A new source of UVB is on the market, compact florescent. If you aren’t sure what we are talking about, these are the spiral bulbs, the ones you often use to save energy. These new UVB bulbs have a bad reputation already, and one should consider staying away from them until everything is sorted out.

Are you wondering why these bulbs are bad? They have been known to produce a high output of UVB, causing what is known as photo-kerato-conjunctivitis. This is a serious matter, and one should not take it lightly.

How do you know your reptile has this? Well there are many symptoms, such as lethargy, unwilling to open eyes, no longer basking, swollen eyelids, and even more. If you are using one of these bulbs, stop now, and switch over to a standard florescent tube light, using one approriate for your animal.

What if I can’t get another light fixture? If you have 20-30 minutes of free time each day, take your reptile outside in the sun to bask. I generally use large plastic containers, and will sit my exotics outside with me. I stay with them the entire time, as other animals may eat them. I do not use any lids while doing this, and I monitor the temperatures inside their box as to prevent it from getting too hot. Make sure to offer a hide in the box as well, as to let the reptile escape from the sun if they’d like.

Please visit this link for more information:

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm