Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Currently I have the typical 18" fixture UVA&B light (I think currently I use a Reptisun 8.0), I replace this bulb every 4 monhts (actually, it gets demoted to snake lights...who don't require UV).

My question is:
Has anyone used this kind of bulb...
http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?cPath=26_27&products_id=422

It is "20W Coil Lamp", by ESU Reptiles...it fits into a regular fixture and not the florescent kind. I was wondering about the reliablity of the output.

If I switch to this kind, do I have to change the bulb every four months???
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Hangin with the Herps
ZZ

I use the 8.0 but I use a daylight delux (normal Homedepot bulb) along with it.

The UVB output on the twist bulbs is supposedly very low.
Merc. Vap has the highest but I have quit using them because they just don't last like they are supposed to.

Another option, which I haven't tried yet is the new compact fluorescent UVB by ESU. I do use compacts for my fishtanks because they put out incredible intensity, which dragons love, by the way.

Veronica,,, have you by any chance tested these yet???
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Joel R

Coming Soon!
www.SpikesAndScales.com

I have never tested anything from ESU worth a damn. Zoo-med and t-rex are the standard in floresent UV lighting. If you want to talk MV they are good but Westron is by far superior in my opinion.
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Bennett

Home of the Florida Orange
www.beardiedragon.com

So, if I buy one of those bulbs (from Westron) do I still have to replace it every four months....or can I trust what they say about once a year????
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Hangin with the Herps
ZZ

I would say a year is generally fine with the externally balasted bulbs. just a thought for you. with high powered MVB some people choose to run it for fewer hours a day (to stretch the bulb life) to make it more "natural". BDs dont bask all day. so you can set it to be on fewer hours and your BD will get the same benefit since they only get the UVB when basking. you just have to observe your BD and see how much time and how often he spends basking.
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Bennett

Home of the Florida Orange
www.beardiedragon.com