CFL style uv lighting

[Joe S]

I have recently come across a handful of posts stating that the cfl style uv lights are knows to cause eye issues. I was aware of this a few years back. I believe at one point there was a recall on these and they fixed the issue, but it I am still seeing recent postings warning against them.

Normally I prefer to use zoomed branded mercury vapor bulbs, however I have been using the cfl uv lighting is some of my newer builds.

Would it be advised to change over to tube style uv lighting instead of the cfl? Also are there any documented cases showing that the cfl bulbs are still causing eye issues? Thanks.

 

[Yvonne G]

I have been worried about using the MVB for a little while now, and when the opportunity arose for me to give the tube-type UVB light a try, I bought three of them and set them up over my tort tables for young tortoises.

There's a pretty good discussion going on right now in the pyramiding physiology thread about the MVB's providing the wrong kind of heat and it reinforced my opinion on changing out the MVBs.

I really like the light that the tubes provide. It is a different spectrum from the incandescent spot and the reflector that comes with the bulb forces the light down into the habitat.

Because of the previously caused eye problems, I will NEVER use the spiral bulb, but rather I'm going to be switching over to the fluorescent tubes.

Heat will be provided in a different way...something less concentrated than a spot bulb.

This would be a good test for someone to try. Raise a smooth tortoise from hatchling without concentrated heat or forced humidity, and using a fluorescent tube.

 

[Joe S]

Thank you for the reply. That's an interesting statement about the mercury vapor bulbs. I'll have to check that discussion out. Normally my mercury vapor bulbs are over some more of my tropical aquatic turtle species. I have not used them over any terrestrial species.

The mention of spot hear vs the all over heat is curious, I can see it being valid.

My main question is the use of the spiral, cfl, uv bulbs. That's what I am currently using. I would like to avoid any negative effects that they might cause to my animals, as I assume eye issues are not the easiest thing to deal with.

So it seems that the spiral, cfl, uv bulbs are still causing eye issues to this day? With that being said it would be a smarter idea to change over to the tube style uv lighting while they are indoors. Am I correct in thinking this, as I would prefer to have the correct intensity of lights and no harmful effects on the animals. Thanks.

 

[Yvonne G]

We are still getting posts from new keepers with babies who have swollen eyes, and after further questioning, we discover they are using the spiral bulb. So, even though the manufacturers tell us the problems have been fixed, they never did a recall, so the old bulbs are still being sold.

 

[Joe S]

Fair enough. Looks like I'll be making some changes. I appreciate the information. Good to know what to stay away from.