ReptiSun 5.0 6 month or 1 year replacement

[murtasma]

I seem to remember reading on the forums months ago that it's recommeneded to change the UV bulb every 6 months. I just went out last week and bought a new tube but I noticed that the box recommends changing them once a year. Should I go ahead and keep using my tube another 6 months or should I go with the 6 month swap now?

 

[PardalisGirl]

Six months....

Six months is a good rule. I change in June and December to keep things simple. Using a meter to measure output and deciding when to change is the best way. I've got so many cages and lights it's just easier to have a schedule so I can order by the case and swap them out in one day. Label the tubes with the date of installation so you don't lose track if you don't use a schedule like I do. I don't agree with ZooMed's recommendation. I don't know anyone who uses a meter that says they actually stay strong enough that long.

 

[murtasma]

Thanks for the quick follow up this is what I figured. I don't have a meter to test the output of the light, I'll just go ahead and change the bulb now. Better safe then sorry need to make sure my chameleon gets a nice tan.

 

[jojackson]

The few that I use I change at 6 months give or take, then use them for a further 3 months over my frogs, by which time I consider them pretty much useless.

 

[SliK JiM]

6 months is the best way if you don't have a meter. I want to get myself a meter, but at £125 they're a little pricey seeing as I only have the one cham so far.....

 

[jojackson]

Hiya Jim, hows the cage project going?

 

[murtasma]

At those prices for a meter it's less expensive to just swap the tubes out. You would have to do this for several years to just break even with the cost of the meter.

 

[SliK JiM]

Hiya Jim, hows the cage project going?

Poorly at the moment! I'm waiting till I get paid £1k I'm owed till I can start it properly! I've tested everything and it's all good to go, just need to buy the materials and stuff. I could afford to do it now, but I'd rather keep the money just in case something goes wrong and I need the cash (you never know what might happen!)

I'll let you know when it starts in earnest. I'll hopefully make a blog about it or something!

 

[SliK JiM]

At those prices for a meter it's less expensive to just swap the tubes out. You would have to do this for several years to just break even with the cost of the meter.

Yeah, meters are expensive, but hopefully if I get a few more chams it'll be a worth while investment!

 

[ChromaChameleons]

My experience , with my UVB meter suggests a Zoomed Reptisun 5.0 will go 9+ months.


I have seen other brands fail prior to 6 months though.

 

[ChromaChameleons]

you may also notice your cham spending more time under the UVB source as it begins to fail.

 

[writh]

whats the difference between reptisun and repti glow?

what is the diffrence in lights between the repti sun and repti glo?

 

[summoner12]

what is the diffrence in lights between the repti sun and repti glo?

The reptiglo dies off pretty quick from my understanding.... Link

and Chromachameleon is right... 9 month on a ZooMed is a pretty sure bet.

and like Sandra said.... without a meter 6 months is safe.

The reason it is a good idea to follow the 6 month rule, is if you get a bonk lamp. Say it doesn't output all that well and you don't have a meter, you'll never know. So to play it safe 6 months covers you.

I think this was Cainschams was telling me this... I might be wrong. and I only recommend this if you have a meter... but he operates a Reptisun 10.0 raises it up... gets a good reading and lowers the lamp as it ages and the lamp gets weaker. The reason this is a good method is that A: you can go long between swapping lamps and B: your UVB coverage is great since the lamp is higher up. I do this with my cages as well, works GREAT My lamps are almost more than a year old I think... I should check them... Edit: I just looked... I didn't mark one of the lamps... but I know I changed them at the same time.. the date on the one marked is 9-8-08. So almost a year old. I get about 22uW/cm² at 6" deep (from the top of the cage) and the lamp sits about one inch from the top of the cage. So roughly at 7 inches through screen without a reflector I get 22uW/cm² from a 10 month old Reptisun 10.0. My next step to increase output as it drops will be to add a foil reflector. You will see in my links below how much it can increase your UVB output.

I HIGHLY recommend using an aluminum foil reflector. I have a thread that shows the importance and the difference.

Some Readings

UVB Swings

New Zoo Med 10.0 T8 readings

Just a note. More UVB is not better. The kind of UVB and the right amount is important. Our animals do not sit in the sun all day. They bask in the sun in the early morning and late afternoon because the amount of UVB is less. Chameleons seek cover from the mid day sun. The reason people suggest the Zoo Med lamp, is because it produces a good range of light in the UVB spectrum that seems to have a higher production yield of Vit D3.

A really good site to read is the UV Guide