What is the BEST UVB Light for Reptiles! Reptile UVB Light Guide!

[@hannahjones4611]

I’m so glad you added the gecko information there! Because as I was watching, I had the same thoughts about it working well for them!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes! I actually use them for 1 of my geckos after making this video. So far been 5 months strong and it’s producing the right amount for my leopard gecko.

[@hannahjones4611]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse oh that’s awesome!

[@c5365]

0:22 - An accurate reenactment!

[@jamesterhouse]

This is so useful. Thanks for putting all the angry comments to the test. Anger is never useful, but facts are!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Appreciate you

[@polly_pocketknife7544]

I’m new to the Bearded Dragon community, I just adopted a BD from a friend. They had the coil uvb setup with a heat lamp combo & no led. I’m currently ordering a linear tube uvb (& led for additional lighting) thanks to your help!! All of your videos have been very informative & interesting. Thank you! 🐉

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help! I’m so happy you got that linear uvb!

[@secrethydromicrogrow420]

brother sorry for spamming your channel but i just wanted to give you a update, i just used 2 zoo med coil uvb bulbs with clamp lamps, and all i can say is the coil UVB bulbs work! i tested them they work very very very good! for anyone thinking that coil UVB bulbs are bad, guys they are amazing! :) tested by me

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Now it truly depends on what wattage you used. The most popular I see is 13 watt which is terrible. But the higher wattage can get to decent uvb rays. Higher wattage was rare in the hobby but I notice now the company started switching and going for putting the higher wattage even in the 20 gallons which is great! The higher wattage is 26 watts I believe

[@secrethydromicrogrow420]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse the ones i used were the zoo med reptisun 26w 10.0 but next i will be in a bigger space so i will buy 2 65watt mega compact zoo med cfl uvb bulbs :D

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@secrethydromicrogrow420 ohhh now the 65 watt mega compacts I hear are actually amazing. I’ve never ran across one in store or anywhere but I do hear that can change the game. I want to try one myself.

[@Poteluz]

​@@ChiefSweetsUniverseyup the compact ones that coil around work great, even just one of them. They've been tested with the same solar meter you have and many times they outperformed the T5's and T8's.

[@Platinum_Aquatic_World]

I am very satisfied with this video It clarified all my doubts , Thanyou so much chief May the almight bless you

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I’m happy you enjoyed thank you!

[@animaltitan2117]

Good thing I bought the 10.0 for my Savannah monitor. Thanks man appreciate the video

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help!

[@shanesubashe787]

Try an exo terra uvb 150 or 200 26 watt cfl in 5 and 8 inch deep domes and see what you get. Zoo med just came out with a 65 watt cfl. Interested to see what it puts out. I took in a rescue bearded dragon recently that came with one of those mini double domes. Coil bulb was burned out and the heat lamp burned out a few days later. Replaced them with a 80 watt mercury vapor bulb and a tungsten filament heat bulb on a dimmer and it works great. I don't get why they market those 13 watt cfls for beardies other than being cheap.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes I been wanting to try zoo meds newest 65 watt ones. I don’t know why they market them either. Really weird.

[@shanesubashe787]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse with the mercury vapor bulbs, they work fine for certain applications if you know what you're doing. #1 is use a solar meter and laser temp gun. Use the appropriate wattage (80-160 watts) for the application. Use the appropriate fixture for the application--typically going to be a 8 inch deep dome. Put the fixture on a stand and raise or lower it as needed to get the correct UVI and temp. If you use a 160 watt bulb on a 10 gallon tank, that's just not going to work and yeah you could give the animal burns from too much heat/uvb. For larger enclosures, a T5 and halogen floodlight are going to be more effective. MVBs and metal halides work really well for applications that need deep UVB penetration.

[@katiealdana150]

Great review! I just bought the repti sun 5.0 for leopard gecko 🦎 Learning👍🦎💯

[@brianhintze6440]

This was a lot of work, but very educational. Thank you for uploading this video.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you very much! Means a lot!

[@jensjeppesen]

Chief with the consumer advice again - great job, my man :D And to repeat myself: If Bubba is in the video, Bubba steals the video :D

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you very much. He’s a big chunk too haha

[@blahaj3730]

I have been using the Reptisun 10.0 uvb bulb with the Zoo med 150 watt basking spot lamp for my bearded dragon. She’s in a 75 gallon, and I don’t think I’m using the appropriate lighting for her. What would you recommend?

