Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My sister bought a uvb coil bulb from petco for her hatchling tortoise that she got about a week ago. It looks like one of those energy saving bulbs they advertise that can last for like 7 years (i had been bugging her about how her turtle needed uv lighting). I have experience with monitors and other lizards and use the bigger tube uv lights (like the reptisun 5.o, ect). This bulb cost about $25 and i was wondering if it was a total waste of money or if it will actually benefit the turtle. Has anyone had any experience with these? thanks
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Scott,

Are these the ones produced by ZooMed? I saw them at the show, ZooMed makes 2 types, one is 5.0 and the other is 10.0, they are supposed to be as good as the ReptiSun according to the guy I spoke with from ZooMed. I have not used them myself but if they are from ZooMed then it should be as good as the ReptiSun we've been using.

I don't think they are zoomed. Here's the link to what i think it is http://www.petco.com/product_info.asp?sku=9631655172&dept_id=-2
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Scott,

Esu also makes these .they come in 13w and 20w.I have one on my baby sulcuta and i have them in use on other herps.They seem to do the job,but now u have me wondering,anyone know a way to test a bulb to see if it actually works?Just because it says uvb/uva how can u tell

Actually, we use a bulb that is made in the UK by Arcadia and it too is a great bulb. It produces the same amount of UVB as our Power Sun's do (using a UVB detector).
But I was told recently there is another bulb out much easier to get (Arcadia's are hard to get in the US) from Zoo Med (I think). I am also going to give it a try and see what the output is. Some have said it is a good bulb but I am waiting on buying one to actually see for myself. Testomonials are always good too.

Lori

I recently purchased three ZooMed ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Desert bulbs from ReptileDepot.

One burned out after about a week's worth of use, 14 hours on per day; UVB output on this bulb was never great, about 30 uW/cm2.

However, the two other bulbs have much better readings (Solarmeter 6.2), about 250 to 300 uW/cm2 at 8 inches!

On the whole, these are too new for a personal recommendation but I'll use them till my Mega-Ray Zoo (external ballast) lamps arrive!!

FYI, too be clear, the ZooMed bulbs mentioned above are the NEW compact fluorescent, about 6 inches in length.