Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey, quick question. My turtles UV light is running on its 6 month. I need to change it this month. Im very interested because my turtles shell is absolutely perfect and has grown in perfectly. So, here is the question: The strip uv bulbs at home depot, the ones in the green box sold as PLANT LIGHTS, are they just as useful substitutes? They're a heck of a lot more affordable. I do not want to start a conversation about whether or not the UV light is necessary, i would just want to know wether or not the UV output of the GE PLANT bulbs are comparable/equal to that of lets say R@PTISUNS? IF not; are there any that are? We are talking a 20 dollar difference almost for a 48 in bulb! Also, while we are on the topic, what would be the downside to installing a 8.0-10.0 UVB bulb in an animals exhibit that is indigenous to the rainforest and not the desert? I'm somewhat confused? I dont think we can replicate sunlight so perfectly that a fake bulb could cause adverse damage to my herp? Am i not understanding this correctly? Is this just another crazy useless herp industry sales gimmick like so many other products on the market?

thanks folks

j

No there are not and rainforest herps may not need as much direct UVB light so therefore the difference in the output of the various UVB lights sold. Ask a frog specialist if an old Zoomed 10 bulb can be used for rainforest frog. Tess Cook

>>Hey, quick question. My turtles UV light is running on its 6 month. I need to change it this month. Im very interested because my turtles shell is absolutely perfect and has grown in perfectly. So, here is the question: The strip uv bulbs at home depot, the ones in the green box sold as PLANT LIGHTS, are they just as useful substitutes? They're a heck of a lot more affordable. I do not want to start a conversation about whether or not the UV light is necessary, i would just want to know wether or not the UV output of the GE PLANT bulbs are comparable/equal to that of lets say R@PTISUNS? IF not; are there any that are? We are talking a 20 dollar difference almost for a 48 in bulb! Also, while we are on the topic, what would be the downside to installing a 8.0-10.0 UVB bulb in an animals exhibit that is indigenous to the rainforest and not the desert? I'm somewhat confused? I dont think we can replicate sunlight so perfectly that a fake bulb could cause adverse damage to my herp? Am i not understanding this correctly? Is this just another crazy useless herp industry sales gimmick like so many other products on the market?
>>
>>thanks folks
>>
>>j