Daily Archives: November 4, 2020
What is exact type of UVB bulbs that your reptile or amphibian need?
We all know that reptile need UVB light is important for reptiles and amphibians to regulate the synthesis of Vitamin D3, wich allow them absorb and use calcium. However, there are many different species of reptile and several different options of UVB bulbs to choose from.
How do you know what is the best UVB bulb for your species of reptiles? Not all the UVB bulbs have the same strength and range of lengths. This post will help you figure out which option is the right one for your pet.
#1 Linear Fluorescent Lighting
Linear fluorescent UVB bulbs will fit into most fluorescent fixtures. They do the great job to emit low to moderate levels of UVB. They also provide decent even illumination across a large area in the tank.
Although Linear fluorescent are not the strongest UVB bulb available, they suitable and provide enough amount of UVB for animals that have have low to moderate UVB needs and can bask within 12-20″ of the bulbs.
Linear Fluorescent Bulbs come in 3 different strengths:
In general, 2.0 bulbs emit very little usable UVB and should be used for reptiles that have low or no UVB needs such as Poison Dart Frogs, Leopard Geckos, Crested Geckos.
5.0 bulbs are designed to emulate moderate UVB levels, which is suit for animals that live on the forest floor such as green iguanas, anoles, panther chameleons and other jungle or forest animals.
10.0 bulbs mimic the intense UVB emitted in the deserts area. They are ideal for bearded dragons, ackie monitors, chuckwallas, veiled chameleons.
#2 Compact Fluorescent Lighting
There were some debates about compact fluorescent bulbs in the past. But that was corrected long ago, modern compact fluorescent UVB bulbs are perfectly safe to use with your pets. The advantages of these bulb are inexpensive, fits in most incandescent sockets, and low wattage.
However, compact fluorescent UVB bulbs are inefficient and producing UVB radiation. They also have narrow focus that should be placed at or near the basking spot.
Compact fluorescent UVB bulbs came in 3 different strengths: UVB 100 bulbs are equivalent to the former 5.0 bulbs. UVB 150 bulbs are approximately equivalent to former 10.0 bulb. UVB 200 bulbs emit intense Uvb that should not be used for any reptiles or you will have to place it up to about 18 inches away from your pets.
#3 Mercury Vapor Lighting
Mercury Vapor bulbs have longest lifespan in compare with other types on this list, with many bulbs only needing to be replaced after 12-18 months. They produce heat as well as UVB. However, they produce intense UVB output, which make them only suit for full sun animals such as monitors or bearded dragon.
This is the drawback that you should take not that mercury vapor bulbs cannot be used in smaller habitats, or with species that require cooler temperatures. Also, not all the fixture can use with mercury vapor bulb as their high operating temperature.
Related to UVB Bulb
What are the best brands of filter for red eared slider tank?
If you are looking for the best filter for red eared slider tank, I always want to emphasize that go with a model from a reputable brand. This is because the brands would not lie, as the reputation of a brand will always be reflected in the quality of products that they get to sell.
It is even true with the new brands, they will quickly get the good reputation if they provide the best products. You will want to get the reliable filter to keep your red eared slider to stay healthy and alive. I have listed here some of the top brands in the industry, so whatever your choice is, you will surely be happy with it.
#1 Fluval series of filters
I have been use Fluval filter for my red eared slider tank for many years and this is my personal favourite. Whatever tank size you are using, you will find the Fluval filter model that suit your tank. They are available in a ton of size from 25 gallons to over 100 gallons. They come with filter media already and larger filter tray that allow you to add extra options of filter media.
Best of all, they come with 3-year warranties, what you always should look for when choosing filter. They’re very powerful filters that you can totally rest your mind that they will do the great job that can handle for from 145 GPH to 383 GPH. They have a selection of higher-powered filters for much larger tanks. If you are looking for something high quality and best for overall, then do not look over Fluvel filters.
However, as their effectiveness the biggest downside of Fluval filter is that they are pretty expensive. They are a bit pricier compared to the other brands.
#2 Penn-Plax Cascade
You are in the budget and want to get the filter cheaper than Fluval but still reliable, I would suggest any of the Penn-Plax Cascade series. This is excellent alternatives to the Fluval. Penn-Plax Cascade are known as their large capacity stackable trays, that allow for multi-stage filtration.
They are also offer user many option of additional media filtration. The filter rated range from 30 gallons to 200 gallons tank. They are designed with quick and easy push-button primers. Penn-Plax Cascade also offer 3-year warranties. The flow valves equipped allow to adjust the flow rate.
#3 EHEIM
EHEIM make their names based on popularity gained by the quality of products. However, the biggest downside of EHIM is that they do not offer as much options of filter sizes as these two brands above. They only have 3 filter sizes that can filter from 42 to 92 gallons.
The EHEIM series of filters come with a 2-year warranty and starter filtration media. They are great filters for beginner as they reliable, easy to work with, and have a reasonable price. EHEIM filters Are cheaper than the Fluval filters but still effective.