[@everrestrudnick9307]

I have a 40 gallon at the moment for my baby beardie, i was told not to use the uvb bulbs yet? I have the dual sockets with 100w bulbs, one spot basking bulb and one nocturnal heat lamp. but i also have the reptisun 5.0 uvb with the 12” naturalistic terrarium hood (all products of zoo med) and i was told not to use that yet. my tank is approximately 12”,12”,32” and my dual socket fixture sits over my rock about 8” above it. i just wanna know should i use my uvb bulb? should i buy a different bulb for it?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

If you have a mercury vapor bulb you don’t have too however if you are using a regular basking bulb you need to use the uvb bulb. Especially babies they grow quickly and need it to help with growth of bones

[@everrestrudnick9307]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse alright that sounds easy enough lol, thanks. i just wanna make sure i’m doing all the research i can to make this baby as happy and healthy as possible!

[@DarthGengarus]

Since those coil bulbs technically are supposed the be used sideways vs up/down will the readings be better in the light hood versions? Also what’s the different in could bulbs that have the spiral vs the one like you have here. Are the spiral ones better for domes va the bar style coil better in the flat hoods?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Now it truly depends on the bulbs. So if you do get the correct mounting lamp they do put off a better reading however with the 13 watts it’s only a 1.0 at the distance in this video which still isn’t the greatest for most species. However there are some cool bulbs like the new zoo med mega ray has some reallly decent uvb output that honestly can be used for quite a lot of stuff. I’ll do a video on it later but it’s pretty mind blowing. Also the 26 watt coil uvb from zoo med is also not bad mounted sideways through mesh screen not the best still low for bearded dragons on 18 inch enclosures but realllly close to minimums at 2.5-2.8.

[@DanielleT77]

Very informative ! Thank you!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help

[@Poteluz]

The cfl bulbs actually work real good and sometimes better than the T5's and T8's, they've been tested before using that same solarmeter. What's crazy is that those straight ones that you used actually do suck though.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

The straight ones are the t5s t8s can be weak as well but for sure every single cfl bulb mini I’ve used is incredibly weak from Zilla to zoom med they are super weak. If you mean the larger ones like the 26 watt or even the mega cfl from zoo med yeah those are good but specifically I’m talking about the mini ones in this video which are given in lots of starter kits. Which is no good as they aren’t enough for bearded dragons, turtles and such

[@Poteluz]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse ah ok, yeah I'm talking about the 23 or 26 watts ones that coil around spiraling not straight like the mini you tested

[@Platinum_Aquatic_World]

Hi chief Just wanted to ask u a question that I have a calotes versiclor ( lizard species native to india) It's a lizard species that lies in the zone 3 Can I provide it with 5.0 uvb and not t5 5.0 with a basking distance of around 12 inches and can I use large holes screen mesh to prevent the blockage of uvb?

[@turtleanton6539]

This very informative 😊

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help

[@TheFunGuyJustin]

Great video! thanks for making!

[@phantomsoldier497]

I always used those lamps for reptiles and amphibians that need very low uvb like some pond sliders or frogs. I would never use them on a desert dwelling reptile, maybe only during the end of brumation to stimulate a slow wake up, but that's it

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

They are actually great for that. I use them as well for my species that need really low uvb

[@theosfamadventureshobby7857]

Hey Mate, lovin your vids. Can i ask you something, i just upgraded my reptile now i have the 4x2x2 tank from reptile one melamine. I bought the 14% 24W (which only accomodate half of the tank. Can i mount it inside the tank? Or its too strong? Im soo puzzled

[@nfconstruction1087]

I have two 12” Arcadia lights I’m going to mount inside my 120 gallon habitat I don’t have a meter, but would two 12% bulbs be to much uvb? I was going to use both the 6% bulbs I have but wanna make sure that would be enough uvb sense they’ll be mounted inside and won’t be shining through screen, thanks

[@hafl4364]

I have a 14 inches terrarium, but his basking point is at like 6 inches away from the uvb, is there any harm for my beardie being too close? It’s one of these uvb coil bulbs

[@falonfleming6660]

Is it possible to still use the coil bulb but make up for it with getting repti calcium and vitamins with D3? Or is the safest way to change bulbs and get without D3? I just recently gotten my bearded dragon and she’s been adjusting well but I worry I’m not doing things right and that things will start to happen later. Your videos have been very informative!

