Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi, how can i tell if the uv has worn out of the bulbs? also what do the numbers mean on the UV box?
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delbalso

there is a great website that addresses your very question.
(I do not have the link on this computer, I have it at work)
But I will try to forward it on in future posts...
It is very helpful reading..

You can't really tell for sure unless you have a UV Ray measuring device which can be very expensive and hard to find.
As a rule of thumb you should replace your flourescent bulbs every 6 months to be safe (some people suggest a year).

By the numbers on the box I presume you are questioning the % output numbers, numbers like 5.0%, 7%, etc. are a measure of how much the UVB ray light output is in comparison with all of the output the light gives off, which basically means the higher the number the stronger and more powerful the light is giving off in terms of UVB.

-Eric-

Here is the site.
Beautifuldragons.com

Great site.
Some really hard and fast numbers to do side by side comparisons of Reptile lighting..

It nice to have some reference, not just marketing.