Tube or Coil UVB?

[Forestdellic]

So i am looking at buying another UVB reflective holder and I was wondering if I could use the coil UVB bulbs instead of the T5 bulbs.

I know that coil UVB is not really preferred and I also read some posts which suggest they are fine and that the whole myth of them blinding reptiles was due to a myth. I just need to know if these are safe to use now, if any particular brand is preferred and if they give off the same UVB effect (Health and D3 conversion) as a T5

The reason I am asking is because for some reason, most of the reptile supply distributors have the coil reflective holders and you rarely find T5 reflective holders.

I was mostly interested in a reptisun uvb tub holder but my reptile guy has ran out of stock and it's going to take another month and a half to stock up again.

 

[jannb]

I still prefer the tube style blub. I have read on here that some keepers have still had problems with their chams eyes from the coil bulbs.

 

[jajeanpierre]

So i am looking at buying another UVB reflective holder and I was wondering if I could use the coil UVB bulbs instead of the T5 bulbs.

I know that coil UVB is not really preferred and I also read some posts which suggest they are fine and that the whole myth of them blinding reptiles was due to a myth. I just need to know if these are safe to use now, if any particular brand is preferred and if they give off the same UVB effect (Health and D3 conversion) as a T5

The reason I am asking is because for some reason, most of the reptile supply distributors have the coil reflective holders and you rarely find T5 reflective holders.

I was mostly interested in a reptisun uvb tub holder but my reptile guy has ran out of stock and it's going to take another month and a half to stock up again.

My understanding is that there was a manufacturing problem that has since been rectified. The bulbs produced UVC, which will kill. That's the UV that the ozone layer keeps out. One of my Reptisun tube lights produced zero UVB less than 2 months after purchase. Tubes can fail, too.

 

[mvad]

Get a dual or quad light fixture from Todd at Lightyourreptiles.com. The dual fixtures are currently in stock (but not for long) and the great customer service is unmatched.

 

[mvad]

One of my Reptisun tube lights produced zero UVB less than 2 months after purchase. Tubes can fail, too.

This is a very good point. I wonder how good quality control really is for the bulbs are niche uses with total trust. I don't currenlty own a solarmeter but as warm summer weather comes I'd like to get one to measure outside uvb and my bulbs.

 

[jannb]

I too thought the coil bulb problem was fixed until I saw post from well respected members here that were still having problems.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/my-baby-cham-keeps-getting-worst-128062/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/coil-uvb-bulbs-really-bad-102254/

 

[ponders]

I have had personal bad experience with the coil bulb and that was just last year with a new bulb. I discuss it in the second thread Jann has listed.

I would recommend a linear bulb to anyone asking.

 

[Vegas Chad]

In a pinch i will use a coil bulb but if I have my way its always the tubes.

 

[Forestdellic]

Thank you all for the responses!

From the looks of things it still not a preferred method of administrating UVB light to the reptile regardless of the manufacturing problem or not. The success stories are minor and collectively puts this type of method as a risk factor and I am not willing to take that chance. Although it's true that linear tubes can go wrong they still remain a time-tested efficient method of administrating UVB.

My chameleons have been through enough already

My preferred method has always been linear tubes. I had run into some old posts though that gave the impression they were okay to use (coiled that is). Figured it's better to ask first.

I love to use that website MVAD, those fixtues looks absolutely amazing. Unfortunately I'm European and shipping would cost an arm and a leg

If any of you guys know where I could perhaps acquire one within my vicinity please do share!

I'll continue my efforts to find a good one but it looks like I have to wait that month and a half