UV Lighting Tubes

UV Fluorescent Tubes or 'Strip Lights' are a traditional way of providing beneficial UVB for your reptile. They provide a general level of UV (unlike spot lights such as Mercury Vapour or Metal Halide which provide a very high open sunlight level). Outputs of around 5% are considered background or shade lighting, suitable for forest species and 10% is stronger for more UVB dependant and dessert animals. 2% tubes have minimal UVB output but provide excellent quality visual light. This makes them great for adding daylight for animals such as snakes, amphibians and invertebrates. 2% tubes compliment the higher % tubes well by improving the light quality for your pet.
As UVB is not visible it is best to stick to the popular brands such as Arcadia, Exo Terra, Lucky Reptile or Zoo Med and replace every 8 - 12 months as this should mean your tube is always doing its job. Fluorescent tubes do not provide a heat source so additional heating equipment will be required.