It seems there continues to be confusion regarding the alleged issues of using Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFBs) with tortoises. Some are spiral-shaped, while others are not. Some brands specifically suggest mounting these bulbs in a horizontal fixture, while others claim they can mounted both ways. Hopefully this thread will help shed a little light on the subject (forgive the pun).
Exo-Terra Repti-Glo CFBs
Available in 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0
Shape: coil/spiral
(towards the bottom of this page: http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/compact_fluorescent_bulbs.php )
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ZooMed ReptiSun
Available in 5.0 (http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/E...7czoxOiIwIjtzOjg6IlNlYXJjaF95IjtzOjE6IjAiO30=) and 10.0 (http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/E...7czoxOiIwIjtzOjg6IlNlYXJjaF95IjtzOjE6IjAiO30=)
Shape: U-shaped
Fluker Farms Sun Glow Coil Lantern
Available in 5.0 and 10.0
Shape: coil/spiral
http://www.flukerfarms.com/sunglowcoilbulb50uvb-20watt.aspx
Does not specify ideal mounting conditions. In my honest opinion, because they are coil-shaped like the Exo-Terra Repti-Glo, they should be mounted horizontally.
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Zilla CFBs
Available in Tropical 25 (http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/tropical-series-uvb-flourescent-bulbs.htm) and Desert 50 (http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/uvb-flourescent-bulbs.htm)
Shape: coil/spiral (*also offers a 9-watt U-shaped bulb for the Desert 50)
Does not specify ideal mounting conditions. In my honest opinion, because they are coil-shaped like the Exo-Terra Repti-Glo, they should be mounted horizontally.
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Also, if anyone has had any issues using CFBs with their tortoises (or any reptiles), please detail your accounts here. Be as specific as possible:
- what brand
- what output rating (Ex: 5.0, 10.0)
- how was the bulb mounted
- what shape (coil or U-shaped)
- what species (EXACT species, not just "tortoise")
- issues (Ex: blindness, lethargy, always hiding, etc.)
-------------------
I'm sure many want to get to the bottom of this thing. Is this a problem with ALL compact fluorescents? Or just people who mount them wrong? Is it just the coil/spiral-shaped ones? Inquiring minds want to know!
Exo-Terra Repti-Glo CFBs
Available in 2.0, 5.0, and 10.0
Shape: coil/spiral
(towards the bottom of this page: http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/compact_fluorescent_bulbs.php )
To fit our range of fluorescent bulbs, both linear and compact, Exo Terra developed a complete line of terrarium tops and linear fluorescent bulb controllers.~~~The Exo Terra Compact Tops are perfectly suited for the Exo Terra Compact Bulbs.
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ZooMed ReptiSun
Available in 5.0 (http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/E...7czoxOiIwIjtzOjg6IlNlYXJjaF95IjtzOjE6IjAiO30=) and 10.0 (http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/E...7czoxOiIwIjtzOjg6IlNlYXJjaF95IjtzOjE6IjAiO30=)
Shape: U-shaped
------------Lamp can be oriented either vertically or horizontally in your reptile hood or clamp lamp fixture.
Fluker Farms Sun Glow Coil Lantern
Available in 5.0 and 10.0
Shape: coil/spiral
http://www.flukerfarms.com/sunglowcoilbulb50uvb-20watt.aspx
Does not specify ideal mounting conditions. In my honest opinion, because they are coil-shaped like the Exo-Terra Repti-Glo, they should be mounted horizontally.
-----------
Zilla CFBs
Available in Tropical 25 (http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/tropical-series-uvb-flourescent-bulbs.htm) and Desert 50 (http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/uvb-flourescent-bulbs.htm)
Shape: coil/spiral (*also offers a 9-watt U-shaped bulb for the Desert 50)
Does not specify ideal mounting conditions. In my honest opinion, because they are coil-shaped like the Exo-Terra Repti-Glo, they should be mounted horizontally.
------------
------------
Also, if anyone has had any issues using CFBs with their tortoises (or any reptiles), please detail your accounts here. Be as specific as possible:
- what brand
- what output rating (Ex: 5.0, 10.0)
- how was the bulb mounted
- what shape (coil or U-shaped)
- what species (EXACT species, not just "tortoise")
- issues (Ex: blindness, lethargy, always hiding, etc.)
-------------------
I'm sure many want to get to the bottom of this thing. Is this a problem with ALL compact fluorescents? Or just people who mount them wrong? Is it just the coil/spiral-shaped ones? Inquiring minds want to know!