[@falonfleming6660]

I also keep my bulbs on an automatic timer so both the UV bulb and Basking light stay on for 10 hrs, 10am to 10 pm which is around the time I notice she gets sleepy but that’s changed to about 8 pm.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

So even if you supplement with d3 it won’t work as bearded dragons can’t digest d3 so they still won’t absorb calcium

[@falonfleming6660]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse Got it, thank you 🙏🏽!

[@Platinum_Aquatic_World]

Hi chief What is the size of each hole of the screen mesh ?

[@turtleanton6539]

Can u plz jusy make a video on the best one

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I do recommend the best in all other videos. Zoo med t5 of Arcadia t5

[@Platinum_Aquatic_World]

Hi chief Love from India ❤ Just wanted to ask u a quick question that does 5.0 t5 bulb produces more vitamin d3 as compared to normal 5.0 uvb bulb?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Nope what it is is stronger uvb output so your lizard will get uvb farther away. Lots of coils only put out uvb couple inches. However the uvb helps the animal produce d3. So bearded dragons won’t produce d3 in their body’s without higher uvb exposure like 2.7 uvi. So with a good uvb bulb that produces higher output of uvb you’ll get that and your dragon will make vitamin d3

[@peterclarke666]

Isn't manufacturers recommendations that you have to use and mount the bulbs horizontal not vertical though 🤷 that's what I've read from every website ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Vertical horizontal give very similar readings. Horizontal you do get 1.0 more uvb range but still way less than what you need for most species. This would be good for a leopard gecko though.

[@sourcherry8928]

ik this video is old but do you think a 13 watt 10.0 uvb would be okay for my adult leo in a 20 long tank? (12in height) his basking spot would be about 8 inches from the bulb. And would i still be able to use a heat mat (with a thermostat attached) for heat?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah these coil uvb 10.0 would be perfect for Leo’s. Yeah the heat mat would be ok but using heat lamp would better replicate natural sunlight to help facilitate there circadian rhythm better

[@sourcherry8928]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse alright, thank you sm man!

[@xth3if_ofsoulsx109]

Which is the best uvb set up for a red ear slider? *baby turtle*

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Depends on the mesh screen you have and the distance but you probably want something like an Arcadia 12% t5 or 6% Arcadia. Zoo med t5 10.0 and 5.0 works well. Dont get coil

[@HumilityListens]

Wow i just got the 5.0 reptisun for leopard gecko thats way too much!! I have the 10.0 coil bulb and that is perfect for the basking spot which is about 11 inches. Its a 50 gallon tank. Is it okay to just have UVB in the basking spot?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes surprisingly the coil bulb is great for leopard geckos you wouldn’t think so haha. With a basking spot you definitely want to add some heat as well. The basking spot should be around 90f. No more than 93f I would say

[@geoffreybloomfield7071]

whilst you are reading the uvb output you forget about how much of a radius/diameter the output will be present in. Going left or right 3 inches on the coils dramatically reduces the reading where as a batten style will allow a larger area of coverage. What would be interesting to know is the % of the enclosure covered in your figures.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

The cover isn’t bad honestly I used this fixture because it’s is the most common fixture sold with this bulb very rare to find the appropriate fixture meant for coil uvb being sold at stores. However the readings for the 10.0 past 3 inches is really good uvb for crepuscular animals.

[@isabelcolon5301]

Does the wattage matter? What is the best wattage?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Wattage really relates to the length of the bulb with t5s. I use arcadia 24 inch t5 uvb bulbs

[@cruzzambrano5294]

What should I get for my turtle??im confused and slow it’s a red slider I been trying to do my research but I’m just so confused

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

No worries. So essentially you want a t5 uvb linear bar. The 13 watt coil uvb that comes with the kit produce absolutely nothing for your red ear.

[@emocraps07]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse I got the combo bulbs with the 5.0 coil and my hatchling turtle's basking spot is about 5-6 inches from the light.. do you think this is doing anything? I can't upgrade my fixtures for probably a few weeks but would getting a 10.0 bulb be better for now until I can get the T5 fixture/bulb?

[@treyvonandres951]

Hey man would a T8 be good as well?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

T8 is only good for smaller tanks. It’s also weak but not as weak as the coils. Like you could get a 3.0 uvb reading at 8 inches away no screen

[@jarrettcrawford3998]

What about the exo terra 150 they are a different than the 2 tube bulbs

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

It would have to be ther higher wattage one the 25 watt one. I haven’t tested it out myself so I can’t say for sure but the coil ones that are high like that in wattage and in rating are still a tad weaker uvb output than the t5 but not as weak as the lower wattage coil uvb

[@johngrove8042]

Does the clock start ticking after first use or depending on hr.s used?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Hours used. So if it’s on 12 hours a day for a t5 after one year you replace.

