Reptile Fluorescent Bulbs

November 14th, 2010 | Published in Reptiles

Opinions on Solar Glo bulb?

I've recently noticed a big, expensive new bulb in the reptile department called the Solar Glo, which is supposed to emit both heat and UV. I think this would be fantastic for my iguana, but the store only guarantees any bulb for 30 days from the purchase date. If you've seen them, you know these bulbs cost over fifty dollars each. And if I buy one, I'm going to need to buy a large lamp to go with it, as I'm using a couple of medium lamps with my current UV lamp. But if I only had to work with maybe two of these instead of the three medium lamps and a big fluorescent lamp, it'd save me some money and time in the long run. So before I dish out well over a hundred dollars, to those of you who have been using it; is it worth it? Do you find it lasts long? And if it does, what do you know about how long is will put out sufficient UV?

Solar Glo is one of the cheapest (and by cheap I mean less reliable) of all the mercury vapor bulbs. I would highly recommend checking out the Zoo Med Powersun bulb instead. Not only does Powersun emit significant amounts of heat and UVB, but they have a one-year warranty, and the bulb emits adequate amounts of UVB rays for about TWO YEARS! This is ridiculously better than the average of 6 months for most florescent bulbs.

http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=74 for more information. Many veterinarians have recommended this bulb to me, and I have been nothing less than pleased with the product.

By the way, most heat bulbs, Solar Glo included, have 6-month guarantees which they mention on their boxes somewhere. If your bulb burns out before that time, even though the pet store may not honor your purchase, if you call the company they will work with you.

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