Which UVB bulb is the best for Chameleons?

[Cacti3]

Just wanted to know which UVB bulb the community prefers!

 

[BleuSaphir]

Either is good!

 

[ChameleonBoy26]

They are both made the same might even be made in the same factory.

 

[ehdee6]

I just switched all my UVB lights/fixtures to Arcadia from zoomed. After getting my solormeter I realized Arcadia puts out a more consistent UVB range for longer... Why change a bulb every 6 months (Zoomed) when you can get a year + (Arcadia)? The light put out by Arcadia is also just, brighter? Someone pointed out once that the zoomed looks like it has a plastic film over it compared to the Arcadia...

 

[MissSkittles]

I’m a fan of Arcadia since hearing that they are good for a year and ReptiSun is good for only 6 months. It has been said since that ReptiSun has improved and also lasts a year, but I haven’t bought one to check it for myself. Arcadia has proven itself to actually last more than a year for me.
Just avoid the cheap knock off brands. I tried a ReptiZoo T5 and the output at brand new was just dismal.

 

[GrannyK]

Both work great but I believe Arcadia lasts longer. My reptisun 5% lasted over 1yr but I have a solar meter to monitor. My Arcadia lasts also a good year.

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

Go Arcadia! I have had my Arcadia Tube Lights for over 5 years and they continue to have high Solar Meter readings. ZooMed Solar Meter readings drop after one year.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[Cacti3]

Okay. Just one question:

When I need to replace my UVB bulb, does it go out completely? Like just go dark and not turn back on?

 

[ehdee6]

You can't really tell when the UVB runs out, without a solormeter. The bulb will still produce "light", but the UVB spectrum gets dimmer. Us humans can't see the UVB spectrum with our eyes. That's why it's important to remember when you started using the bulb and change it every 6 months (zoomed), or 1 year (Arcadia). If you can afford one, a solormeter is a really handy tool.