CFL vs Tube

[Skitzmixer]

Just looking for some information on compact fluorescent lamps. Anybody use these for their reptiles and have you had any issues with them?

() or is the standard tube still the best option? ()

I've checked out the exo-terra's website and looked at the different wave lengths and they look the same, they also have the same effective range of 50cm. Yet i've read that the CFL can cause issues with your reptiles such as problems with eye sight (though these posts / articles are from a few years ago). Surely with such a well known brand there should be minimal risks involved for the reptiles themselves?

Whats everybody think?

 

[Danivus]

I'm using a Repti Glo compact 10.0 for my baby beardie. The lights came from the breeder and they've been using them for a while with no apparent problems.

Like you I found a lot of warnings about eye problems from 2-3 years ago but it seems the technology has improved since then, at least according to the manufacturer.

I can't confirm they're okay, but yeah, that's the info I've found.

 

[Lewi_11]

I stick to the standard fluorescent tube, because that's what I'm familiar with (being an aquarium and reptile hobbyist), plus they have a larger surface area, giving them the ability to light a larger area.
There will be people that tell you to steer away from CFL bulbs, although I have never used them, as far as I'm aware, as long as you're buying a well known brand they shouldn't cause any issues if you replace them regularly, just like you have to with the standard tubes.
The reason you need to replace them is the phosphorous in the lamp burns out over time, causing the light to emit high levels of UVC as apposed to UVA/UVB. UVC radiation is germicidal, it has the ability to kill microorganisms. However, it can negatively affect a reptiles (OR HUMANS) skin and eyes, causing cancer, inflammation of the cornea and retina, vision impairment in extreme cases, blindness.
Sorry to rant on, but i think people should understand the science behind the lights they use for their animals.
Plus, if I have made any errors, maybe people can enlighten me... After all I'm not a scientist. Haha
If you do decide to go the CFL route, make sure it is as close as possible to you basking lamp, as animals like to absorb their UV while basking.

 

[Skitzmixer]

I'm using a Repti Glo compact 10.0 for my baby beardie. The lights came from the breeder and they've been using them for a while with no apparent problems.

Like you I found a lot of warnings about eye problems from 2-3 years ago but it seems the technology has improved since then, at least according to the manufacturer.

I can't confirm they're okay, but yeah, that's the info I've found.

Perfect thanks. Thats exactly what im after. I'm happy to hear you havent had any issues

- - - Updated - - -

I stick to the standard fluorescent tube, because that's what I'm familiar with (being an aquarium and reptile hobbyist), plus they have a larger surface area, giving them the ability to light a larger area.
There will be people that tell you to steer away from CFL bulbs, although I have never used them, as far as I'm aware, as long as you're buying a well known brand they shouldn't cause any issues if you replace them regularly, just like you have to with the standard tubes.
The reason you need to replace them is the phosphorous in the lamp burns out over time, causing the light to emit high levels of UVC as apposed to UVA/UVB. UVC radiation is germicidal, it has the ability to kill microorganisms. However, it can negatively affect a reptiles (OR HUMANS) skin and eyes, causing cancer, inflammation of the cornea and retina, vision impairment in extreme cases, blindness.
Sorry to rant on, but i think people should understand the science behind the lights they use for their animals.
Plus, if I have made any errors, maybe people can enlighten me... After all I'm not a scientist. Haha
If you do decide to go the CFL route, make sure it is as close as possible to you basking lamp, as animals like to absorb their UV while basking.

Thanks for the info about the UVC, i didnt even know about that. I'm just curious as i've seen them in petshops alot more now. I usually replace my tubes every 9-10 months, i'd rather be safe and replace it sooner rather than later.