(Part 2) Best reptile & amphibian habitat lighting according to redditors
We found 274 Reddit comments discussing the best reptile & amphibian habitat lighting. We ranked the 67 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Reptihabitat kit $154 and that's overpriced considering how much of the stuff in it you'll just throw away. You can get a 20 long and a folding screen top from Petsmart for about $50 and the 2 light dome for another $50.
https://www.petsolutions.com/C/Reptile-Habitats/I/Zoo-Med-ReptiHabitat-Bearded-Dragon-Kit.aspx?catargetid=520009670000580654&cadevice=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw2s_MBRA5EiwAmWIac2ZBedmIdyBdq_7s09x4txgNz-FvlD5uiNVmX3KfTKu4lo9XpjanfBoCGVUQAvD_BwE
14" t5 hood $38.80
https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Reptisun-T5-Ho-Terrarium/dp/B00M9ONY1W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502887235&sr=8-1&keywords=14%22+t5
Half log $8.60
https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Habba-Extra-Large/dp/B0010ONMV4/ref=sr_1_7?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1502887697&sr=1-7&keywords=reptile+hide
Hide XL $25.98
https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Reptile-Extra-Large/dp/B0002AR5BA/ref=sr_1_21?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1502887697&sr=1-21&keywords=reptile+hide
12" t5 10.0 Bulb $20.77
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N1DY82E/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3171424582&pd_rd_wg=9dlUL&pf_rd_r=5FMKXWA2ASD8TY18EGDD&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B00N1DY82E&pd_rd_w=bTBUC&pf_rd_i=14%22+t5&pd_rd_r=GGP34DN67RR24AP1GD50&ie=UTF8&qid=1502887808&sr=2
Everything you see here can be had for $248.15 brand new. As soon as you walk out the door of the pet store, that stuff is worth less than half that. Also considering that this setup is not going to work for an adult and it becomes even less desirable. If I were looking to sell this setup I would sell on craigslist and consider myself extremely fortunate to get $100 for it all.
Does it say “full spectrum UVB?” If so it most likely contains UVA as well. Do you have a separate bulb for heat? Most UV bulbs do not provide heat (with the exception of mercury vapor bulbs).
Edited to add: I personally use Reptisun for my UV source. It contains both UVA and UVB. And I use a separate heat lamp.
(with your current tank, make sure this is maintained)
Air Temperature: 75° - 83°
Basking Temperature: Mid 80's to low 90's
Water Temperature: Mid to High 70's
-these numbers are specific to your musk turtle
You may buy an infrared heater to help keep these temperatures optimal.
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Your turtle also needs a basking area (provided links to some nice and cheep bulbs and mount
Exo Terra Repti-Glo 5.0 Compact... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00101JI2Y?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
REPTIZOO Dual Lamp Fixture for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWKXYPP?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Keep in mind these turtles are very infrequent baskers but need to do so sometimes, so keep the basking area to a large rock he can climb up on.
​
I cant stress this enough, you need a strong filter for musk turtles. They are messy eaters and will end up compromising their own safety if the water isn't cleaned and filtered well. They will spend most of their time in the water so make sure they have ample area to swim. Razorback musk turtles are also very shy, so give him some areas to feel safe in the water.
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Besides from that google some caresheets about razorback musk turtles and adjust my recommendations accordingly. If you have anymore questions please let me know :D
You should switch it out for a tube that spans 2/3 the length of the tank that fits in a hood fixture. The coil or bulb ones have very intense radiation in one spot that doesn't correctly mimic sunlight. It can cause burns, damage to the eyes, and lack of proper radiation.
Two weeks is a little long, I personally wouldn't want any of my beardies going without UVB for more than a week.
He should be okay but I'd try and take him outside in a large tub so he can get UVB, preferably 70+ in temps.
https://www.amazon.com/Reptile-T5HO-Standard-Fixture-Reflector/dp/B01B209YQC/ref=sr_1_5?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1523586973&sr=1-5&keywords=t5+ho+fixture
^ 34" T5 HO Fixture
https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-26062-Reptisun-Fluorescent/dp/B00AQU8HKO/ref=pd_bxgy_199_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00AQU8HKO&pd_rd_r=ZNH52XHETCP3Y7K5FGA2&pd_rd_w=GIi1G&pd_rd_wg=oAEwd&psc=1&refRID=ZNH52XHETCP3Y7K5FGA2&dpID=31QDwNV8eSL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail
^ 34" T5 HO 10.0
This should be cheaper, fixture wise. I use this brand of fixture for almost all my reptiles but in the 46" version since I prefer the UVB to go the entire length of my 75 gallons for the beardies. Do know that you will need to replace the UVB bulb every 6-12 months.
