Are name-brand UVB fixtures worth it?

MasterOogway21

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Hello everyone.

I'm completely new to tortoise keeping (am researching for one of the Mediterranean torts 9 months down the line) and am looking to keep one indoors, which means artificial UVB is required. From what I've seen, the name-brand UVB fixtures such as the Arcadia Pro T5 cost somewhere around $75, while ordinary T5 holders cost approximately $3. My question is, do the expensive lamps give you better UVB output in some way other than the reflectors, or do you simply pay for the name?
 

Minority2

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Hello everyone.

I'm completely new to tortoise keeping (am researching for one of the Mediterranean torts 9 months down the line) and am looking to keep one indoors, which means artificial UVB is required. From what I've seen, the name-brand UVB fixtures such as the Arcadia Pro T5 cost somewhere around $75, while ordinary T5 holders cost approximately $3. My question is, do the expensive lamps give you better UVB output in some way other than the reflectors, or do you simply pay for the name?

Reptisun and Arcardia uv(B) long tubular-styled bulbs are definitely worth their price which is generally around $20-30 depending on the overall length and availability.

All reptile branded T5 fixtures (and lighting fixtures in general), including the Arcadia lighting fixtures aren't in any way better than the generic branded grow lights. I personally prefer grow lights because they're generally more durable and come in a very large variety of options that can allow you to run multiple light settings in order to closely simulate day and night time lighting.
 

MasterOogway21

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Reptisun and Arcardia uv(B) long tubular-styled bulbs are definitely worth their price which is generally around $20-30 depending on the overall length and availability.

All reptile branded T5 fixtures (and lighting fixtures in general), including the Arcadia lighting fixtures aren't in any way better than the generic branded grow lights. I personally prefer grow lights because they're generally more durable and come in a very large variety of options that can allow you to run multiple light settings in order to closely simulate day and night time lighting.

What grow light would you recommend that is available for shipping in Europe? I can't seem to find any in my area for some reason (there aren't really any specialised plant stores) and I've tried Amazon UK, but all of the ones on there are quite expensive.
 

Krista S

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Hello everyone.

I'm completely new to tortoise keeping (am researching for one of the Mediterranean torts 9 months down the line) and am looking to keep one indoors, which means artificial UVB is required. From what I've seen, the name-brand UVB fixtures such as the Arcadia Pro T5 cost somewhere around $75, while ordinary T5 holders cost approximately $3. My question is, do the expensive lamps give you better UVB output in some way other than the reflectors, or do you simply pay for the name?

I recommend taking a look at this thread that @Markw84 and @Kapidolo Farms recently posted. They did a comparison of the Arcadia fixture vs a popular fixture that isn’t marketed for reptiles and the results are very interesting.

 

Minority2

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I recommend taking a look at this thread that @Markw84 and @Kapidolo Farms recently posted. They did a comparison of the Arcadia fixture vs a popular fixture that isn’t marketed for reptiles and the results are very interesting.


The study shown in your link only pertains to the open-faced rectangular designed, i.e. no reflector grow lights vs reflector-styled grow lights. Any grow light with a similar styled reflector should be theoretically able to cast a wider and focused projection is going to have similar or even more concentrated results than the fixtures Arcadia has chosen to package with their products, At least that was what I was able to learn from Mark's study. Definitely worth looking into.

The sunblaster brand grow light for example, have the exact same reflector style and built as the Arcadia brand. Another such as Durolux, a brand I usually recommend, have even much wider and deeper reflectors depending on the configuration of amount of grow lights and switches.

What grow light would you recommend that is available for shipping in Europe? I can't seem to find any in my area for some reason (there aren't really any specialised plant stores) and I've tried Amazon UK, but all of the ones on there are quite expensive.

Sunblaster is a good grow light brand. The only issue I know of is that their light strip mounting system (to mount multiple fixtures together) can be very awkward and tedious to install. Reviewers have mentioned how easy it could be to break a part or two during installation.
 

Markw84

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There is a big difference in UVB basking area in different fixtures. The comparison I did between the Arcadia and Sun Blaze was of note as both were what looked like same style fixtures with mirror type reflectors. But the difference in output was amazing. (Not sure what @Minority2 is referring to?). There was a big issue with Sun Blaster fixtures when it was found the coating they were putting on their mirrored reflectors actually was absorbing UVB and cut the amount reflected to the basking area almost in 1/2. The type, design, placement, and reflective properties of the reflector are dramatically going to affect UVB level in any fixture. As noted in the comparison I did, the intended use affects the design. The grow light fixture - Sun Blaze - gives a much wider distribution of reflected light. That is designed for a nice wide area for plant growth beneath. However, it spreads the UVI levels to where it becomes less useful for tortoises at anything other than relatively close distances.

Many less expensive fixtures use lower quality ballasts. That will affect the spectrum of light emitted from the bulb. It also can greatly reduce useful life of a bulb.

Because fixtures are so different, I would never put one over one of my tortoises without a Solarmeter 6.5 to see what I was actually getting.

I feel it is well worth getting a fixture, not only matched to the type of bulb being used, but designed for providing optimal basking UVI ranges. The difference between a cheap $20 fixture vs a quality Arcadia pro T5 for $50 is nothing in ensuring your tortoise gets the proper an more than made up in life of bulbs.
 

