Equipment Review and Discussion :: I'm wanting to get a UVB bulb,but I need some help!Please!

[TurtleLover_S&B]

I'm wanting to get a UVB bulb,but I need some help!I don't know what brand/kind to get!How much they cost,and the cheapest place to get them!And do you need a certain type of lamp for all the bulbs,or just certain bulbs!!Please help!!

[TheComputerGremlin]

First, the ONLY place to get them, really, is from a pet store. There is some debate as to buying a similar product from the hardware store for cheaper, but for now, just get them at a pet store or online.

Most people use compact fluorescents, 5.0% UVB. I think ReptiSun and ReptiGlo are the two most commonly used. You need some sort of light fixture, whatever best suits your needs. The bulbs are around $15 I believe and should be replaced (even though they aren't burned out) every 6-8 months because their UVB output decreases. I am personally using a double light fixture and the one situated over the basking area is a good bulb and I use the not burned out but not putting out enough UVB bulb as additional tank lighting in the second fixture.

If you have a Petsmart or Petco nearby, scope out the selection, these bulbs should be located in the reptile lighting section. You can also use tube fluorescents, but they are often more trouble than they are worth.

[chrisinva]

I use the Repti-Glo 5.0 compact and it was under $20 at petsmart

[TurtleLover_S&B]

Well,I'm definately getting it from PetSmart or Petco,which every has it,but dwhen you have a UVB light do you turn on the basking light and th UVB,or just the UVB,or another way?

[TheComputerGremlin]

I have them both on a timer, so they kick on and off together. I highly recommend a timer, they are cheap if you get them at like Walmart, and they take so much hassle out of your life!

[TurtleLover_S&B]

Well,I probably won't be able to get any money until my birthday,which is in January,so I'll have to save up a little bit.
Oh,and I've been told that your suppose to keep your basking light on,and follow the day and night cycle they would have in the wild.Oh,and how does the time work,like how does it hook-up ot the lights?

[chrisinva]

The digital ones (around $20) you just tell it what the current time is....Then when you want it to come on and off....It works instantly

[TurtleLover_S&B]

Ok,I know I get that at Walmart,but what section or area can I get them in?

[TurtleLover_S&B]

Do I go to Lamp & Lightin in Wal*Mart?

[chrisinva]

Yeah...I found mine near the extension cords

[res08]

Ikea timers are 2 for $5. Target has a $5 timer that is better than Walmart's.

[zoologist]

here is a bulb. its a tad expensive at $50, but it lasts about 18 months and its both heat and UVB. i am currently saving up for one too

http://www.reptileuv.com/megaray-sb-100 ... b-lamp.php

[TheComputerGremlin]

Be warned, though, that the MegaRay is used only on tanks larger than about 50 gallons of water because it can quickly overheat and kill your turtle. So if you don't have a large tank, don't both with that bulb and stick with the dual bulbs.

[imderanged]

Be warned, though, that the MegaRay is used only on tanks larger than about 50 gallons of water because it can quickly overheat and kill your turtle. So if you don't have a large tank, don't both with that bulb and stick with the dual bulbs.

That being said, I have a 75 gallon tank, and swiched to a Mercury vapor bulb and love it. If you have the LARGE enough tank, I would go for it.