Also know that if your dragon is below a year or two old your most likely going to be spending 47 dollars every three weeks or every month for around 2,000 large crickets, of course this is just an estimate as if you go with medium or small depending on the size of your beardie it may be less. And of course if you decide to feed a different staple feeder like roaches, black soldier fly larvae, locusts, grasshoppers or silkworms.
Assuming you mean the bulb rather than a heat lamp fixture. Its basically a ceramic heat emitter, its made out of ceramic and produces only heat and no light which is very good for reptiles, especially reptiles like beardies who see in color. Most people buy those miss-titled "infrared" heat lamps thinking their dragon can't see it but they actually can which often keeps them from getting a full rest and can lead to future problems.
Its only a necessity if your temps in the enclosure drop below 65 during the night.
I have an exo terra reptile enclosure that I linked below. It is 36x18x18. The lid is broken so I'm trying to replace it with a single sheet of perforated metal (aluminum or stainless steal). The goal is to cut a circle out of the metal to rest a dome light fixture over it as well as mount a single tube fluorescent light strip on it which shouldn't require any real cutting.
The question I have is do you think 1/8" aluminum will be rigid enough to accomplish this task? Is 1/32" stainless steel more rigid than 1/8" aluminum?
Link to terrarium:
https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Glass-Terrarium-36-Inch/dp/B0052Y3KTC
Link to dome light:
https://www.amazon.com/Flukers-Mini-Dome-Reptile-Lamp/dp/B003I5QNGY
Link to fixture:
https://www.amazon.com/Coralife-08616-Desert-Fixture-24-Inch/dp/B004CT2OTA
Link to Aluminum:
https://onlinemetalsupply.com/3003-aluminum-perforated-sheet-1-8-x-24-x-48-1-8-holes-40-open/
Link to Steel:
https://onlinemetalsupply.com/304-stainless-steel-perforated-sheet-035-20-ga-x-24-x-36-125-holes/
My bad! I misunderstood!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AR3NU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That bulb comes in a range of wattages. Most people seem to do fine with with normal spot lights, or halogens. I'm switching to halogen with my next replacement.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AQU8HKO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B209YQC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Bulb and fixture i'm using. Given that 40 gallons is a bit small for an adult, this will probably do fine until you get his adult setup.
Nicrew is a good choice. I’ve had GREAT success with them in vivariums and pretty good in aquariums. Currently I’m messing around with a 2.5 gallon tank and I’ve been using the small version of this
https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-PT2336-Night-Fixture/dp/B00JDRMT8C/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=exo+terra+led&qid=1566949256&s=gateway&sr=8-1
You shouldn't need any light at night (those are usually for geckos, which are nocturnal and need some artificial "moonlight", or for heating snakes, who don't do well with under-tank heaters - though they can use ceramic heaters that don't glow at all if that's a concern.) You need ultra-violet reptile lights, because without UV, your beardie (and you for that matter) can't process vitamin D. Without vitamin D, you can't take in new calcium - which is necessary for things like bones and moving muscles. Including the heart. Obviously if your lizard runs out out, he dies. So the body begins scavenging it from the bones to keep your animal alive, and winding down metabolic activity to keep you from dying until he can get into the sunlight again. It can lead to nerve, joint, and bone damage even if corrected - and death, if it isn't.
But that only needs to be on during the day, just like the sun (which is their natural source of UV.) Sunlight through the window or tank won't work, btw, because the glass blocks UV. If you decide to take him outside for natural exposure, be careful - insects in your yard may contain bug poisons if you, your parents, your neighbors, etc. use chemicals on the lawn. Also - from unfortunate experience - bearded dragons love lightning bugs, but they are lethal to them.
