Ive been looking for a cheaper uv light for a while now and noticed the other day that lowes has florescent daylights that are 6500K. I know most reptile uv lights are around 6500K as well and I was wondering if there is more to it than that. I want whats best for my chams so I will continue buying the extremely expensive "reptile" uv lights if necessary, but I would definitely love to cut that cost down. So if anyone knows any cheap uv lights or if those will work please let me know.
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cheap uv light?
twillis10
Sep 05, 2009 01:56 PM
Replies (4)
kinyonga
Sep 05, 2009 02:33 PM
Its quite likely that a daylight full-spectrum won't have the UVB required in it.
xanthoman
Sep 05, 2009 08:05 PM
there are regulations that limit the amount of uvb that interior residential lighting is allowed to produce, and they are manufactured accordingly,(although all do not adhere) but it is unlikely that any bulb intended for residential use would have the proper balanced amount and wavelength of uvb. of course the only way to really know would be to measure with a uvb meter, reptisuns and other specialty bulbs are not considered interior residential lighting and are therefore not subject to the same manufacturing limitations. reptisuns are manufactured from a pure quartz tube, which is part of what makes them able to generate the proper amount and wavelengths of uvb. how cheap of bulb are you looking for? a new 2 foot reptisun 5.0 can be had on ebay for $20.deliverd (just bought one).the cheapest uvb bulb, is the one that works that works (regardless of its purchase price)/ the most expensive is one that doesnt (regardless of its purchase price)
xanthoman
Sep 05, 2009 08:22 PM
tried to edit the extra "that works" (typo)but forgot you cant edit here
Carlton
Sep 08, 2009 02:41 PM
Thanks for the info about UV restrictions and indoor lighting...didn't know that.
ReptiSuns have consistently rated well compared to many other brands. I don't consider them expensive...you hardly ever get a defective one, they won't burn or hurt eyes, explode when sprayed, and I have healthy animals. One MBD or deficiency vet bill will make up for anything you save on an untested bulb. If you use double tube fixtures try a combination of one new ReptiSun and a "used" tube until the used one dies...get more general lighting for plants out of them that way.
