Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just went down to Tribal Reptile Company to check out the Saharans and found one i liked. I didnt buy it yet because im a little confused on the lighting. My question is do i need a light fixture(with a UVB bulb) that is the same size as my tank (its a 40 gal breeder)? The fixture is like $50 plus a $30 bulb. Im not complaining about the price its just i dont wanna get ripped off. I also found a small compact fluroscent fixture made for reptiles or would an ESU Slimline fixture work for me? Sry for so much questions.

well i saw on the internet that slimline is a brand that makes UVB strip (like the long ones in the ceiling) lights, is that correct? i am not sure about that particular brand but i do know alot of people recommend reptisun 5.0 or higher as a good reliable UVB bulb.
also the smaller bulb, were you talking more like a full spectrum basking bulb? i have been told by several people that they are not very good sources of UVB.
fortunately, my cages have gotten larger with time, unfortunately the UVB strip lamps could not grow with them. two of them are almost as large as the cage and one is very small and i keep near the basking site. a lizard needs to be within 12 inches of the UVB light for it to work properly, so it works well with the basking spot. i have found with my uros that if they are not basking, then they are under their hidespots so i do not feel too guilty that the last foot of their cages has no direct UVB over it.
also look online for those bulbs and lamps. i have found that with the shipping it is still cheaper than in a store. the only one i can think of right now is lllreptiles
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vonnie
***There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is in having lots to do and not doing it. Mary Wilson Little ***

You can pick up a tube light fixture at any home supply store for less than 20 bucks. I think LLLreptile has all of their UVB bulbs on sale for like 16.50 I recently bought 4 48" bulbs from there.
J-G

You could also supplement the uros food with calcium and vitamin d3 supplements (reptocal) which is about 5-7$ depending where you buy it from.I find that one bottle usually lasts for about 2-3 months.