powerful as the ones designed FOR reptiles, but they do put out more UVB at a foot than 5.0 bulbs. I think he sells them for $20.00. Send him an email asking for some details and availability.

Eric A

This is good news, especially for those of us who work with montane chams. I hope there is a better UV source being developed for cooler climate species. As for personal experience with ReptiSuns, all I can relate is my own. I've kept various chams under ReptiSuns since 1994 and have never had a case of MBD (at least one that was obvious enough to show physical symptoms). But, I did use some basic mineral and vitamin supplementation, use good quality gutloads, food variety and try to get my animals out in full sun for some time each week but that varied widely with climate.