As a reptile keeper you’re already aware of the importance of giving your pet the right ultra violet lighting. But did you know that the light emitted from fluorescent tubes changes over time. That’s why you change your UVB tubes over your reptiles every six months, after that time the tubes are no longer effective.
We also have to change our UVB tubes every 6 months but, as you can imagine, it’s quite a big job swapping over 53 tubes at Northampton Reptile Centre! We use (and recommend) Zoo Med lighting as we have found it to be the best during our radiometer testing.
As well as the vivariums in the shop, we also have a lot of vivs behind the scenes that we use mostly for babies and re-homed reptiles.
We thought we’d film the change-over this time, and the video is below.
If you have any questions about UVB lighting, please feel free to leave a comment below
53 tubes! Wow, that’s some setup!
Hi, Interesting that this has popped up now. I’ve always used syandard heat & UV bulbs but having recently acquired a 6 ft’ long viv I entertained the idea of using tubes.
The plan is to pop some royal python’s in there so UV isn’t a must but I’ve always heard that it wouldn’t do any harm. So without wanting to take up to much of your time, the question is…..where do I start?
You wouldn’t need to spend out on a 10% UVB, or even a 5% to be honest. A standard daylight (or 2%) would be absolutely fine for what you need.
I would use one of those for light, and a cermaic bulb for heat during the day and night
Thats the fastest I have ever seen Tony move!!!
Dave and Donna