Markw84

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Its interesting that the lights I've Googled in Europe and the U.K. seem very different than the more common ones used in the U.S.
Yes, it is. I've not had the opportunity to test much of the European fixtures we see. Many have remote ballasts and the reflector is an add-on.

Yet, Arcadia is a European brand, and as such unfortunately really hard to keep in stock here lately!
 

Minority2

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There is a big difference in UVB basking area in different fixtures. The comparison I did between the Arcadia and Sun Blaze was of note as both were what looked like same style fixtures with mirror type reflectors. But the difference in output was amazing. (Not sure what @Minority2 is referring to?). There was a big issue with Sun Blaster fixtures when it was found the coating they were putting on their mirrored reflectors actually was absorbing UVB and cut the amount reflected to the basking area almost in 1/2. The type, design, placement, and reflective properties of the reflector are dramatically going to affect UVB level in any fixture. As noted in the comparison I did, the intended use affects the design. The grow light fixture - Sun Blaze - gives a much wider distribution of reflected light. That is designed for a nice wide area for plant growth beneath. However, it spreads the UVI levels to where it becomes less useful for tortoises at anything other than relatively close distances.

Many less expensive fixtures use lower quality ballasts. That will affect the spectrum of light emitted from the bulb. It also can greatly reduce useful life of a bulb.

Because fixtures are so different, I would never put one over one of my tortoises without a Solarmeter 6.5 to see what I was actually getting.

I feel it is well worth getting a fixture, not only matched to the type of bulb being used, but designed for providing optimal basking UVI ranges. The difference between a cheap $20 fixture vs a quality Arcadia pro T5 for $50 is nothing in ensuring your tortoise gets the proper an more than made up in life of bulbs.

Yes, @Kapidolo Farms did mention that there was a study done showing that the mylar reflector coating on the "newer" Sunblaster grow lights did indeed reduced UV by a significant amount. Of how much I would really need to see further data to know. Would love to see a link to the study if anyone has it at hand. How different is the change from the old version? Also how effective is the sunblaster grow light if you remove the mylar coated reflector shiny coated paper and kept the frame as is? Those questions and more have still been unresolved from what I've read in the thread provided above.

The Sunblaze model, on the other hand, you've explained was not as effective or as concentrated as the latter Arcadia pro T5. However, that is only one model and as you've suggested, many variables such as the materials used can present a huge difference in the quality and or concentration of the light being distributed. The sunblaze model shown in the thread looked quite barebones to me.

I think your study if you plan on going further with it should include many more different models, shapes, reflector styles/materials, and so forth in order to legitimately say the Arcadia pro T5 is either one of the better ones out there or maybe even the best. From my understanding the thread/study has managed to open up more questions rather than to give a specific answer.
 

Zoeclare

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Yes, it is. I've not had the opportunity to test much of the European fixtures we see. Many have remote ballasts and the reflector is an add-on.

Yet, Arcadia is a European brand, and as such unfortunately really hard to keep in stock here lately!
This is so true I've only seen zoo med and arcadia complete fixtures here and they are always right at the top end in terms of cost
 

Kapidolo Farms

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That observation/result was posted on the 'reptile lighting' facebook page.

Yes, @Kapidolo Farms did mention that there was a study done showing that the mylar reflector coating on the "newer" Sunblaster grow lights did indeed reduced UV by a significant amount. Of how much I would really need to see further data to know. Would love to see a link to the study if anyone has it at hand. How different is the change from the old version? Also how effective is the sunblaster grow light if you remove the mylar coated reflector shiny coated paper and kept the frame as is? Those questions and more have still been unresolved from what I've read in the thread provided above.

The Sunblaze model, on the other hand, you've explained was not as effective or as concentrated as the latter Arcadia pro T5. However, that is only one model and as you've suggested, many variables such as the materials used can present a huge difference in the quality and or concentration of the light being distributed. The sunblaze model shown in the thread looked quite barebones to me.

I think your study if you plan on going further with it should include many more different models, shapes, reflector styles/materials, and so forth in order to legitimately say the Arcadia pro T5 is either one of the better ones out there or maybe even the best. From my understanding the thread/study has managed to open up more questions rather than to give a specific answer.
 

William Lee Kohler

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I have searched online and locally for HOODED flourescent fixtures (preferably ballasted) and in 3 or 4' lengths and just can't find them! Consequently have bought 3 of those over expensive fixtures and hope they are humidity proof.
 

Clueless Tortoise

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my exotic vet recently recommended that I use reptisun for my tort. ive heard great reviews about it but cant give my personal opinion. when it arrives ill chip in my opinion but all I can say is ive heard wonderful things about it.
 

Minority2

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my exotic vet recently recommended that I use reptisun for my tort. ive heard great reviews about it but cant give my personal opinion. when it arrives ill chip in my opinion but all I can say is ive heard wonderful things about it.

The bulbs are reliable yes. Only buy their tubular-styled bulbs. The zoo med fixtures that come in those kits are very low quality.
 

JeffR

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The LED lights are now cheaper and very efficient and some plate branded as full spectrum. Has anyone tested the UVB on these?

I have not broken down and purchased the $300 solarimeter but considering it?
 

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Minority2

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The LED lights are now cheaper and very efficient and some plate branded as full spectrum. Has anyone tested the UVB on these?

I have not broken down and purchased the $300 solarimeter but considering it?

As far as I know there are no such LED lights available on the market that produce uv(B) rays. There never has been.
 

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