Reptile & Amphibian Forums

If you are using UVB bulbs for collareds, does it matter if it is a compact fluorescent or a tube? The reason I am asking is that there appears to be problems using compact fluorescents for chameleons. Some chameleon keepers were reporting eye damage in chameleons from using compacts. Are compacts safe and effective for collareds or should I stick with the traditional tubes?

Also, I have a trio of WC juvenile collareds that I collected in mid-August. Is it recommended to deparasitize WC's (i.e. panacur and flagyl)even if they appear to be thriving? Thanks for your advice.

Whether its a compact or tube isn't as important as the make/model and distance there was in the past some that had problems with creating eye injury here is a very good link to a site with in depth information in general and the specifics on the problem.

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm

I have read about the history of the compact bulbs and based on the design, I'm not sure they will ever be safe or effective. I have had a couple of rescue lizards come in with severe conjunctivitis that might have been caused by coil or compact bulbs, and it is not pretty. I wouldn't take a chance.

I would stick with either a Reptisun 10 fluorescent linear tube plus a bright basking bulb, or if your enclosure is a 40 breeder or larger, you can use a Mercury Vapor bulb, which is best of all like a Megaray, T Rex Active UV, or Solar Glo. You don't want to use MVBs on a small tank,though, because they produce more heat than their incandescent same wattage counterparts. They are great because they work as both the UVB and basking bulb.

A close reading of that report will show that there was problems with a variety of Makers and this included, compacts, tube and MVB becuase of the nature of the phospur coating that the UV is excited from when charged.

I read that report closely, and I read another report that suggests that the design itself is not conducive to effective UVB exposure. I'll see if I can dig it up. Bottom line, I would not trust them after what I have seen in forums and in some of my rescues that were most likely kept under one or the other.

Some MVBs are bad, but the ones that I listed consistently test well.

I would not recommend trying to give young hatchling collared lizards any sort of wormer etc. This can potentially mess them up permanently. There digestive tracts are not strong enough at a young age to cope with any extra chemicals in there system. I am speaking from experience here. Just my thoughts on the matter.

Steve
www.hardcoreherps.com

Thanks for all of your responses to my question regarding UVB lighting and using dewormers for WC juveniles. Your responses were very helpful. And, thanks, Steve from Hardcore Herps for his reply and for the beautiful pair of yellowhead babies I just received from him. He has beautiful collareds and was really great to talk to. He provided tons of information for me and was very professional and friendly. Thanks again, Steve, and everyone that responded.

Brian Stewart