Beardie uv?

[james thompson]

Hey all,ive got a couple of yearling central beardies and i got a uv tube light from exo terra and a fitting for it from bunnings but someone told me you need a special fitting for the uv to actually work is this true? Also do you really need to replace the uv tube every 6 months?
Cheers, James

[water dragon_rock_6]

i think all the fitting are the same but the ones at reptile shop cost more

[frankc]

yes they recommend you replace the tube every 6 months.

[Zdogs]

I've read 12mths? I guess It depends on which light Is used?

[Rosemary]

Have no idea, I just take mine out in the sun.............that saves a few dollars

[kirstys]

i got told every 12mths aswell

[meshe1969]

Someone may have mentioned a special fitting because some fittings have a perspex cover. U.V b doesn't penetrate glass or plastic, so if the fitting has a cover just remove it.

There is no way to tell when it has stopped emitting beneficial levels of u.v (as it decreases over time) unless you have an expensive uv meter, your particular globe and because of usage may last 18 months, or 6 months so people pick an average of when it will be no good.

Here is some testing on different tubes:
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/fluorescenttuberesults.htm