[@liliananunez7606]

Are purple lights bad for Leo’s? I plan on adding live plants into his enclosure, I have a purple grow light and was wondering if I can use it for his enclosure. Sorry I’m new to all this 😅

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

No worries at all. I use a regular household LED daylight light to grow my plants works great and the plants go crazy

[@liliananunez7606]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thank you for answering 🥰 Do the watts matter

[@StacySmiths]

So a newbie question about Leos...mine never, ever comes out during the day and I'm told to have the basking light/ubv light on ONLY during the day to mimic the sun. So, other than warmth that eventually cools overnight, why have this for my nocturnal dude?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

No worries at all great question! So in the wild they actually experience the same exact scenario. Hot day temps mid 80s to mid 90s then 20-30f drops in temps at night. Currently in their native habitat it’s going to be 70f during the day and 46f at night since it’s still winter. Drops at night is perfectly normal and very good for them.

[@StacySmiths]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thank you, that makes sense.

[@dendengz88]

Hi chief, I live in Indonesia, we dont have access to arcadia bulbs, almost everyone use exoterra coil bulb, or T8 exoterra bulb, can you please test it.. ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Will definitely get on that!

[@John-Mar]

So HUGE question!I have a 10.0 uvb,13 W uvb.And i an thinking of bying a 10.0 uvb,18w tube .Should i fo it,is it worth it?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes coil uvb is terrible tube uvb is wayyy better

[@John-Mar]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse THANK YOUU

[@mattd3915]

So I got my baby bearded dragon 3 days ago, and it came with a coil uvb light (brand new). How long do u think I have to get one of the better long uvb lights?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I would highly suggest getting a tube uvb as soon as possible

[@mattd3915]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse ok thank you

[@kasenclark9735]

How many watts should I get for the kit that comes with the 5.0 bulb?

[@nightinggale6470]

Wattage doesn’t really matter when it comes to UVB. Make sure you’re using a tube bulb, not a compact one. What species is this for?

[@kayci503]

Omg I have the WAY WRONG SET UP! I have those dome lights with the coil and basking light. The pet store lady told me that's what I need. She also sold me this really thick metal lid. I noticed he has been kinda lethargic so I moved the lid out from in front of the UVB and he perked up in just a day but clearly he's NOT ok with this set up. I feel so bad! 😪 I'm praying he will be ok for a few more days until I get paid. I feel completely ignorant.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

No worries very common issue I see with people getting info from pet stores. Crazy that wrong info comes from stores when they sell them! No worries though you are correcting the mistakes and that’s amazing.

[@HeyyallitsHope_]

Don’t feel bad this is happening to me right now. There’s so much information out there and each one is very different from the last. I too was told that the coil bulbs would be just what they need and after spending over $200 I have to change everything I have a double dome with two coil uvb bulbs but I just ordered the t5 light bar from Amazon

[@DOOMMAX232]

​@@ChiefSweetsUniverseI used a coils for leopard geckos because they need such low UVB compare to anything else and it works perfectly fine

[@DOOMMAX232]

I get 1.0

[@BulwerCherry]

6426 McClure Square

[@Live_Da_GOD15st]

Can’t even get the t5 to turn on

[@TheOgi22]

Tou compare t5 vs t10? Wtf?

[@richardsanchez5444]

About goddamn time.

[@thesnakeologist]

I don't mean to discredit cause i think this is useful data, but I heard somewhere that you want to leave the light on with your intended distance and material in between it for 30 min. to get a proper measurement. Once again don't mean to discredit but if it's true, it'd be cool to see an updated video cause I'm using a coil bulb myself for my beardie

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I left the light on for 48 hours straight and came up with the same result.

[@shanesubashe787]

I would assume you would want it on for a min of around 30 minutes or so since they take time to heat up. There are no hard numbers.

[@WastedTalent-]

Back in the old days, the only bulb out there was the VitaLite and you had to change them out every 6 months. They were expensive for the time (80's-90's), $40-50 for an 18" bulb. I was so jazzed when ZooMed came out with the ReptiSun bulbs. They were cheaper and the output was much more than the old VitaLites.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I remember the old bulbs. That’s when people didn’t believe in uvb as well haha