The Best Daylight Bulbs for Your Pet Reptile

Have you ever noticed that the activity of reptiles is highest when it is sunny? This is because reptiles need light for their survival, and without it, their susceptibility to diseases increases. The functionality of reptiles depends on light thus, providing adequate light to reptiles is imperative if you have them as pets. However, the daylight bulbs required for different reptiles vary based on their natural habitat and unique needs. The kind of lightning usually used is ultraviolet light, and they come in different types such as UVA and UVB. While the UVC spectrum also exists, it is discouraged in production because of its harmful effects.

Reptiles actively need a considerable amount of it during the day for nutrient absorption and to manufacture vitamin D. However, the amount of light required by reptiles depends on their nature and habitat. For example, the amount of UV light needed for nocturnal reptiles is small, and the amount of UV light required by reptiles living in the tropical area is less than those living in the desert. If you’re currently searching for the best bulbs for your pet reptile, the choices reviewed below are the best you would find on the market. However, ensure you seek advice from experts in pet reptiles or your vet before fixing a daylight bulb for your reptile.

AZ-Animals Top Picks for Daylight Bulbs for Reptiles

#1 Best Overall: Zoo Med ReptiSun UVB Fluorescent Reptile Lamp

The best-rated daylight bulb for reptiles on the market is the Zoo Med ReptiSun UVB Fluorescent Reptile Lamp.

This bulb improves the reptiles’ agility and elevates their mood. The UVB bulb provides reptiles with adequate vitamin D and calcium. The bulb offers UVA wavelength and UVB wavelength, and the former influences reproductive behavior and increases activity and appetite.

The low heat lamp and spectrum it comes with ensures your reptile’s safety. The bulb prevents metabolic bone disease by emitting a wavelength of 20 to 51 cm UVB. Plus, this bulb is suitable for all kinds of reptiles, regardless of their age.

However, customers have complained that the packaging needs improving as there is no protection or padding for the bulb.

Pros and Cons of the Zoo Med ReptiSun UVB Fluorescent Reptile Lamp

Best Overall

Zoo Med ReptiSun UVB Fluorescent Reptile Lamp

• Offers UVA and UVB wavelength
• Great for use in large habitats
• Prevents metabolic bone disease
• Aids in vitamin D3 synthesis

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2. Best for Health: Zilla Desert Series T8 Fluorescent Reptile Lamp

If you want a bulb that contributes to the well-being of your pets, then the Zilla Desert Series T8 Fluorescent Reptile Lamp is the best choice as it helps to convert UVB into calcium.

If the place you are housing your pet reptile is small and enclosed, this bulb is a perfect choice for them. It provides lightning without affecting the pets’ mood and providing adverse effects. This is a 15 watt bulb and it provides UVB and UVA light. Plus, it helps reptiles to metabolize calcium which keeps them happy and healthy.

However, a downside to using this bulb is that the use of a ceramic heat emitter is necessary as the heat emitted is not sufficient. Also, it is advisable to use the bulb together with the Zilla T8 strip fixture for optimum performance.

Pros and Cons of the Zilla Desert Series T8 Fluorescent Reptile Lamp

Best for Health

Zilla Desert Series T8 Fluorescent Reptile Lamp

• Helps in the conversion of UVB into calcium
• Easy to install
• Long-lasting
• Enhances the natural colors of your pet

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3. Best for UVA and UVB Light: Mega-Ray Mercury Vapor Bulb

The Mega-Ray Mercury Vapor Bulb is a good choice if you are looking for the best daylight bulb that emits UVA and UVB to serve as lighting for your reptile.

Apart from providing light for the reptiles, the bulb can also serve as a heat supply. This bulb promotes the synthesis of vitamin D3 as well as helps reptiles to metabolize calcium. It also helps to prevent bone disease in reptiles. Plus, this bulb helps to encourage activity and appetite in reptiles which is turn keeps them happy and healthy.

The only drawback to this product is that it is accompanied by a constant buzzing sound whenever it is on.

Pros and Cons of the Mega-Ray Mercury Vapor Bulb

Best for UVA and UVB Light

Mega-Ray Mercury Vapor Bulb

• Also serve as a heat supply
• Relatively inexpensive
• Prevents metabolic bone disease
• Very long lasting

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4. Best on a Budget: Lucky Herp UVB Fluorescent Reptile Lamp

The popular notion is that quality materials are always expensive; however, you can get a quality bulb to provide light for your pet reptiles at an affordable price with the Lucky Herp UVB Fluorescent Reptile Lamp.

This quality, affordable bulb ensures your reptile pet gets all the essential nutrients needed for them to remain in the very best of health. This bulb promotes an increase in activity, appetite, and reproductive behavior in reptiles. It also produces an optimal output of UVB and UVA light which in turn help with calcium metabolism.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that it does not produce enough UVB light for some adult reptiles. Therefore, it may be better suited for only juveniles.

Pros and Cons of the Lucky Herp UVB Fluorescent Reptile Lamp

Best on a Budget

Lucky Herp UVB Fluorescent Reptile Lamp

• Quality, affordable bulb
• Suitable for young reptiles
• Stimulate an increase in pet activity
• Optimal outpu

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The Pros and Cons of Reptile Daylight Bulbs

Ultraviolet A Bulbs (UVA Bulbs)

Ultraviolet B Bulbs (UVB Bulbs)

Conclusion

Installing the right bulb in the haven of your reptile pets is imperative as it affects the activity of the animals. Since they won’t get access to sunlight, their circadian rhythm depends on the light. Thus, the light is turned on during the day and then turned off at night to enable them to sleep. There are many bulb types, but not all are suitable for your reptile pets. Using this comprehensive review, you can easily get the best bulb for your reptiles.