I like the mercury-vapor style lights like this, because as long a they are working, they put out UV (which is usually one to several years.) If those are too hot to have in your room, they also have compact florescent like this - but they will provide light for years while only providing UV light for six months to a year, and then must be replaced even if they're still providing normal light.
Make sure to size the wattage correctly for your tank to keep the temperature correct! You ought to get a thermometer (or two - for the hot spot and the cold spots in the tank) to be sure your animal can properly regulate it's temperature - it needs to be able to move to warm and cold spots to warm itself up and cool itself off.
And check your vitamin mix - you'll need two, a general supplement, and vitamin D. Find out which you have, and get the other. Alternate which one you use each time.
Hi, thanks for watching out for us! He's got these lights as well as living in this [cage] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0027J0VZ6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1419894029&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40). I'll try to get pics for y'all! Anything else we need for this guy? Thanks!
Edit: I'll let you know the light strength when my gf gets home.
*100 watt lamp
I have the exact above set up I use this lamp for heat. I also have the stand.
Thanks! The kit I bought came with a larger aquarium (30" x 12" x 12"). I have the calcium powder for the crickets (2nd pet store told me to use it). The 2nd pet store was very informative. These are the lights I currently have:
These came with the kit:
The temperature gauge I have in there also shows humidity. I'll grab a 2nd one tomorrow and put them on separate sides of the tank.
I have a 3ft long tank so i use the 2ft long arcaida 12
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Arcadia-FD3P18-12-Percent-Reptiles-24-inch/dp/B002UE7A7U/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1375289011&sr=1-1&keywords=arcadia+12
and that is plugged into this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Arcadia-ACR18-Vivarium-Controller-Watt/dp/B002UEAX9C/ref=pd_bxgy_petsupplies_img_y
How many watts should it be? And can you link me to one on amazon and the thing the light goes in please? Could I buy this one http://www.amazon.com/Coralife-08616-Desert-Fixture-24-Inch/dp/B004CT2OTA/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1373256852&sr=1-1&keywords=24in+light+fixture or http://www.amazon.com/Zilla-Reptile-Desert-Fixture-36-Inch/dp/B004CT482G/ref=sr_1_8?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1373257104&sr=1-8&keywords=reptile+light+strip
This is the bulb I have. And I am planning on getting tiles, just getting a cutting them will take a couple weeks. Thanks for letting me know about the kale, I will have to start using other veggies. He is currently seven months old.
No that bulb will not work, it will damage the BD's eyes (im pretty certain about this someone can confirm?)
You need reptisun10.0 or arcadia
From what i understand they need to be the fluorescent tubes and not bulbs. for the lighting fixture just go to you local walmart(or w/e you have) and get a undercabinet lighting fixture. i paid like $4 for it.
LED is fine as it gives little or no heat which you don't want as it may mess up your set up.
There are exo-terra LED strips available
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00JDRPM4A/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1524468594&sr=8-2&keywords=exo+terra+light&dpPl=1&dpID=61Hcr8yE8rL&ref=plSrch
he's 16 weeks old, the UVB light I have is this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AQDJ0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They aren't using the meter right. It should be measuring the distance where the animal would be not right up on the bulb.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K2BIM1Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420786430&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40
I work for this company and these lights are the bomb. They last forever. 7 months and we are still getting readings over 100.
I have guttate too. Try this. Go on amazaon buy one uvb desert lamp. This guy is mine $34 http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004CT2OTA/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?qid=1454079817&sr=8-9&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=uvb+desert
Use it for 6 min only a day until you get tan or don't burn as fa st. It Will clear the arms , legs, & back fast. I use 3 of them in a box i made at 30min day. And if I don't eat shit food like pizza 3 days in a row lol it clears the spots.
Now these use some narrowband uvb in the spectre that produces steroid D but not all and tanning glasses are needed so that you don't hurt your corneas over time.
> those should also never be that close to them in the first place.
YES, of course... but given the number of people out there that have this happen (most keep quiet out of embarrassment) It's something that has gotta be dealt with.
> Large deep dome fixtures, or 10" wide fixtures, are a must for these bulbs.
Yes, but at the cost of what?
lets look at the cost in Electricity alone first.
