another lighting question

[gperlman]

So in my cage i have the reptiglow 5.0 exoterra 15w, but it just really isnt bright enough for me. I went to my local pet store the other day and they had a blowout sale and i ended up getting another light fixture with a light in it for $5. The bulb is marineland natural daylight F15T8/18". Im not sure if it is safe for my guy to use and i was just looking for some input. If i need to i can always spend some extra money and get another 5.0 reptiglow.

 

[schmidt1894]

Many people use reptisun 5.0s
Or the tube exo glow 5.0 UVB

 

[slinko9]

I did a quickie research on this bulb, and as long as you are happy with the amount of UVB your cham is getting with the Reptiglo,,,which should be replaced within 5 to 6 months after you start using it, then it should be an okay!!! It doesnt look like this bulb will produce heat either, so if its just for UVA it should be okay!!!!
Are your temps okay?

 

[gperlman]

Thanks slinko. I have different basking spots ranging from 80- around 97. And the rest of the cage is about 70degrees.

 

[slinko9]

so you still need an extra UVA bulb even with the basking bulb going???
It must be really bright for him eh!!!

 

[gperlman]

Not really. I still have a red basking bulb which kind of makes it kinda dark and gloomy.

 

[Kate]

I would ditch the red bulb and use a white household bulb. A basking light is supposed to represent the sun. I don't think the red one will do that. Do you switch the red one off at night.?

 

[gperlman]

Yeah i do. Will a 50w household bulb work?

 

[Kate]

Yeah i do. Will a 50w household bulb work?

Start with that and keep an eye on your basking temp. You can increase and decrease by changing the hight your lamp is. Please make sure it's not hot enough to burn your Cham. 12 hrs on 12 hrs off is good. Allow the viv to drop in temp overnight. It can go as low as 50 degrees.