Reptiles are the species that need the sun to develop bone in the most comprehensive way. They also enjoy sunbathing in part for this reason. When sunbathing, reptiles absorb the beneficial rays in the sun to convert into Vitamin D3.
Vitamin D3 is an important nutrient that plays a key role in strong skeletal development. And this nutrient cannot be supplemented through diet.
Besides, reptiles love warm temperatures and love the time to be immersed in that warmth. That’s why a basking bulb is an indispensable device in any reptile enclosure.
But to choose the best basking bulb for reptile is not easy. There are countless products on the market right now, and can you confidently choose the best one out there without researching?
Don’t worry, we will help you choose the best reptile basking bulb.
Top 4 Best reptile basking bulb Review 2021
#1 Zoo Med Repti Basking Lamps – [Best Rated]
Zoo Med is a name that has a certain position in the pet industry. You will not have any difficulty finding a Zoo Med product in any pet store. And you can also trust the quality of these products.
Zoo Med Repti Basking Lamps comes with four 75 watts bulbs. They are of sufficient quality and performance to provide the temperature and light needed for sunbathing reptiles. They can provide the best experience for both reptiles and owners.
With this basking bulbs, you do not need to spend too much time installing these as maintenance. They are very easy to use and also very easy to install. You no longer have to spend hours researching how to install like a few other basking bulbs.
This product fulfills the role of a basking bulb. It only provides the best light and temperature for the basking area, it does not heat the entire tank. Therefore, it creates a temperature gradient necessary for the habitat of reptiles. When reptiles do not need basking, it will be able to lower their body temperature in cooler areas.
This lamp can operate continuously for up to 12 hours without being heated. This will help extend the product’s life, as well as not lead to any accidents when the bulb is overheated.
Although this set of four basking bulbs for reptile may cost slightly higher than the market price, what it offers is worth it.
#2 Wuhostam Infrared Ceramic Heat Lamp – [Best Lifespan]
Wuhostam is not a familiar name, but the quality of these ceramic lamps you can completely trust. Wuhostam Infrared Ceramic Heat Lamp comes with 2 pack infrared ceramic bulbs, a modest number compared to other products but you will get great lifetime value.
Compared to the four or six light bulbs commonly found in each basking bulb, these two ceramic bulbs will be enough for you to use for a long time. That means you do not have to invest too many times and save time when replacing basking bulb for reptile.
These two basking bulbs do not emit as much light as most bulbs but only provide the heat for your pet. This may be an advantage to extend its life. But you can be assured of the quality it brings to the pet’s basking time.
This product concentrates all its energy to provide temperature for the reptile’s basking area. It does not cause temperature rise for other areas in captivity. So you can rest assured when your pet has safe and cool areas.
It can operate continuously for 24 hours without completely heating up. Compared to other bulbs on the market, this is a great advantage. But reptiles absolutely do not need sunbathing until 24 hours.
It has an impressive long lifespan of up to 15,000 hours, a number that outstrips the life expectancy of other candidates on this list. It can provide a great temperature for reptiles with absolutely no warming.
It is also very easy to install. However, you need to have a quality light fixture to be able to own a perfect basking light system.
#3 OMAYKEY Full Spectrum Sun Lamp – [Best Budget]
OMAYKEY may not be a well-known name, but we cannot deny the quality of these 6 pack basking bulbs. They have been recognized by many customers as the best reptile basking bulbs on the market today.
This product has a good quality and performance, and is suitable for any lighting device. These six basking bulbs 75 watts can provide long, efficient sunbathing and heating time for your pet reptile.
They are the right size for any light fixtures in reptile captivity. Therefore, they do not take you too much time to install or setup.
Each bulb is capable of providing the most suitable temperature and light for your pet. Not only that, it also has the ability to emit UVA and UVB light which is conducive to the comprehensive development of reptiles.
The ratio of UVA and UVB in light is 97% and 3% respectively. Although only 3% UVB, it can increase the chances for reptiles to turn into Vitamin D3. You can use additional UVB light bulbs to provide the extra UVB needed for your pet.
However, these basking bulbs can easily heat up if you leave them on for a long time. You should not let them work continuously for more than 5 hours if you do not want to happen any accident.
