BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

I'm thinking of getting a BTS and I know there is a lot of discussion on whether they need UVB or not and I decided to get because its better to be safe then sorry. I'm not sure what brand I should use and if I should use a 5.0 or 10.0. There is also the T thing too!

I hear 5.0 is as high as they need

Ok should it be a tube light or compact? Do you recommend any brands?

HawkNinjaMaster wrote:Ok should it be a tube light or compact? Do you recommend any brands?

I've been using 26W UVB150s in nanohoods (domereflectors before that) for my skinks. They bask when they need the UV and the heat (from the incandescent).

Some will say get a T8 or T5 tube , will spread UVA and UVB to more of the tank than a MVB or compact UVB tube will.

If you get a compact or a T8 or T5 tube, make sure it's a good brand as there are really dodgey Chinese clones repacked and sold as Shop Brand lamps (like ZIlla , All Living Things , ReptileOne, and Agemia are a few) which have really poor quality quartz and phosphors in them that don't produce a good UV spectrum , as well as being very hit and miss in durability.

So could I use a zoo med compact safely?

HawkNinjaMaster wrote:So could I use a zoo med compact safely?

can't comment on Zoo Med compacts , I thought they are a manufacturer .... so their UV lighting is likely good, but if just a reboxer the answer will be no

Exo Terra UVB150s and UVB200s have been good , not caused any problems and my skinks and dragons have thrived under them

I live in Canada and I can't seem to find them on Amazon except for a reboxed one. Any places I could find them? If not, is the reptile glo okay?

HawkNinjaMaster wrote:I live in Canada and I can't seem to find them on Amazon except for a reboxed one. Any places I could find them? If not, is the reptile glo okay?

....https://www.lllreptile.com/catalog/184- ... -uvb-bulbs

I have seen a interesting video indicating linear bulbs are better:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUu24MNO2Ho&t=1s