Repti-glow 5.0

[xxlazaro]

Hello I got this for my quaker/cockatiels from pet supermarket, I wanted a full spectrum light for for my birds because I am unablle to take them out everyday to get sunlight I saw someone else use it for their bird. Is it any good?


Any help is appreciated

[xxlazaro]

Any answer is appreciated.

[marie83]

Ok I have no idea about this light at all apart from I assume that it is designed for reptiles (from the name). From the little I know about lighting for birds is that you need one specifically designed for them, the ones for reptiles aren't right for them.

[gabbagabbawill]

The one you want is the "reptisun" cfl bulb.

I found this article on the topic when I was researching a week or so ago...

http://www.landofvos.com/phpBB2/viewtop ... 0b4365efb2

It has been known for some time now that long wave UVB is less harmful to tissue than that of short wave UVB. The study was a large sampling of commonly available full spectrum lighting (long straight bulbs, compact bulbs and incandescent) to determine which ones emmitted the least short wave UVB. Unfortunately, most of the ones that are advertised for use on birds are the ones that produce undesirable short wave UVB. It turns out that the Chinese made glass used in most of these bulbs is the culprit in that it allows transmision of primarily short wave UVB.

The only two bulbs on the market that were recommended for avaries was ZooMed Reptisun and ExoTerra Reptiglo. The study was conducted by Dr. Laura Wade, and the paper will be published soon. Unfortunately, the ZooMed bulb that I recently purchased and recommended to this community, the ZooMed Avisun was in the "avoid" list.

And from the ZooMed site:

ReptiSun 5.0™ Perfect for all tropical species of reptiles and amphibians! 5% UVB Output, 30% UVA Output, FULL SPECTRUM The new ReptiSun Compact Fluorescent lamps use a special UVB transmitting quartz glass for maximum UVB penetration. Cool burning compact fluorescent bulbs screw into standard threaded sockets, eliminating the need for a separate ballast. Lamp can be oriented either vertically or horizontally in your reptile hood or clamp lamp fixture. UVB emissions help prevent or reverse metabolic bone disease and UVA increases feeding, mating, and other natural behaviors.

Notice, the reptisun bulb uses a quartz glass, which is presumably better for long wave UVB.

[gabbagabbawill]

I have had the repti-sun lamp over jello's cage for two weeks now. He has two playstands that he can get to during the day outside of his cage, as well as a shady area in his cage, so that he can decide when he wants to be under the light... I seem to notice him "basking" in the light sometimes... so I think he likes it. Also, his coat seems to have a brighter/ shinier appearance. His mood also seems a bit calmer to me... I have it on a timer from 10:30AM to 10:30 PM. He will usually stay up for about an hour after it goes off, then he'll go to bed (in his happy hut) and not get up until it comes back on the next morning.