Thoughts on LEDs?

[Beachbabies]

Hi guys, so I have a reef tank which requires UVa and UVb, and I was wondering if I might also be able to use the LEDs on my panthers, and bearded dragons. While I understand that LEDs are more expensive, it will save me from having to buy and replace bulbs every 6 months. Does anybody have any input, or experience with LEDs?

 

[pssh]

Maybe I'm thinking of something else, but I thought they don't emit UVB?

 

[frankpayne32]

Some do and some don't. Your best bet is to get a UV meter to see if they are producing enough or too much UV radiation.

 

[sandrachameleon]

Your best bet is to get a UV meter to see if they are producing enough or too much UV radiation.

ditto this. I've not read any articles testing these for use on reptiles, so you'd need to verify for yourself the amount and spectrum range the lights emitted, and for how long.

 

[Olimpia]

I've heard from ReptileUV.com that they'll be manufacturing LED UV lights for next year sometime. This company is very serious about the health of reptiles, so I trust that after a while of tweaking the final design they will be awesome lights. I plan on getting them when they're perfected.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Any idea on what the cost will be? I know when I was into salt water tanks led lighting can be pretty pricey.

 

[Olimpia]

Any idea on what the cost will be? I know when I was into salt water tanks led lighting can be pretty pricey.

I don't know, but I'm sure I can find out.

 

[Beachbabies]

Thanks guys, I found a beardie breeder in sac that has a uv meter, I'm gonna bring my lights up there and see what the reading is. Thanks!

 

[nicholas]

The LED lighting systems that are sold for Reef and Aquarium lighting do not usually produce UV-B. The wave lengths commonly sold start at 400nm and escalate from there which means that there would be no UV-B supplementation, only UV-A. The notion behind reef lighting is the brighter the better, and the spectrum in the range of 6500K which consist of all the warm colors to mimic the sun is what causes all the growth. So I do not personally think it would be at all beneficial to the chameleons, Reefs do not use alot of uv rays, and most coral prefer no UV Rays at all. I would stick with the commonly avail reptile lighting such as the linear 5.0 bulbs. I , Myself have personally been experimenting with Metal Halide lighting as a freat way to supplement my chams, and I am having great success they all seem to be very much more active and outgoing. I do not believe that a spot light and UVB/A lighting should be the only lighting implemented as the amount of light these reptiles receive even in the shade far exceeds what most keepers make avail to there specimens.