Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got a UV light about 8 or 9 months ago and i used it for 2 months, then i stopped, then i used it about 4 or five months later, and now im using it again. It's not a very long light but now i hear they are good for 10-14 months... who's right?

and temp guns... are they worth it? how much did you pay for yours or have you heard people paying... i dont want to be cheated because i dont know anything about them and i think my thermometers are off. Where should i get one?
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*~*Erin*~*
0.1 Jazmin -leopard gecko- April 17, 2004
0.2 Tiki and "unamed" -bearded dragon- July 18, 2004 -high oranges-
Blaze -bearded dragon- March 20, 2004-August 22, 2004 *~*Rest in Peace*~*
My Web Page! Check it out!

UVB bulbs have to be rplaced every 5-6 months, just to be sure i replace mine every 5

yes thos guns are worth it, they can give u very accurate readings and u can chack the temp anywhere in any part of the tank instantly, using mine i created a perfect temp gradient from 37 degrees to 24 degrees which is pperfect for the dragon im gonna get

whoever told u every 10 months is wrong, they have to be replaced much mo frequently

After being used, UVB tubes lose their effectiveness in putting out UVB rays. They can continue to produce light for 12 months but the amount of UVB rays being put out by then is so low, it no longer is any use to the dragon. A great chart showing how effective various UVB producing bulbs and tubes has been compiled by a regular poster here. For convenience sake,I have included a link to her webpage. Just click on the link for 'Project UVB' from her main page. Changing bulbs every 6 months is a good practice to ensure your dragon remains healthy.
Project UVB

The fluorescent bulbs do need replacing every 6 months. Mercury Vapor bulbs do last a year providing they don't burn out on you. lol

As far as the temp guns,,, yes they are worth it! They can actually read the surface temp of your basking spot Not the air around it. With a normal thermometer you may get a good air temp but that could leave the surface at an extremely high temp which could cook your lizard.

I paid $20 for mine, several years ago at Radio Shack. (on sale)
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Joel R

Coming some day.
www.SpikesAndScales.com

UV lights lose their effectiveness over time. The hotter burning bulbs lose their potency quicker. Some pet stores and vets have equipment to read these bulbs; I believe it's a radiometer. It seems that six months for a twelve month bulb is about right unless you have a way of getting the UVB output measured.
As far as the temp gun, they are a must. Anyone using the small plastic thermometer on the side of the cage is fooling themselves. With a temp gun you can scan your cage and know exactly what the temps are from one side to the other. I have a cheap Motokota ($25). I dropped it in the washing machine, quite accidently. After the wash cycle I took it out and dried it with a hair dryer. It works fine. I would not pay a lot for one.