Best light

THEELEG

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our light went out, what is the best or best recommended??
 

jaizei

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What type of light? Heat, UVB, both?
 

ZEROPILOT

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I use a UVB strip florescent light. for any indoor Redfoot, I use a 5.0 tube.
If that's for a Sulcata, I think a 10.0 is more what you'd need.
Light type comes down to personal preference and your set of requirements. For example, I don't require extra heat.
 

THEELEG

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I use a UVB strip florescent light. for any indoor Redfoot, I use a 5.0 tube.
If that's for a Sulcata, I think a 10.0 is more what you'd need.
Light type comes down to personal preference and your set of requirements. For example, I don't require extra heat.

Brand name by chance?? He is a sulcata as well, last one was off amazon
 

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The fixtures can be bought from any hardware store or purchased as a complete light system. I use ZOOMED or REPTISUN tubes in 18" lengths.
These are available in many lengths either loose tubes or tubes with fixtures. If you buy them separately, make sure that you buy the correct wattage fixture.
It is pretty much agreed that they need to be replaced every six months due to diminished UVB output, but are reasonably inexpensive.
 

sullygirl85

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I went ahead about bought an eight dollar fixture from walmart and then took out that crappy bulb and put in the one that i bought off of amazon. I got the desert 50 zilla one which depending on you tank size is either an 18" or a 24" I went ahead and got the twenty four simply because i knew that i was going to upgrade her to a 75 gallon tank. :) Hope that helps!
 

sullygirl85

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They were really easy to mount to the screen with zip ties :D, just be sure to take off that nast plastic film around the light that will block the UVB from getting to your little one
 

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I went ahead about bought an eight dollar fixture from walmart and then took out that crappy bulb and put in the one that i bought off of amazon. I got the desert 50 zilla one which depending on you tank size is either an 18" or a 24" I went ahead and got the twenty four simply because i knew that i was going to upgrade her to a 75 gallon tank. :) Hope that helps!
That's a good one because it has the ballast and cord/switch already in it. That is exactly the fixture that I have used in the past.
 

sullygirl85

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That's a good one because it has the ballast and cord/switch already in it. That is exactly the fixture that I have used in the past.

The funny thing was, I went ahead and bought one from petsmart and when i got it home and the red foot came for my son, I turned it on and it broke, so I returned the light as well as the light fixture and went to walmart and bought one like you all suggested and mounted it on the screen and made everything for both my tanks plus reblinded the house for the price of that one freaking light! I couldn't believe it. They work great and its on there nice and secure! Idk what I would do without this group, I tell ya! haha.
 

Tom

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our light went out, what is the best or best recommended??

Sorry man, but this is too vague of a question. There is not a one size fits all "best" light for al enclosures. It really depends on many factors and what you are trying to accomplish.

What size enclosure?
What other heating and lighting equipment will you be using with the new bulb?
What species and size? You have a small sulcata, right?

In some enclosures I use a regular 65 watt flood bulb from the hardware store, a florescent tube for more light and/or UV, and a CHE or two set on a thermostat to help maintain ambient. In other enclosures I use just a mercury vapor bulb or just a flood bulb and noting else. It depends on the room temps, species, and how much time they are spending outside in the sun.
 

THEELEG

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Sorry man, but this is too vague of a question. There is not a one size fits all "best" light for al enclosures. It really depends on many factors and what you are trying to accomplish.

What size enclosure?
What other heating and lighting equipment will you be using with the new bulb?
What species and size? You have a small sulcata, right?

In some enclosures I use a regular 65 watt flood bulb from the hardware store, a florescent tube for more light and/or UV, and a CHE or two set on a thermostat to help maintain ambient. In other enclosures I use just a mercury vapor bulb or just a flood bulb and noting else. It depends on the room temps, species, and how much time they are spending outside in the sun.

All I really wanted was a good brand name, feel like mine quit to early
 

Tom

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All I really wanted was a good brand name, feel like mine quit to early

Well in that case, I just go the hardware store and buy whatever flood light of the correct wattage they have. Usually a Sylvania, if memory serves.
 

Tom

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Exo Terra Solar-Glo High Intensity Self-Ballasted Uv/Heat Mercury Vapor Lamp, 125-Watt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00101JIFG/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20
This is what we're looking at

Those work. I prefer the Powersun from ZooMed. All MVBs run too hot in my closed chambers, so I run lower wattage basking bulbs and meet their UV needs with florescent lamps or real sunshine.

Make sure you use the right hood with a MVB. That might be why your other one burned out early. I use the 11" aluminum domed "shop light" fixtures from Home Depot. Ceramic bases, long heavy duty cords and they only cost $12. Only $9 if you order online.
 

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