I have said in the past that I use a ceramic bulb over the cool part in my Leopard enclosure. The hot end has a normal spot light at a height which gives the correct basking temp. The ceramic bulb is set on a dimming thermostat (probe is at tort level, but close to the bulb heating area) so that it is 70 degrees during the day and 60 at night.

Down the middle of the enclosure is a Repti Sun or Repti Glo 10.0 UV strip light, these last up to a year before they need changing. Ones with a lower number need changing every 6 months. Even though they are still showing light they are not producing anywhere near the UV needed.

Yeah the tubes need changing every few months

and combined every year

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I have used my combined for 2 years now and they are still fine, good uvb reading.

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From what I've read MVBs typically lose about 30% of their UVB output over their lifetime, if that's true then considering how much more they chuck out than most flourescents they should be OK to use until the bulb dies!

Yes i keep saying they last years but keep getting contradicted.

Sarah how do you measure uv output please? Is there something I can buy?

Yes you can get a UVB reader they cost over £100

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where from?

Have a search around for one, try ebay.

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o.k thankyou