The 11 Best Uvb Light Bulb For Bearded Dragons

A Buyer's Guide to Choosing the Ideal UVB Bulb for Bearded Dragons

Calculating UVB Radiation Strength:

• Calculated as a percentage, this value does not indicate UVB output but rather the proportion of UVB to UVA. This equates to a 5% concentration if the ratio of UVB to UVA was 1 to 20.
• UV light output is often measured in microwatts or milliwatts per square centimeter. It is a unit of measurement for the amount of UV radiation per unit of surface area.
• Scientists and physicists quantify UV intensity in nanometers.
• The ultraviolet index (UVI) is a measurement of UV intensity that uses smaller units than nanometers and microwatts per square centimeter. The ideal UVI range for a bearded dragon’s basking spot is between 2.9 and 7.4.

Different Types of UVB-Emitting Light:

• Linear fluorescent T8/T5 lights are the standard bulbs for industrial and institutional settings. These bulbs, which are among the most popular in usage, are powered by a gas exchange inside the device. When compared to their larger T8 counterparts, T5 linear fluorescent bulbs are noticeably more compact by a factor of 40%. While T8 bulbs are capable of producing more overall light, T5 bulbs are able to do it in a more targeted manner.
• In comparison to standard fluorescent light bulbs, the energy consumption of compact or coil fluorescent bulbs is 75% lower. The spiral form of compact coil fluorescent bulbs increases their lumen output while reducing their power consumption, making them a popular alternative to traditional compact fluorescent bulbs.
• A mercury vapor bulb is a gas discharge lamp in which the mercury vapor has been evaporated. Mercury is evaporated and electricity is used to generate light. Small quartz tubes are typically housed in a borosilicate glass bulb, which insulates the light, blocks out harmful UV rays, and safeguards the quartz tubes. Although they are more expensive than standard fluorescent lights, these bulbs last far longer and use significantly less energy.

Conclusion

The ZOO MED ReptiSun 10.0 UVB compact fluorescent lamp, which comes with a luminaire and is small but powerful, is the best choice overall.

The Zoo Med T8 ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Fluorescent Lamp is the best and is ideal for large aquariums. If you’re just starting out and don’t have a heater yet, the Reptile System’s 36-in T5 12% UVB Juvenile Light Kit is a great choice.

If you consider all the alternatives, buying the best UVB light bulb for bearded dragons for your bearded dragon doesn’t seem like such a daunting task.

These reviews by BestForPets (bestforpets.org) will serve as a starting point for your research into the right aquarium bulb. One thing to note is that lights are not included in these and must be purchased separately.

Reviews

To sum it all up, the ZOO MED ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Lamp is the winner

If you want to supply your bearded dragon with a compact source of UVB illumination, look no further than the ZOO MED ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Lamp. This bulb is suitable for use in either a hood or dome fixture.

This lamp emits 30% more UVA than a standard aquarium light while remaining cool. Positive effects on your reptile’s disposition, hunger, and activity levels may all be attributed to UVA illumination.

It may be installed in either a vertical or horizontal orientation and into any universally threaded socket.

Due to the fragility of the quartz filament, this bulb requires special handling. The bulb’s lifespan will be shortened, and it may even break, if handled with oils from your hands.

To keep the UVB output at a constant level, it is necessary to replace this light every six months, regardless of whether or not it has burned out. As a whole, we consider this to be the year’s top UVB bulb for bearded dragons.

Pros

• Only 10% of the UVB and 30% of the UVA
• Keeps its cool
• Slender and little
• Fits both horizontal and vertical applications
• Universally compatible with any well-known type of threaded socket

Cons

• Not something you can pick up and hold
• Each six months, it must be changed.

For the Lowest Price, Get the ZOO MED T8 ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Fluorescent Lamp

If you want to save money without sacrificing quality, the ZOO MED T8 ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Fluorescent Lamp is the best UVB light bulb you can get for your bearded dragon.

Although it shares a name with the ZOO MED small lamp, this unit is much bigger, less expensive, and uses a different bulb entirely. It comes in two sizes, 18 inches and 24 inches, and each produces 10% UVB light.

This bulb is perfect for big terrariums because it emits 30% UVA light. It may be placed on top of a tank cover with a screen, which will block up to half of the UVB light and keep your bearded dragon safe from harm.

It has to be 75 percent of the way around the tank and 20 inches away from your bearded dragon’s basking area. This T8 fluorescent light bulb has an estimated lifespan of 8,000 years, or 20,000-24,000 hours of operation.

Because of the presence of mercury, this light bulb must be disposed of in a safe manner. You should probably research the rules for getting rid of dangerous items in your area.

You’ll need to provide both this and a heat lamp above your bearded dragon’s bathing location, as the bulb generates heat but not quite enough to replace the latter.

Pros

• Choosing between two sizes
• Only 10% of the UVB and 30% of the UVA
• The Best for Big Aquariums
• Approved for use for up to 24,000 hours
• Appropriate for mounting in the sky above screens

Cons

• UVB protection is increased when used over a screen.
• The disposal of this item is complicated because of the presence of mercury.
• Although it generates heat, a heat lamp will still be required for the tank.

The Reptile Systems 36-in T5 12% UVB Juvenile Light Kit is the Best Option

The Reptile Systems 36-in T5 12% Juvenile Light Kit is the best UVB bulb option for your bearded dragon. Included in this set are a 70-watt mercury vapor lamp, a black clamp-on lamp holder, and a T5 UVB bulb that emits 12% UVB.

This bulb works great in terrariums and vivaria and is ideal for tanks up to 36 inches in length. The enhanced UVB output is particularly beneficial for young bearded dragons, while it may be utilized with bearded dragons of any age.

The heat light is housed in a sleek black dome-shaped lamp holder.

The lamp that comes with this set only supports the use of a mercury vapor bulb, so you’ll need to buy a separate fixture for the UVB bulb if you want to make use of it. This bulb should be changed every 9 to 12 months for optimal performance.

Pros

• Lamp, UVB light bulb, and a heater are all part of the set.
• Perfect for baby bearded dragons.
• 12% UVB
• Designed for 36-inch and larger tanks.
• The average lifespan of a bulb is 12 months.

Cons

• Costing an Arm and a Leg
• There is no UVB lamp fixture in the price.
• UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb from Evergreen Pet Supplies, No. 4
• UVB Mercury Vapor Bulbs from Evergreen Pet Supply

FCC-Approved Fluorescent Coil Lamp from the Zilla Desert Series

This 20-watt Zilla Desert Series Fluorescent Coil Bulb may be used in any standard-threaded lamp or fixture. It emits UVB radiation at a rate of 50 microwatts per second.

This long-lasting and energy-saving light bulb may be used for a year. Your bearded dragon will thrive under its full-spectrum illumination. Although it does provide heat, it probably won’t be sufficient to replace a standard heat lamp.

This bulb may be disposed of in the regular trash along with regular lightbulbs because it does not contain mercury. The natural hues of your bearded dragon and tank decor will be brought out by this bulb.

If you don’t already have a heat lamp installed, you’ll need to buy one of these and change the bulb every year.

Pros

• The universal threading means it may be used in any standard socket.
• 50 mW/s of UVB radiation
• Uses little energy while still producing a wide spectrum of light.
• Without the toxic metal mercury
• Brings out the best in colors

Cons

• Required annual or smaller intervals for replacement.
• Produces heat but is not a suitable substitute for a traditional heat light
• The intensity of UVB rays cannot be expressed as a percentage.

Reptile UVB400 Bulb by MyComfyPets

In addition to the smaller 180-200 UVB version, a 400 UVB version of the MyComfyPets UVB Light Reptile Bulb is also on the market.

A 400 UVB bulb is the best choice for big tanks housing bearded dragons. As a mercury vapor lamp, it may also be used to generate heat.

Although it doesn’t produce any UVC rays, this bulb nevertheless gives forth sufficient UVA, UVB, and heat. With a lifespan of only 10,000 hours, it will need to be replaced in about a year.

This bulb’s parabolic form makes it useful for aquariums of all sizes, however many fixtures may be needed for really big containers. The light’s 100-watt output means that the fixture must be able to manage a powerful bulb.

Unlike many other lamps, the UVA and UVB output of this one is not specified as a percentage. Due to the presence of mercury, particular disposal procedures are needed. This light bulb is not dimmable.

Pros

• With two sizes to choose from.
• The bearded dragon and the huge aquarium both benefit from UVB of 400.
• Features both UVB and heat lamp coverage
• Accepts all European and American light fittings with a standard thread size

Cons

• Non-percentage measures of UVB and UVA radiation output
• The disposal of this item is complicated because of the presence of mercury.
• Discompatible with low-level lighting controls.

The WACOOL PT-P95100 UVB Reptile Light Bulb

For comprehensive protection from UVA, UVB, and heat, choose the WACOOL PT-P95100 UVB Reptile Light Bulb. Maximum efficiency is achieved at a distance of 12 inches from the basking area, as per the design.

This bulb, which can be used in any standard threaded socket, has a magnesium oxide coating to soften the light and lasts for a long time.

If it becomes too hot, it will shut off automatically and restart itself after 15 to 20 minutes. This light bulb emits both ultraviolet (UV) radiation (heat lamp) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation (light), serving multiple purposes.

Because of the presence of mercury in this bulb, it must be disposed of in a specific manner. Neither the manufacturer nor the retailer sells information about the product’s UVB protection factor.

This light bulb only lasts for about 6 months until it burns out, so you’ll have to replace it around every other month.

Pros

• Useful as a heat lamp
• The universal threading means it may be used in any standard socket.
• The magnesium oxide layer softens the intensity of the light.
• Overheating protection with automatic shutoff and restart

Cons

• The disposal of this item is complicated because of the presence of mercury.
• Not specified UVB coverage percentage
• Involving a replacement every few months