Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a clip on lamp with a 75 Watt bulb, but the bulb only emits UVA light - do I need to buy one that emits BOTH UVA AND UVB rays?? I also need a heater, is anyone willing to sell me theirs?

You don't need one that emits BOTH UVA and UVB, but you do need to buy a UVB-emitting bulb to complement the 75-W bulb you have right now. Hope this helps.

I'm using ESU Slimline Super UV lamp. It only cost about $27.00 at PetSmart. It's the 18" florescent bulb and it states that it has the UVB and UVA. I'm a little weird so I tend to read the box to death. It stated on the box that its for Reptiles.

Plus, I have a spot light on his basking area.

>>You don't need one that emits BOTH UVA and UVB, but you do need to buy a UVB-emitting bulb to complement the 75-W bulb you have right now. Hope this helps.

that's pretty funny... i just bought that same ESU slimline light today too at Morris Pet Supply in Jersey, only for $27.99 (big deal).

Right now Stewie is in an 18" by 12" plastic tank (with plenty of water, and a nice log to bask on under a broad spectrum light). He's only a baby still, maybe a 1-1/4" in length. In a few months as he grows, I plan on getting a nice big aquarium so he's got a ton of water and room to move around in.

I have that same slimlight too. I purchased it last week and thought it was a pretty good value. But I have a question: I've read that glass and plastic filters out a lot of the UVB ray. Now this slimlight actually comes with a plastic cover for the bulb - isn't it gonna filter out the ray then? I tried to take off the plastic cover but it seems to be stuck and i didn't want to break it. Any comments?

I have no answer for the acrylic covering. Huh, now I'm getting paranoid. I guess I assumed since reading the darn things box that it's meant to serve the purpose with which people would buy it.

Regarding opening the thing, well, there are 2 recessed screws on the opposite side from the light fixture.

I'll have to think about this now since I'm planning on upgrading tanks and was counting on getting a second slimline unit.

>>I have that same slimlight too. I purchased it last week and thought it was a pretty good value. But I have a question: I've read that glass and plastic filters out a lot of the UVB ray. Now this slimlight actually comes with a plastic cover for the bulb - isn't it gonna filter out the ray then? I tried to take off the plastic cover but it seems to be stuck and i didn't want to break it. Any comments?

I read, on another website, that having glass or plastic between the tube and turtle will disperse the lightwaves, and consequently less effective.

Does anyone know if acrylic filters out UVB light (just light glass and plastic perhaps???) If yes, I am going to return that slimline ESU light.

Thanks.

I asked the vet about it today and the acrylic used is too cheap to be one of the ones that allows UVB rays thru. So, I've cut off the bulk of the covering and left just enough to protect the electrical connections. Plus, change the bulb every 6 months regardless if you think you need to.

>>Does anyone know if acrylic filters out UVB light (just light glass and plastic perhaps???) If yes, I am going to return that slimline ESU light.
>>
>>Thanks.