Coiled UVB bulbs?

[Bertramus]

So I recently got a baby Jackson's, I posted recently in the Health clinic about his issue of sleeping in the day. Well I think he's doing slightly better now, he's been basking in the new UVB 5.0 13watt bulb I got him, and even ate a few dusted crickets.
So my question is, upon researching more about these lights and how they can cause eye problems in chameleons, is this fairly certain to happen? My tank I got for him is not big enough to mount a tube light, they're also quite expensive where I live and I've already put a lot into him already..

He's only about an inch long, so buying another larger cage is not an option right now. So is there any way to help prevent eye problems (even slightly) while using these bulbs?

I'll be trying to upgrade the tank in several months, once he reaches about 3 or 4 inches...

Any advice?.

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

Welcome to the forums! At one time there was a manufacturing problem with the ReptiSun CFL UVB bulbs so that they emitted unsafe levels of UVB and even UVC rays, which corresponded to health problems like eye problems and burns in reptiles. This manufacturing issue was identified and corrected by the manufacturer several years ago and thus we have not seen problems with it since then. The ReptiGlo CFL UVB bulbs were never associated with these harmful effects. The linear ReptiGlo or ReptiSun bulbs have never had any health problems associated with them either. Many chameleon owners have used CFLs very successfully for years.

 

[Carlton]

Not all brands of "coil" UV bulbs are OK and you didn't give the brand. I do not use them as I am still skeptical and keep hearing that some cause eye problems. I prefer, and have always used, the linear tube ReptiSun 5.0 bulbs, especially for montane species. Arcadia bulbs are also reported by other forum members to be good. I have no experience with them myself.

When it comes to cost...the potential eye problems and vet bills or potential treatment for damage will cost you far more than a linear bulb. It doesn't matter if your cage isn't quite large enough for a linear...a small one of 12" is fine for now. These bulbs don't produce much heat so you can rest the fixture across the top of your cage. Overhang won't hurt. The main thing is to permit your cham to bask within 18" of it to get the benefit.

 

[Bertramus]

Thanks for the replies, and the welcome. The first reply brings some comfort, but as for the last one, I forgot to mention the brand is Reptisun, Zoo Med. Is that an alright brand?

 

[MelissaB]

I've used Reptisun CFL 5.0 with my Jackson without any trouble. I switched to a different lighting system, but not because of any issues. Just wanted to get more light, and went with T5 HO system. I also use it on a tiny anole hatchling in a 10 gal tank, and haven't had any problems. I think as long as you don't end up with old stock you should be ok.