Uv Tube problem - Page 2

yuna1971 · 30-03-2011, 04:05 PM

Yeah definitely you will need to get another one tommorow, today will be ok. 12 months is too long for any UV to be coming out of it now. And the darkened ends are also a tell tell sign.
Maybe mark the box, when you get your replacement tube of the date. Or a reminder on your mobile + 6months from now.
If you get a strip replacement - perhaps get one with 12/15%UVB output (you may have had that already). Perhaps the Arcadia D3 range. I would also strongly suggest getting a reflector for the strip (they do them for their range of bulbs) - this will increase the output more.
Perhaps in due time, just have a think about changing to a combined heat/UV bulb. They last for 12-18months. The UV decay is alot better than that of a strip. And the output is significantly more as well. There are lots of threads on here about them, maybe have a nose and see what you think. They have 6 months warranty on them. The Arcadia combined ones have 12months.
Well babbled enough...toodle loo.

xx

yuna1971 · 30-03-2011, 04:09 PM

Um....I havent changed my starter BTW.....not had a need to, I think I would do trial and error before I resorted to that. Not sure why (unless absolutely obvious - ie it didnt start the light...) you would need it replacing.?

xx

**Alan1** · 30-03-2011, 04:53 PM

not the actual starter unit Rach, just the starter that fits in to it, a white round thing that only cost pence I think http://www.lyco.co.uk/Light-Bulbs/Fl...1335/p229.aspx

Arcadiajohn · 30-03-2011, 05:31 PM

The life span of any lamp is effected by a couple of main points, wattage passed through it and length of use. The correct wattage controller should be used with a matching lamp. We work out life span out on a full 14 hour illumination period.

If the lamp has black ends then the lamp is at the end of usable life. This process is hurried up if you use a controller that is too powerful for the lamp.

FSU switches, the white cylinders in the top of the controller should be replaced ideally every 2years to reduce the risk of failure.

We say one year one lamp for Arcadia brand lamps. This means a lamp correctly fitted and run for no more than 14hours a day will still be producing high, safe levels of u.v.b and light at month 11. The lamp is then ready to be changed at the year.

To me this is the kind of story that confirms that we all need access to U.V meters. Yes they are expensive but at least you know at a moments notice just how potent the life support system is in your enclosures. Maybe there should be a loan service in local herp clubs??

I hope you get it fixed very soon.

John courteney-smith. Arcadia products.

2steps · 30-03-2011, 06:28 PM

That's good, thank you everyone

I only live in a small town so can't one too easily. Does it need to be one made for reptiles specifically or is any uv tube ok?

**Alan1** · 30-03-2011, 07:12 PM

it has to produce UVB so a D3 tube preferably 12% like this http://www.rocketaquatics.co.uk/arca...3_424_425.html I'd say .. I don't know if reptile and aquarium bulbs are different or not. these are in the reptile lighting section and I don't know if they are also in the aquarium section

actually same thing here but a lot cheaper http://www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk/p...9&cat=0&page=1

SPECIES REQUIRING THE D3+ LAMP
Bearded Dragons
Blue-tongued Skink
Frilled Lizard
Uromastyx
Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles
Agamids

2steps · 31-03-2011, 10:42 AM

Defiantly the tube as the end was broken and got stuck in the fitting when I took it out. The tube I have now (that came with everything I have) is the Repti-Glo 10.0 Exo Terra 30" 25w. I have a Horsefield tortoise in a 30 x 40 inch table. Should I buy something different or is that ok? The two shops I can get too only stock that brand though, anything else I'd have to buy online. One shop also have the curly type that look like energy saving bulbs, I have a ceramic heater holder that was for my tree frog, can I use that with one of those?

**Alan1** · 31-03-2011, 11:29 AM

reptiglo 10 is okay if it is the correct one for your starter unit ballast thing. i think the compact (curly) bulb would do in that ceramic holder but they are not great to be honest and I'm not sure what strength it would need to be with them

Kirkie · 31-03-2011, 11:33 AM

I use the Exo Terra 10 tubes and they're fine. As long as they are 8-12 inches above the top of the tortoises shell they provide ample UVB exposure over a 14 hour period. If you use a reflector with the tube it'll increase the UVB exposure by about 40% when the tube is new but its fine without one as long as its changed regularly. I don't personally like the compact bulbs. I've only tried the Exo terra one but the UV Index readings were unnaturally high.

Also, you can't beat natural sunlight in the summer. And it's free!