A single 160Watts powersun (check comments) does add to the monthly bill... and it doesn't make sense.. especially, when a 40W 4 foot Florescent tube can provide for multiple cages and leave plenty of power for 60W light bulbs for each of them vs a single MV light. Multiply that by 10 cages and you get the idea.
They create a very small cone of heat that narrows the range of possibilities for the animal. Is it possible to set this up correctly?
Sure, in theory they're great, but in practice.... especially for most people working up from "zero" it causes problems. I've spent years on the CF forums dealing with people on this issue.
The MV lights have had some problems and caused even bearded dragon owners to shy away from them with different vendors over the years forcing a recall These problems seem to continue with some manufacturers (read the Jan 7th 2013 blog entry who are straight forward about their product development and deserve credit for being honest about their company's products. I really am not trying to bash his company here.
In addition of their running HOT and for cooler weather species that need longer periods of lower UVb and lower temps to thrive it's a bad solution that is best avoided by the provision of separate sources for each of these needs. People in Europe can use these are their winter need for heat production makes it more reasonable in winter.
That's on top of their ability to crack and explode due to a sudden cooling from a environment being sprayed with water automatically or manually.
Such an explosion would release Mercury (as a vapor) not only onto the animal but the owner as well (that's bad).
gotta run.. sushi is calling w/ friends
I've never seen a red coil bulb, was it like this https://www.amazon.com/Zilla-Reptile-Lighting-Fluorescent-Tropical/dp/B003WRFZEO or like this https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Nightlight-Reptile-Watts/dp/B000255OW2?
Would something like this work? Its advertised for reptiles but fits my current hood lamp, and says 6700K.
How much was that? And won't a terrarium lamp do the same? https://www.amazon.com/Zilla-Reptile-Habitat-Lighting-Fluorescent/dp/B001F97ISM/
How old are they? How big are they? It all depends. Do you have a heating lamp? That is key to their growth. Do they have water? Enough to dunk their nostrils to clear their nasal passages. I would say feed them twice a day . An make sure that it is duckling food. It is essential that they get the proper vitamins at a young age.
Okay! Is this the right one then? Link
Here
Thank you for your reply. For now, I will be using the enclosure linked above as it is already on it's way. I was given advice to purchase these items for UVB lighting hood lamp do those look ok to you?
In terms of heat lamp, you can see the one I have from my previous post
Thanks again for your detailed response. I am going to read it over a few times and allow all of it to process, along with the sidebar info :)
If you use a red spectrum bulb you won't interrupt any day or night cycle you have her on.
Great thanks. Tomorrow, I'm going to the pet store. What should I get in terms of things to put in his tank like a branch, etc. And another light because this (what he has now) doesnt make it warm enough, i dont think. https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Combo-Deep-Fixture/dp/B005KPMCPG/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1467169875&sr=8-11&keywords=Bearded+dragon+uvb+light
And of course, the sand will come out for tile.
Am i forgetting anything else?
The UVB will by over by the heatlamp, I wouldn't put glass on it because it's not near the water at all. I'm getting one. He used to go outside a lot so we didn't get a UVB lamp. Now that I'm in college it doesn't happen as much, I'll get him a lamp though.
Would this be a good bulb?
Do CFL's really put out that much heat that they'd melt it? Egg crate is used a light diffuser so I didn't think that'd be a problem. The hanging fixture you showed me looks good but it wouldn't fit behind my tank.
if the bulb is out of the way (behind one of those mesh screens for example) then I'd say you can happily move the bulb closer. If it's a fully exposed bulb then maybe a couple of inches but just make sure that there's no way your beardie can jump to or climb to the exposed bulb. You're right in that there isn't really an in-between for 100's and 150's, what it might be worth looking at is the 'intense' versions of the 100W bulbs.
they're UK links but if you look at these two, you can see there's a regular 100W bulb and then an intense 100W that focuses the heat in one area more.
Intense: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Exo-Terra-PT2138-Intense-Basking/dp/B0002AR3P8
Regular: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Exo-Terra-PT2133-Daylight-Basking/dp/B0002AR3O4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_199_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41JE0DWyfxL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0TPZTYSY7045SYGSBWNZ
>Im going to buy the fixture and bulb that you linked that is both UVB and heat
You can still use the bulb that you bought! Just add a halogen bulb that lets out heat, and you can use a cheap clamp lamp like this :) You might want to check craigslist or facebook marketplace for good deals- on FB marketplace near me some guy was selling a dual dome fixture for like $10. I do prefer the MVB bulbs since it's just one light instead of two, and some people say that the quality of UV from them is better. Just make sure you follow directions on the box about spacing, because if it's too close to the turtle it can hurt their eyes/skin just like the sun.
