Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,
Has anyone had bad luck with ZooMed basking light bulbs, or is it me that is cursed? After having several of their lights go kaput on me after not even a month of use, I stopped buying their brand altogether. Recently, I saw they came out with a Halogen basking light that is guaranteed to last, I believe, half a year. Well I've already burned out two -- one 75 watt and one 150 watt -- on separate occassions after using them for not even two weeks, 10 hours a day.

I have triple checked my sockets to make sure I was using the correct type for the bulb. I use power strips. Current in my home is stable. What gives with these bulbs? What other brands should I try for a basking lamp that provides at the least some UV-A rays? ZooMed is all the local pet stores seem to supply.

Thanks folks!

--Matt

I've been using zoo med bulbs now for years.
I have to say their quality control leaves something to be desired.
I may have bulbs that work for a year. Burn out, and the replacements burn out in weeks.
It seems to depend on the lot. Some last some dont.
In fairness...other manufacturers bulbs are the same.
I tried zoo med halogen. I found these to be worse.
I am in the process of switching all of my lamps over to mercury vapor.
I began using these back in summer 2003, and so far I'm happy.
Although if those babies burn out, they can get pricey.

I had the same problem..how funny im typing about ZooMed and their bad bulbs and their banner's on the screen...

anyways..

I use for basking, good old plain 60 watt houshold bulbs...not clear ones, the white ones. Could also try those ceramic emitters, I might get one SOME day...but they're like $35...yowch!