Equipment Review and Discussion :: Buying basking lights

[Maplesquirrel]

I am working on getting my turtles a basking light and heating light. At this point, they only have the two bright aquarium lights(which they love to bask in too....But I want the real thing as quick as possible) So, I went to a pet store in the mall yesterday, and the hanging light fixture(not clamp on) cost 25 bucks(with no bulb) and the bulb cost 40 bucks! I couldn't believe it! I haven't looked at wal mart yet(does anyone know if they usually sell reptile lights?) There is only one other pet place, and everyone says their stuff is REALLY expensive(but I haven't been there yet) And sooo....I don't know what to do! I am looking on ebay, and I am finding some clamp on lamps and lights for WAY cheeper, so I am thinking about going that way. How much did you buy your light fixtures and bulbs for? Do you use the clamp lamps, and clamp them to the side of your terrarium? If you are using the clamp lamps, would it be better for me to use the lower wattage(like 50 or 60) instead of 100W beacause it would be closer to the turtles?
If anyone knows any place online that sells the clamp on lamps and bulbs, I would love a reference! Thanks!!!! Maplesquirrel

[missibsu]

Are you talking about the clamp lights that have a ceramic base? Because if you talking about a plain old clamp light, they are about 7 bucks in the walmart automotive section. The lights are more expensive. Petsmart will price match their online prices, so if that is available, you can try that too.

[jenaero]

I wouldn't get anything from eBay. You don't know if they're used. UVBs should be replaced every 6 months and you could just end up getting really old ones.

[Maplesquirrel]

So the ceramic ones are the best? Would the other ones work just as good, or would it be wise to just get the ones made special for reptiles? Here is a picture of a lamp I am interested in(on ebay)

[missibsu]

The ceramic ones are made for the UVA/UVB combination bulbs that get really hot. The bulb will say whether or not it needs a ceramic base. I have no idea if that is a ceramic clamp light or not because I don't use that kind of bulb. I have a regular clamp from walmart with a regular household bulb in it for heat, and then a tube style bulb for uvb, because that is what fits in my hood.

[Maplesquirrel]

So the uva/uvb lights do let out heat too? Can you only have a uva/uvb light, or do you need a heating lamp too? I went to amazon, and found some great clamp on lamps made just for reptiles...I might end up buying from them. I am going to go into town on Monday though, so I will check at walmart and the other pet store before I buy online. Thanks for all the help everyone! Its really appreciated. Its great to have you on here missibsu, you really help everyone all the time...Thanks!

[missibsu]

It's summer break and school's out. Since I am not teaching, I have nothing better to do...and the boyfriend is out of town too, that makes it worse.

There are combo bulbs that do both, although it is my understanding that most shouldn't be used with less than 55 - 75 gallons of water. I really don't know much about them, but others on here use them. I find it easier to just stick with the two that I have and be done with it. So if you are more interested in the combo bulbs, wait for someone elses response, lol.

Edit: Try this link for more info
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3756

[marisa]

Maplesquirrel, you can get a clamp lamp with a ceramic base reasonably at places like Home Depot and Lowes...You don't need to buy a "special one" for reptiles, which are usually more expensive. Fixtures with ceramic sockets are made for any high wattage bulb, not just combination mercury vapor bulbs.

Regular UVB lights emit both UVB and UVA rays, if you use one, you need an additional heat source, which can be a regular lightbulb. Whichever fixture you use, don't exceed the specified wattage. The fixtures/clamp lamps with ceramic socket allow a higher wattage lightbulb to be used.

You can buy UVB lights more cheaply on-line. Check around. If you find a good price, print out the info and see if a place like Petsmart will match it.