Basking bulbs

[NationMostWanted]

How often are bulbs supposed to last generally? I've had my setup for less than two months and this morning my bulb blew out.

 

[Tom]

How often are bulbs supposed to last generally? I've had my setup for less than two months and this morning my bulb blew out.

There are many variables. Some last two months, others last two years. Always have several extras on hand.

 

[NationMostWanted]

When I was initially setting up there wasn't a bulb outside of arcadia that had a non halogen floodlight bulb that wasn't LED. I'll see if my locals stores has anything in an hour when places open.

 

[Tom]

When I was initially setting up there wasn't a bulb outside of arcadia that had a non halogen floodlight bulb that wasn't LED. I'll see if my locals stores has anything in an hour when places open.

You won't find anything at a store. The incandescent bulbs were banned from sale here years ago. You now have to go through reptile specialty sources and pay 10 times as much per bulb.

 

[NationMostWanted]

You won't find anything at a store. The incandescent bulbs were banned from sale here years ago. You now have to go through reptile specialty sources and pay 10 times as much per bulb.

I'm using a halogen bulb temporarily until I see if petsmart has another arcadia bulb in stock. I might buy two of the fluker ones that people say is a flood bulb off amazon since they kinda cheaper to stock for emergencies.

 

[Tom]

I'm using a halogen bulb temporarily until I see if petsmart has another arcadia bulb in stock. I might buy two of the fluker ones that people say is a flood bulb off amazon since they kinda cheaper to stock for emergencies.

The problem with halogen bulbs is that they cause pyramiding. If you have a young growing tortoise, this is not good. If your tortoise is a full grown adult, it is less of a problem as long as the height is set correctly to get the right basking temp under it.

This bulb ban is a problem for reptile keepers all over the country now, and I think it's going to get worse. I just bought over $300 worth of several wattages so I will have some for years to come.

 

[NationMostWanted]

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petco...descent-spot-bulbs-day-white-50-watts-1287893

Isn't this a floodlight? I thought spot ones looked different?

 

[Tom]

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petco...descent-spot-bulbs-day-white-50-watts-1287893

Isn't this a floodlight? I thought spot ones looked different?

"Spot" or "flood" indicates the angle of the beam being emitted from the bulb. The box on your link says "spot". Spot bulbs can cause pyramiding in a young growing tortoise. You want to spread that heat and light out over a greater area.