Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm sure this is posted somewhere, but can someone explain the difference between the two - and what is the best for my RES? I have a Day Glo Daylight lamp, 50 watt, sitting on top of the screen cover to the tank, along with a heat lamp bulb on the other side. The temperature of the 20 gallon tank says 70. It usually is warmer, but with the cold weather we've been having, the inside air is a bit cooler.

Is the UVA bulb for basking, ok? He's been basking for hours at a time. From the time I turn the light on in the am, until I turn it off at night, he basks out of the water. Is this normal?

Thx!

I believe the Day Glo is similar to a regular household light bulb, but packaged to sell as a special light for reptiles. It doesn't give off UVB unless the package says that it gives off UVB explicitly. It is UVB light you need. For more info, check under lighting at www.resoasis.com or www.austinsturtlepage.com for the beneficial effects of UVB.

Greetings,

Here is another useful site about UBV lighting. It cover different bulbs and how well they tested.

http://home.comcast.net/%7Eholachapulin/Researchmain.html

-Ravon
Project UBV

Hi,

Thanks for the websites that explain the differences between UVA and UVB. I didn't realize that UVB is what the RES needs, all this time I've had him sitting under a UVA bulb. I hope he will not suffer from no exposure to UVB.

I have not seen UVB bulbs sold at Petco or PetSmart. Are they something you have to special order? Why are they hard to find if they're something that is in demand? I just haven't seen them in the pet stores.

Thanks again.

I couldnt find any at Petco, but I did find one at PetSmart. It was in the area where the reptile lights where. It is by ESU Reptila and called Super UV Coil-Lamp. I am not sure how many watts you are suppose to have but mine is 20 which = a 75 watt bulb.

Thx for the info.

I will check out the light sources at Petsmart. I currently have one of those light kits that has two bulbs - one on each side, one for basking during the day and one for heat. I do not have the water heated with a water heater. But the temperature always hangs around 70 - 75. I think the set up I currently have will suffice, but it would probably be better to replace with a better light kit.

I am thinking of replacing this light kit with a full spectrum light kit (one that runs the width of my 20 gallon tank) and get a water heater.

I have spent well over $500 on getting it right for my RES (lol)!!