#4 Simba Lighting Halogen Light Bulb – [Best Light]
We should never overlook a traditional white light basking bulb in any of the best reptile basking bulb reviews. Traditional white light is the most familiar and widely used light. And these 6 pack halogen basking bulbs from Simba Lighting are ideal for any reptile.
This product has excellent capacity for any reptile living space. Besides, it also provides warm temperatures and is suitable for repeating your pet. Its heating space may be larger than the above, but it will not affect too much of the temperature in the reptile tank.
Halogen bulbs can fit many of the common lighting fixtures in your home. You will not have much trouble installing these lights. It is also the ideal size for installation in any reptile captivity.
These lights are also very energy efficient. It will not make up much of your electricity bill each month. The manufacturer estimates it will cost you about $ 7 per year if you only use this product.
But you may have a bit of trouble finding the right spot so this light bulb can provide the temperature for a reptile’s tank. In case you can’t use the reptile barn, you can still use it for your living space – with a common white light.
What is the time to use basking bulb for reptiles?
A basking lamp should not heat the entire space in a reptile captive environment. It should only work in the basking area so it can create a temperature gradient for your pet.
Because reptiles are cold-blooded animals, they cannot regulate their body temperature. Its body temperature is directly influenced by its surroundings, so it needs a unique temperature gradient.
Imagine what your pet will face if the body temperature cannot be lowered when the temperature is too high. It will probably die if it is not possible to lower the temperature in time.
Maintaining the operation of the basking bulb for too long also makes this situation happen. Many people do not know how much basking time is enough for reptile, leading to serious effects for pets.
The most reasonable time for reptiles to sunbathe is from 10 to 12 hours a day. You can divide that time each time about 3-5 hours. Or you can observe the pet’s condition, thereby giving a reasonable number. A specialist may be referred to if necessary.
The basking bulb should never be turned on all day, even if there is a temperature gradient in the environment.
What is the suitable temperature that a reptile basking bulb should have?
Besides basking time, temperature is also a factor that we cannot ignore when discussing this issue. A proper temperature will maintain good health for your pet. On the contrary, when the temperature is not at the right level, it will cause many consequences for the health of reptiles.
Reptiles mostly live in tropical and high temperature areas, so a basking bulb should provide enough heat for it. The most appropriate temperature range is about 100 ° F to 110 ° F. Higher or lower temperatures will endanger reptile health.
Reptiles can get tired, lose all energy. More serious affect the digestive system and will die.
Some reptiles are not provided with the right temperature, their digestive system will stop working or malfunction. Food gets clogged in the digestive system, which in turn causes serious illnesses.
If you do not want your pet to face these situations, make sure the basking bulb of your choice can provide enough reptile temperature.
Which wattage is suitable for a reptile basking bulb?
You should also consider the power that a basking bulb should have. Capacity not only determines the temperature it emits, it also affects performance.
Currently on the market there are many types of light bulbs with diverse capacities. Choosing a basking bulb with a power suitable for reptiles is not easy. Especially for beginners, this is a more difficult challenge.
The most common types of basking bulbs for reptile are halogen, ceramic or fluorescent light bulbs. However, no matter what kind of light bulb you choose, you should pay attention to its capacity.
Among these types of light bulbs, halogen and fluorescent bulbs have the same capacity. 75-100 watts is a safe figure for these bulbs.
Meanwhile, ceramic light bulbs do not emit light so their capacity will not be as large as the other two light bulbs. About 50 watts is enough to provide the most suitable temperature for your pet.
You should use a reptile thermometer attached to control the temperature in the reptile enclosure. A basking lamp is not enough to provide the temperature needed for the entire reptile habitat and it is not a device that can operate all day.
You should also pay attention to the installation distance of the basking lamp. Never place it too close to the location where reptiles can approach. Some basking bulbs are very hot to operate and can burn your pet.
Conclusion
A basking bulb is essential for the reptile captivity. Not only does it give your pet a relaxing time under warm temperatures, but it also enhances reptile health.
Before you choose any basking bulb for reptile, you should consider a number of factors. And do not forget to research carefully to be able to choose the best reptile basking bulb. Hope the above information is useful for you!