My wood turtle does eat a bit less in the winter when it's colder inside. I have him in a kiddie pool so there's a decent amount of space to roam but it's hard to keep it warm. Anyway you're welcome and I hope he perks up!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K2AY8EW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-26053-Reptisun-Terrarium/dp/B00AQU8F2O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540165245&sr=8-1&keywords=zoo+med+t5ho+hood
I've used both of these fixtures. I wouldn't go any shorter but you won't be hurting anything by going longer.
https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun-Fluorescent-Chlorhexidine/dp/B07DCSMM7N/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1540165349&sr=8-4&keywords=t5ho+uvb+bulb
this is the bulb for them.
I do have UVB, though I'm not sure on the watt. I think its 10 watts and it looks like this, https://www.amazon.com/Reptisun-10-0-Mini-Compact-Fluorescent/dp/B00B39QEDO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1538834810&sr=8-2&keywords=reptisun+uvb+bulb.
Is amazon universal in pricing?
The breeder I bought my dragon from sells a custom light fixture meant to go with the exo-terra large 36"x18"x18" that has the basking and uvb light bulbs and it really made the process a lot easier for a newbie like me and after a year my dragon is still healthy.
Here's the link. I promise I'm not associated with them. I'll remove it if it's not cool
Reptile T5HO 22" Fixture & Reflector with Basking Light Assembly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K2BIM1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_b-Vrzb3EFA57P
Zilla Reptile Terrarium Covers... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QFQ30K?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Exo Terra Repti-Glo 5.0 Compact... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00101JI2Y?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
BYB - 150W 110V Ceramic Infrared... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HFNZ59Q?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
REPTIZOO Dual Lamp Fixture for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWKXYPP?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
MUST Swap the UVB bulb every 6 months.
Is it digital or analog? If it’s the one with the dial, take it out and get a digital probe. The analog dial readers can be WILDY inaccurate. This is the light I use. There are two sizes. It gives off no heat, by the way.
Thanks, the visual aid helped confirm I was understanding this right. It's also good to hear there's not much different prices in brands, since some are much more expensive than others.
Zoo Med - $64
Exo Terra - $28
Fluker's - $28
SunForce - $30
[Blue Spotted - $36] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PQ2HUJ6)
I chose the 100w bulb prices for comparison, with the exception of the Blue Spotted which I only found in 160W. The Exo Terra is 125W, but also available in 160W.
OK I removed the wood.
I live in St. Paul, MN
Zilla Night black 100 watt heating lamp on during the day for 16 hours with a timer
And this exo terra 2.0 UV lamp
Hydrating using flukers mini dripper and i recently put a glass of water filled to the brim in the corner of the cage, ive yet to see him drink from it though.
i took him to the sink he did drink a good amount of water which sadly means your probably right Im really torn up over this because i thought i was a good owner. IM making a video right now but he isnt moving around at all, i put my phone in the cage because thats all i have to record video, i know that if i take him out and put him on the floor of my room he will start to walk around alot so i think ill record that for you if he dosent start to move in the cage. I turned the heat lamp off and set the uv light to ten hours, (buying a 5.0 today at my lunch)
edit: ill wait for him to move at his pace i dont want to put him on the floor just to get a video of him moving i dont like the feel of that, might take a few tries since my phone can only record for so long
A 10 gallon aquarium would work well for probably the first year and they are cheap can probably get one for $20. Eventually you will need a very large tank 75+ gallons.
Below are the things I think are a must
This site http://redearslider.com has tons of good information.
Check the water and basking area temperatures to make sure they aren't too hot or too cold.
https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-PT2336-Night-Fixture/dp/B00JDRMT8C
I really like this lamp, it's touch activated and provides a nice day light for if your room is dark and a low blue light at night. It also doesn't give off a lot of heat so your gecko won't be bothered.