New UVB VHO T5 Lighting
Reptile enthusiasts, we’re excited to unveil our latest innovation in UVB lighting—our new UVB VHO T5 Bulbs! Designed in Germany to meet the highest quality standards, these bulbs provide superior UVA and UVB output, ensuring the health and well-being of your reptiles. These lights replicate key aspects of natural sunlight, aiding in Vitamin D3 synthesis, enhancing calcium absorption, and preventing Metabolic Bone Disease.
Discover the ideal bulb for your terrarium setup across our three specialized ranges: UVB 100, UVB 200, and UVB 300. Below, we’ve highlighted the features and recommended uses for each, along with available products.
The innovative Sunergy™ phosphor blend sets Exo Terra’s Reptile UVB T5 lamps apart. Sunergy™ is a state-of-the-art phosphor blend developed using German precision technology to replicate the energy spectrum of the sun, particularly in the UV range.
This cutting-edge blend comes closer to natural sunlight than any other lamp on the market and is designed to meet the highest standards, delivering unmatched quality and performance. With Sunergy™, Exo Terra’s Reptile UVB T5 lamps provide reptiles with the UVB they need for health, vitality, and natural behavior.
“The UVB and UVA2 spectrum is excellent – the most sun-like I’ve ever seen in a T5 lamp for terrariums.”
– Thomas Griffiths (Tomaskas Ltd.)
Reptile UVB 100
T5 Very High Output 3% UVB
- Long lasting Output
- Made in Germany
- Unique phosphor blend replicates solar UVA & UVB
- Suitable for nocturnal and crepuscular animals
- Ferguson Zone 1
- Helps promote healthy Vitamin D3 synthesis
- Maximizes calcium absorption
- Recommended for use with the T5 Terrarium Top
The Exo Terra Reptile UVB100 is designed for reptiles that naturally inhabit shaded or low-light environments. These species, often referred to as “shade-dwellers,” are accustomed to moderate levels of UVB radiation, as sunlight is filtered through dense vegetation or cloud cover.
With its 3% UVB output, this bulb is ideal for creating environments where low to moderate UVB exposure is required. Supporting Ferguson Zone 1 and the Cryptophotic Zone, it provides the appropriate UVB levels for nocturnal, crepuscular species and shade-dwelling reptiles. The UVB100 promotes vitamin D3 synthesis, which is essential for calcium absorption, bone development, and the prevention of metabolic bone disease (MBD). This bulb is particularly suited for terrariums replicating shaded tropical conditions and works effectively when combined with naturalistic lighting setups. It ensures a healthy, comfortable habitat that supports the well-being and physiological needs of reptiles that thrive in low-UVB environments.
Available in 4 Wattages
Reptile UVB 200
T5 Very High Output 7% UVB
- Long lasting Output
- Made in Germany
- Unique phosphor blend replicates solar UVA & UVB
- Suitable for partial or occasional sun baskers
- Ferguson Zone 2
- Helps promote healthy Vitamin D3 synthesis
- Maximizes calcium absorption
- Recommended for use with the T5 Terrarium Top
The Exo Terra Reptile UVB200 provides medium levels of UVB radiation, designed to mimic conditions found in semi-shaded or partially sunny habitats. These environments are typical for reptiles that are occasional baskers or those that spend part of their time in direct sunlight.
With its 7% UVB output, the UVB200 delivers the balanced UVB exposure required for healthy vitamin D3 production and efficient calcium metabolism, helping prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD). This bulb aligns with Ferguson Zone 2 and the Mesophotic Zone, making it ideal for partial sun baskers that regulate their UV exposure between shaded and sunlit areas. Its medium UV intensity supports reptiles’ natural behaviors while promoting optimal health and vitality. Perfect for enclosures with basking zones and shaded retreats, the UVB200 allows reptiles to self-regulate their exposure, ensuring a well-rounded and stimulating environment. When paired with Exo Terra heat lamps, this bulb creates an ideal combination for maintaining temperature gradients and UV balance in the terrarium.
