UV Lighting Compacts

UV Fluorescent Compact Bulbs are a modern 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.
Compacts may be preferential to tubes for small to medium vivariums and terrariums as they take up less space and do not require a starter. Most compacts can be positioned vertical or horizontal with the same result. 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 compact is always doing its job. Fluorescent compacts do not provide a heat source so additional heating equipment will be required.