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Exo Terra Repti Glo 10.0 Tube 40W 42in
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Home & Garden:Pet Supplies:Reptiles
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Searched Exo Terra Repti Glo 10.0 Tube 40W 42in in Reviews
A good "budget" tube, but lifespan still an issue
| Installation and Operation |
Very easy - like all competing tubes the end caps of the starter push into place, then the tube will clip into a reflector or directly onto the roof/side of the vivarium. The instructions recommend changing it every 12 months; based on personal experience I'd go with more like 6 months, as the UV output can degrade quite significantly in some of these tubes.
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| Performance vs. Expectations |
I'd recommend using the tube slightly closer than the manufacturer's "maximum" - for desert species (which the tube is designed for), you'd be looking at more like 8-12" with a reflector as a good minimum distance. If the tube's too far away, it can result in the animal getting insufficient UVB, especially after a few months usage. I'd definitely recommend using a reflector to boost the intensity.
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| Value for money |
This is the cheapest of the "big three" desert UV tubes which are widely available, but generally has the shortest "useful" lifespan - after 6 months or so it will still put out light, but UV output will have declined to levels which are barely useful. Given that a tube like the Arcadia 12% D3+ can put out useful amounts of UV for twice as long as this tube, it's not as cheap as it initially looks - you'll need two of these a year compared to a single Arcadia 12%.
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| Liked about it |
Cheap initially - but factor in replacement costs!
* Simple to use and install.
* Available in a 42" size to give maximum coverage in a 48" vivarium
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| Didn't like |
UV output can decrease rapidly in a short period of time
* Lower initial UV output than competing brands
* Lighting colour is perhaps not as "natural" as competing brands
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| Overall satisfaction: |
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3.0 |
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