Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. Anyone with experience with The active T-rex type uvb bulbs?

At the 12" minimum (closest recomendation) The 100 watt flood bulb doesn't heat their basking spot past 86 deg. ( they routinely seek out spots in mid 90s now).

Also the hype about that type of bulb seems to be that while the initial cost(Around $50.00) is expensive it's cheaper in the long run than the 4' fluorescents ($12 to $18) that need to be replaced every 6 months. I just read in the accompanying lit. that initially the bulb will put out 200 to 300 micro watts per... after 6 months it's down to 50 Micro watts. Seems like replacement time to me. So whats the savings? I realize it's supposed to be convienient/cost effective not to have fluorescent and incandescent but incandescents don't cost much at all for heat.

I'd appreciate anyone with experience. Maybe I'm missing something?

Thanks,
Bob.

I realize that the previous post is old. But, I just thought I'd chime in.

I have had bad experiences with the T-Rex bulbs. I recommend the Zoomed Reptisun bulbs. They are essentially the same thing, i.e. self ballasted mercury vapor bulbs. But, I have found their quality and durability to be far superior. LLLReptile and ReptileSupply.com have the 100 "watters" for less than $40, at last check.

At an ambient temperature of 75 degrees F, I am getting a basking spot of around 95 degrees F at a height of 14 inches. That is identical in 6 indoor, both aquatic and terrestrial, setups.

I hope this is helpful.

Oh, and I haven't been using them for spotteds. I kept spotteds long before they even made reptile bulbs. I do keep similar species, though...wood, Blanding's, Euro ponds, Western ponds, etc.

Had given up on the post question. I appreciate your time.

Bob.