Reptile & Amphibian Forums

are there other places where i can buy a fluorescent fixture other than pet stores and are they cheaper? if so can u name a few places (and prices of possible) that do carry some. i always found that pet stores sold them for to much. ty

I bought my fixtures from "The Walmart" for pretty cheap.I bought a basking light fixture for about $7 and a 24" flourescent light fixture for about $12, just be sure to take the weak bulb out of the flourescent fixture and replace it with a good uvb reptile bulb.Hope this helps save some cash, later!

I too have gotten my fixtures from wal-mart. I also have used Home Depot for light fixtures. They are usually the same price, so which ever one is closer to you will work. I also agree that replacing the buld is an excellent idea. You can get a reptisun 5.0 for relatively cheap, and they are found at most pet stores. Hope this helps.

Jason

thnx guys i realy appreciate the info! one other thing, they wouldnt come with a canopy would they? if not.. what did u guys use for attaching it as far as using it for a glass tank with a screen top. any idea's would really be great

You can get the ones that fit an aquarium that also comes with a flourescent fixture. They get pricey. If you are using a screen top, you can just rest the fixture right on top of the screen. It will not cause any harm. I assume you already have the basking light sitting on top of the screen, putting the flourescent light on there too is fine. One thing you need to know, is that a flourescant tube will not emit UVA/UVB for more that about 12 inches. Your dragon will need a way to get close, within 6-8 inches if possible from the light. Hope this helps.

Jason

i have a flood lamp that gives out heat and uv. was thinking i might need a second source of light for my 30gal tank. do i need a second? if so what would i want.. one that gives out heat or another uv? plz help!

A basic flood lamp is not sufficient. There are "full spectrum" lights that you can buy at your pet store. These are misleading, because they do not produce UVB. UVB is essential in the production of vitamin D3. Dusting prey items with a vitamin/calcium dust is also highly recommended. Back to the light, it is impossible for an incandescant light bulb to produce UVB. There are several lights available that fit into an incandescant fixture. There is the "super coil" and the mercury vapor bulb. I have not had much success with the super coil, but the mercury bulb is awesome. It produces both heat and UVB. It is also very expensive, around $25-40 per bulb. You must also be careful with them. They have to face straight down, and can not be turned on for several minutes after turning off. They emit UVB MUCH further than the flourescant light too. Either will be fine. I recommend the reptisun 5.0 They are nicely priced, and last about a year.

Jason