While it is true that the UVB output will last for one year, but will diminish slowly. You could invest in a UVB meter to test the readings.
You can also move the light a litter closer after the 6 month time frame too but not too close for safety. We normally recommend changing the light out after 6 or so months to ensure the strength of the bulb. Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures. Wolfeden Hatchling Member. Without taking actual solarmeter readings of your bulbs output there's no way to know for sure when to replace your bulb.
But to err on the safe side most will recommend changing a T8 bulb every 6 months and a T5 bulb every year. CooperDragon BD. I agree that it's difficult to say for sure without taking solarmeter readings. The consensus is that they do lose output over time. This may happen at different rates with different bulbs. I figure it's better to replace it too early than too late.
After taking solarmeter readings from a T8 reptisun There is a huge difference in output from what I've seen so far. The T8 I measured was much weaker than I expected after about a month of service. Very good info Cooper and I totally agree. One thing that I wanted to add is that the UVB output is affected by the fixture that is used too as the cheap fixtures don't allow the bulb to put out as much UVB as a real good fixture would. That's why I usually don't suggest using a Walmart type fixture.
CooperDragon"w5sib5 said:. Click to expand Taterbug BD. The T5 is double to triple the output of the T8 - personally I live the T5 and recommend them over the T8 for most situations. They are also visually brighter. My T5 without reflector has a UVI of 6 at the basking area. Each type of light has a different role to play in keeping your pet happy and healthy.
All three of these types of light are found in natural sunlight. UV wavelengths are filtered by glass and plastic, so to get the most out of your bulbs be sure they have direct exposure to the habitat. Over time UV output will diminish. We recommend replacing your fluorescent bulbs every 3, hours or around 12 months. If you have a pet that requires higher amounts of UVB light such as a turtle, tortoise, bearded dragon, iguana, chameleon, etc.
All reptiles and amphibians, however, benefit from UVB and it should be provided. There are lower output UVB bulbs available. Make sure that UVB bulbs are used during the day and turned off during the night to mimic daytime and nighttime.
When this light is off there should still be a nighttime heat source so your pet can remain comfortable while they rest.
The best bulbs to use for nighttime heat are black or red bulbs , a heat mat , or a ceramic heat emitter which do not give off bright light. Do you have more questions related to creating the best habitat for your reptile or amphibian? Visit our FAQs page or contact us and we will do what we can to be sure you and your pet have a long and happy life together.
Zone 3 describes open and partial sun baskers that thrive with an average UV Index of 1. Zone 4 describes mid-day open sun baskers that thrive with an average UV Index of 2. It was initially developed by the World Health Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Meteorological Organization as a way to raise awareness of the risks of excessive exposure to sunlight, and to alert people of when and where the sunlight is strong enough to cause skin damage.
The Solarmeter 6. Linear fluorescents come in two types: T8 and T5 HO. The number indicates the diameter of the fluorescent tube, as well as the power. Linear fluorescents should be mounted inside a reflective light fixture appropriate to the size and power of the bulb for optimal output and lifespan. T5 HO UVB bulbs are the most popular type of UVB lighting in the reptile hobby because they work well with a variety of enclosure sizes and reptile species.
They are also the preferred source of UVB lighting at reputable zoos. Compact and coil fluorescent UVB bulbs are like T5 UVB bulbs that have been folded and twisted around themselves to fit in a standard incandescent bulb socket. You will usually see them available in two sizes: 13w and 26w. Lifespan is between months, depending on brand. For best results, use with a reflective fixture. Mercury vapor and metal halide bulbs are unique because they produce heat, visible light, UVA, and UVB all in one bulb.
This also makes them very appealing to most reptile keepers at first glance. This makes them a better fit for some reptiles rather than others, and requires the use of a Solarmeter and an accurate digital thermometer for safe positioning and use.
If you use mercury vapor or metal halide bulbs, you must use bulbs that were specifically designed for use with reptiles. Otherwise they can seriously harm your reptile. They also require lots of air circulation around the bulb to prevent overheating no dome fixtures and break easily when bumped during use.
At this point, the evidence is not strong enough for me to recommend other brands such as Zilla, Exo Terra, All Living Things, etc. Most are simply weaker than advertised or run out of UVB more quickly than higher quality options, or have inconsistent output. However, some especially off brands you may be tempted to buy for cheap online actually produce UVC radiation, which is VERY dangerous to your pet. Okay, now you know what UVB is, how it works, the different types of bulbs, and which brands are best.
UVB bulbs should always be mounted on the ceiling of the enclosure, like the sun in the sky. When figuring out where to put your UVB, ask yourself the following four questions:. Each type of UVB bulb needs a specific type of fixture to work properly. If the bulb is available in a kit that includes the fixture or the manufacturer offers a fixture that goes with the bulb, buy that one. Fluorescent UVB bulbs must be used with a reflective light fixture, and preferably one that has been polished to a mirror finish.
Similar to how they move between warmer and cooler areas to thermoregulate, reptiles also photoregulate by moving from sunlight to shade and everywhere in between.
Your UVB lamp should not span the entire length of the enclosure, but rather only part of its length. Use plain, D3- and phosphorous-free calcium powder for dusting on insects. These are the resources that I referenced while writing this mini-series. I was only able to skim the surface here, so I highly recommend reading through the following for more in-depth information on UVB and related subjects.
However, pay attention to publication dates, as although these are great sources, some are more up-to-date than others.
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