2steps · 31-03-2011, 11:43 AM

Thank you

I will stick with what I have then. I have the uv tube at one end of the table and the other end is under a window

Thanks for your help

30-03-2011, 04:05 PM	#11
yuna1971 Senior Member Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Bristol Posts: 7,157	Yeah definitely you will need to get another one tommorow, today will be ok. 12 months is too long for any UV to be coming out of it now. And the darkened ends are also a tell tell sign. Maybe mark the box, when you get your replacement tube of the date. Or a reminder on your mobile + 6months from now. If you get a strip replacement - perhaps get one with 12/15%UVB output (you may have had that already). Perhaps the Arcadia D3 range. I would also strongly suggest getting a reflector for the strip (they do them for their range of bulbs) - this will increase the output more. Perhaps in due time, just have a think about changing to a combined heat/UV bulb. They last for 12-18months. The UV decay is alot better than that of a strip. And the output is significantly more as well. There are lots of threads on here about them, maybe have a nose and see what you think. They have 6 months warranty on them. The Arcadia combined ones have 12months. Well babbled enough...toodle loo. xx __________________ Rach Lily's Movie. http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=68025 Last edited by yuna1971; 30-03-2011 at 04:07 PM.

30-03-2011, 04:09 PM	#12
yuna1971 Senior Member Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Bristol Posts: 7,157	Um....I havent changed my starter BTW.....not had a need to, I think I would do trial and error before I resorted to that. Not sure why (unless absolutely obvious - ie it didnt start the light...) you would need it replacing.?xx __________________ Rach Lily's Movie. http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=68025

30-03-2011, 06:28 PM	#15
2steps Member Egg Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 74	That's good, thank you everyone I only live in a small town so can't one too easily. Does it need to be one made for reptiles specifically or is any uv tube ok? Last edited by 2steps; 30-03-2011 at 06:31 PM.

30-03-2011, 07:12 PM	#16
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	it has to produce UVB so a D3 tube preferably 12% like this http://www.rocketaquatics.co.uk/arca...3_424_425.html I'd say .. I don't know if reptile and aquarium bulbs are different or not. these are in the reptile lighting section and I don't know if they are also in the aquarium section actually same thing here but a lot cheaper http://www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk/p...9&cat=0&page=1 SPECIES REQUIRING THE D3+ LAMP Bearded Dragons Blue-tongued Skink Frilled Lizard Uromastyx Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles Agamids Last edited by Alan1; 30-03-2011 at 07:18 PM.

30-03-2011, 04:53 PM	#13
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	not the actual starter unit Rach, just the starter that fits in to it, a white round thing that only cost pence I think http://www.lyco.co.uk/Light-Bulbs/Fl...1335/p229.aspx

30-03-2011, 05:31 PM	#14
Arcadiajohn Member Hatched Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: West sussex Posts: 424	The life span of any lamp is effected by a couple of main points, wattage passed through it and length of use. The correct wattage controller should be used with a matching lamp. We work out life span out on a full 14 hour illumination period. If the lamp has black ends then the lamp is at the end of usable life. This process is hurried up if you use a controller that is too powerful for the lamp. FSU switches, the white cylinders in the top of the controller should be replaced ideally every 2years to reduce the risk of failure. We say one year one lamp for Arcadia brand lamps. This means a lamp correctly fitted and run for no more than 14hours a day will still be producing high, safe levels of u.v.b and light at month 11. The lamp is then ready to be changed at the year. To me this is the kind of story that confirms that we all need access to U.V meters. Yes they are expensive but at least you know at a moments notice just how potent the life support system is in your enclosures. Maybe there should be a loan service in local herp clubs?? I hope you get it fixed very soon. John courteney-smith. Arcadia products.

31-03-2011, 10:42 AM	#17
2steps Member Egg Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 74	Defiantly the tube as the end was broken and got stuck in the fitting when I took it out. The tube I have now (that came with everything I have) is the Repti-Glo 10.0 Exo Terra 30" 25w. I have a Horsefield tortoise in a 30 x 40 inch table. Should I buy something different or is that ok? The two shops I can get too only stock that brand though, anything else I'd have to buy online. One shop also have the curly type that look like energy saving bulbs, I have a ceramic heater holder that was for my tree frog, can I use that with one of those?

31-03-2011, 11:29 AM	#18
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	reptiglo 10 is okay if it is the correct one for your starter unit ballast thing. i think the compact (curly) bulb would do in that ceramic holder but they are not great to be honest and I'm not sure what strength it would need to be with them

31-03-2011, 11:33 AM	#19
Kirkie Senior Member Adult Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,887	I use the Exo Terra 10 tubes and they're fine. As long as they are 8-12 inches above the top of the tortoises shell they provide ample UVB exposure over a 14 hour period. If you use a reflector with the tube it'll increase the UVB exposure by about 40% when the tube is new but its fine without one as long as its changed regularly. I don't personally like the compact bulbs. I've only tried the Exo terra one but the UV Index readings were unnaturally high. Also, you can't beat natural sunlight in the summer. And it's free!

31-03-2011, 11:43 AM	#20
2steps Member Egg Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 74	Thank you I will stick with what I have then. I have the uv tube at one end of the table and the other end is under a window Thanks for your help

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)