Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The UV light suggested by my local reptile store was a 13w Repti Glo 10.0 UVB.

I just want to make sure this isn't too strong of a UVB. Let me know if i should back down to a 5.0 UVB.

Also instead of getting the long tube I got the compact coil type (like such http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752556) In past experiences i have only used the long tubes, but the retailer insisted that these are no different. Any criticism on these compact UVB bulbs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
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Blue Tongue Skink
Savannah Monitor
Ball Python
Jungle Carpet Python
Veiled Chameleon

A lot of people have had problems with the coils-makes the animals slowly go blind or shut their eyes leading to death. Just do a search about them and decide for yourself.

Depending on where the bulb is or what material its going through a 10.0 would be better in some caging situations. A 5.0 however will work.

Whether the "coil" type bulb will be OK or not depends on its manufacture date and specific brand. I have never used them so I don't know exactly how to tell the good from the bad. The retailer may have no clue either and I wouldn't risk my cham's sight to a big box pet supply. There are several threads about this on the chameleonforums.com website you could check out.

I have always used a ReptiSun 5.0 on young and adult chams and had no problems with growth or D3/calcium metabolism. You need to make sure the cham can bask within 18" of the bulb to receive the proper exposure. I haven't used the ReptiGlo bulbs, but have read that they just need to be changed out more frequently. A ReptiSun 5.0 can produce the proper UVB for up to 6 months. The ReptiGlo apparently doesn't last quite as long.

As for the 10.0 bulbs, I would use them only if working with an adult in a cage that is very large, deep, and really full of foliage. The depth penetration of the 10.0 would be of more use as long as the cham couldn't get as close to the bulb.