Question about UVB Bulbs?

[eleanorgt500]

I have a question regarding UVB tube bulbs and UVB CFL's bulbs? What is the difference in these two besides size? Is the output still the same? I know the the tube style covers the entire width of the enclosure. But then they have the UVB Compact Fluorescent bulb that only covers a small area. Isn't it better to have the tube instead of the CFL? Do CFL's have the same output too as the tubes? I would assume the chameleons wouldn't get as much UVB rays with the bulb being so compact. I'm currently using EXO-TERRA's Rept Glo 5.0 24" UVB bulb. Also I found an article at a website about Veiled Chameleon care saying "UVB bulbs should only run four hours per day or eye damage may occur". I thought the UVB bulbs need to run the same about of time as the basking lights or when the chameleon is awake. Is this true? The website I found this at is http://www.a1reptiles.net/VeiledChameleonCare.html

 

[SonTigerPantherCham]

Hi,
A chameleon might only need 4 hours of natural sun, but needs 12 from artificial lighting.
most use the standard 5.0 linear, but many use the new cfl's without any problems.
Imo, use a hood that holds 2 cfl's. Please note, i use linears so my opinion on 2 is not from experience
Anne

 

[eleanorgt500]

Hi,
A chameleon might only need 4 hours of natural sun, but needs 12 from artificial lighting.
most use the standard 5.0 linear, but many use the new cfl's without any problems.
Imo, use a hood that holds 2 cfl's. Please note, i use linears so my opinion on 2 is not from experience
Anne

Thanks! I do know the CFL's are cheaper but I'll stick with the linear bulbs for now.

 

[SonTigerPantherCham]

Its tough because the linears need to be replaced frequently, but LLL always has a great price on them

 

[Davonat]

Ive been getting great life out of my Compacts. I discovered this after getting a Solar Meter.... I had 1 that wasnt thrown out yet but replaced after 6months and still had good life in it.


Hello Anne !!!!!