Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! As a follow-up to my post yesterday about the new ESU 20W Super UV Coil lamp, a company spokesperson sent me an email saying that the lamo produces "450 to 500 micro watts/cm2 of UVB"
and that if the bulb is within 12" of the Panther cham, it be enough UVB to keep the cham healthy. Being unfamiliar with how to intepret such data, can someone advise me as to whether the ESU spokesperson is correct? The light will be at the top of a Chameleon Canopy and the Panther will be able to get within 10"-11" of the bulb. The Chameleon Canopy has 3 lighting sockets, so I can easily put an incandescent bulb right next to the UVB bulb for heat. Thanks!
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I recall readings of less than 20 microwatts per cm. sq.
Besides, that's about TWICE the sun's energy of UVB. I think he's full of it, or statign UVA, not UVB.

I'm sure that's NOT correct, not by a long shot.
I think something's not right here.

Thanks for the heads up! I followed up with ESU and actually spoke to the rep on the phone. Th rep said that the 450-500 microwatts/cm2 is the reading "at the bulb". At 12" distance the UVB reading is 25-30 microwatts. This guy seemed really knowledgeable & really passionate about trying to come up with great bulbs for reptiles of all types. He said they have just released a 7% UVB bulb for desert lizards that is also a "screw-in" type, but it is a u-shaped bulb instead of coiled. He said they are tossing around an idea of increasing the wattage on the flourescent UVB bulbs to increase the UVB output even more. They are trying to come up with a 55W flourescent bulb that would be coiled in a similar fashion to a hot plate or electric coil on an oven. One of the advantages of the flourescent would be that it would not have a huge heat output, so it could be kept closer to the reptile wihout fear of the animal burning itself. Anyway, do you think the 25-30 microwatts reading would be OK fr a Panther? Thanks again!

I think that info is too good to be true. I remember a few reports that said they put out VERY little UVB at distances of more than 12". You should try to find out how much tey put out at longer distances.

That amount is good, but probably not enough to maintain proper growth without supplements.

The guy does have a point, that the florescent bulbs can get closer without burns. A problem wiht MV bulbs. They work great, but are not the "all in one" bulb they are advertized as, since a sepeate heat source is usually needed, as the reptiles tend to regulate UVB exposure.

If the output is correct, the bulb should be fine when placed close to the top of the basking area.

I want to see more info on these, especially iff the claims are true.

Eric