Habitat - Indoor :: Frustrating basking bulbs

[PatriciaTheora]

I have two RES, they are in separate tanks. I've bought 5 brand new, high quality basking bulbs in the past week and each has blown. I've had to resort to using the only bulb that hasn't blown, and letting Mal sleep in a separate tank until morning, and placing him back into Mikeys tank so they can both get the necessary basking time that they need. Any advice on brands or tips on keeping them from blowing? It's becoming extremely frustrating, and I'm sure Mals not too happy about being put back into the tank with Mikey either.

[cutepanda86]

What brand did you buy? I've never had this problem with my PowerSun bulb. Are you using a Clamp Lamp?

[devilduck]

This is why I like 2 cheaper bulbs, one for heat and other for UV vs one pricey one. I have good experiences with Zoo Med basking lamps and and ReptiSun CF UVB. I think I see them in a combo pack sometimes.

You might want to consider changing your lamp. Loose or faulty wiring, bad solder joints, and corrosion can also cause bulbs to blow prematurely.

[PatriciaTheora]

I have clamp lamps on both tanks. I've tried Flukers basking bulbs and All Living Things basking bulbs. All of which have blown.

Devilduck, my dad is an electrician and has checked, rechecked and checked again to make sure the wiring was as it should be.

[cutepanda86]

Well if the wiring has been checked, I would suggest using the bulbs Devilduck mentioned.

[steve]

I like to use GE halogen lamps, though they've doubled in price recently.

[VeipaCray]

I'd suspect the ceramic base for the bulb in the light fixture. Are you getting power surges in the outlet you've got the light fixture plugged into?

+1 for the powersun MVB bulbs but they're the opposite of cheap.

[PatriciaTheora]

VeirpaCray, no power surges at all. I don't mind paying a bit more for a basking bulb, as long as it's good quality and doesn't blow the first day.

I think the mistake I've been making is buying the bulbs from a PetSmart or Feeders Supply. I haven't found any reptile stores in my area yet so I've been reluctantly relying on those two stores for things. Even the basking platforms aren't worth what I paid. Some of their supplies are okay but I've had more problems than successes with those two stores. I'm planning on doing some DIY when I get the time.

Where do you all buy your supplies?

[VeipaCray]

Many of us shop online.

Dr. Fosters & Smith
Pet Mountain
Big Al's

Petco
Petsmart
Pets.com

Aquacave
Bulk Reef Supply
Marine Depot

[cutepanda86]

I get supplies from Amazon along with Petco, Petsmart, and Pets Supplies Plus.

I found my MVB at Petco and Amazon. Sometimes cheaper on Amazon.

[PatriciaTheora]

I bought a basking platform online from a website that catered to reptiles, I can't remember the website, my memory is terrible. But anyway, I bought a large platform, I paid more than the average price for a large basking platform, and when i finally got it, it was tiny and had plastic twigs on it so it made it nearly impossible for my turtles to properly bask. I was livid. That's why I'm a little iffy about buying things online, but I trust my fellow RES family and I'm definitely going to look into those sites. Thanks for providing them

[PatriciaTheora]

Also, cutepanda86, your avatar has to be the cutest I've ever seen!

[cutepanda86]

Thanks! I love Petsmart. They seem to have the best stuff and better selection.

[PatriciaTheora]

I don't mind PetSmart, that's where I've bought most of my supplies, but every bulb I've bought from there and Feeder Supply blows. I love PetSmart, just not their basking bulbs. When I return a blown bulb they put it back on the shelf, I was like "Why, it's blown" and the woman at the counter replied, "We just do"

I was like...O___________O

[Kansasslider]

I use 2 bulbs also. Repti glow and a regular 60 watt for heat. I used Zoo med bulbs that blew in one month then the next one blew in less than an hour. Try 2 bulbs or new fixtures.