Chalk up another one for the anti-coil light contingent

ZEROPILOT

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Thanks for your help. I read your response to Chuck21570 as being "Thrifty" and buying the fluorescent fixture at Walmart, good idea !! Does the 10.0 fluorescent require a specific ballast to fire it ??
No.
As long as they are the same wattage.
I just throw away the household tube that comes with the fixture and pop in the reptile tube.
 

Tom

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They're only effective for 6 to 8 months anyway. Depending on use.

Are you basing this off of meter readings, or mfg. recommendations? I ask because I've had 10.0 bulbs run 13 hours a day for 3 years and still make the same UV levels. Checked it repeatedly on two different Solarmeters.
 

ZEROPILOT

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Are you basing this off of meter readings, or mfg. recommendations? I ask because I've had 10.0 bulbs run 13 hours a day for 3 years and still make the same UV levels. Checked it repeatedly on two different Solarmeters.
Manufacturers reccomendation.
I have no meter as of today.
It's on my need to buy list.
I'd been throwing mine out every 8 month or so. Back when I had those little tortoises.
 

Tom

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Manufacturers reccomendation.
I have no meter as of today.
It's on my need to buy list.
I'd been throwing mine out every 8 month or so. Back when I had those little tortoises.
Based on what I've seen with the meters, I think you've been chucking perfectly good bulbs... :(
 

Markw84

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Manufacturers reccomendation.
I have no meter as of today.
It's on my need to buy list.
I'd been throwing mine out every 8 month or so. Back when I had those little tortoises.
One thing to consider is that the type of ballast used and quality of the fixture will make a huge difference - especially in the UVB output of the bulb and the life of the bulb. I personally don't use the cheap fixtures for that reason. There is a good reason why a quality fixture costs more in many cases.
 
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