Available in 4 Wattages
Reptile UVB 300
T5 Very High Output 14% UVB
- Long lasting Output
- Made in Germany
- Unique phosphor blend replicates solar UVA & UVB
- Suitable for open and mid-day sun baskers
- Ferguson Zone 3 & 4
- Helps promote healthy Vitamin D3 synthesis
- Maximizes calcium absorption
- Recommended for use with the T5 Terrarium Top
The Exo Terra Reptile UVB300 is specifically tailored for reptiles that thrive in environments with intense, direct sunlight, such as deserts or open savannahs.
With its 14% UVB output, this bulb delivers the highest UV intensity among the T5 series, meeting the needs of reptiles requiring high levels of UVB exposure. Supporting Ferguson Zones 3-4 and the Euphotic and Heliophotic Zones, it provides the UVB necessary for open and mid-day sun baskers. The UVB300 is critical for maximizing vitamin D3 synthesis, which is essential for robust bone growth, healthy shells, and preventing metabolic bone disease (MBD). This bulb is ideal for large enclosures or terrariums with minimal shading, replicating the intense sunlight found in arid and semi-arid regions. Its high UV output ensures reptiles receive adequate exposure even at greater distances from the bulb. To avoid overexposure, the positioning and distance from the basking area should be carefully considered. When used alongside basking lights and proper thermal setups, the UVB300 creates a complete and enriching environment that supports the health and natural behaviors of reptiles in high-UV habitats.
Available in 4 Wattages
T5 Terrarium Top
High-performance Terrarium Canopy
- For use with the Exo Terra® Reptile UVB VHO T5 Bulbs
- Highly polished reflector increases lamp output 2,5 times
- High-quality electronic ballast
- Allows you to link up to 10 fixtures
- Increases the performance and lifespan of any T5 VHO Bulb
- Can easily be placed on top of any terrarium
- No flickering; reduces stress in reptiles and amphibians
- Enhanced UVB penetration distance
The Exo Terra® T5 Terrarium Top can simply be placed on top of the terrarium mesh, or installed inside of the terrarium using the Mounting Clips (PT4259 – sold separately)
Its elegant and stylish design suits all kinds of terrariums and integrates into any living room. The high-quality electronic ballast eliminates flickering completely and increases the performance and lifespan of any T5 VHO bulb. The Exo Terra® T5 Terrarium Top comes with a grounded plug for maximum safety, and is protected against over-voltage, over-current, end of lamp life (EOL) and over-heating. The highly polished reflector increases lamp output 2.5 times! Up to 10 Exo Terra® T5 Terrarium Tops can be easily linked using the optional grounded interconnection cable. This reduces cable clutter and allows you to control all 10 fixtures via 1 timer.
Available in 4 Sizes
Accessories
Enhance Your T5 Terrarium Top Setup with Custom Accessories – The Exo Terra T5 Terrarium Top is the ultimate lighting solution for creating the perfect environment for your reptiles and plants. To ensure you get the most out of this versatile system, we offer a range of specially designed accessories that enhance its functionality and adaptability.
From securely mounting your lighting to seamlessly connecting multiple units or optimizing your power setup, these accessories provide everything you need to customize your terrarium lighting with ease.
The Mounting Clips make it simple to securely attach your T5 Terrarium Top, ensuring a stable and reliable setup. For those looking to expand their lighting system, the Interconnection Adapter and Interconnection Cables—available in two lengths, 12 inches (30 cm) and 24 inches (60 cm)—allow you to connect up to 10 T5 Terrarium Top units effortlessly. Finally, the Power Cable, with its generous 6.5-foot (2 m) length, ensures flexibility and convenience when connecting to your power source.
With these thoughtfully crafted accessories, you can create a seamless, professional lighting system tailored to the needs of your setup. Illuminate your terrarium with confidence and provide your reptiles and amphibians with the light they need to thrive.
Lighting Topics
Comprehensive UV Index Table
Reptiles and amphibians inhabit a diverse range of environments, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for exposure to sunlight. This variation in sunlight exposure is critical for their thermoregulation, natural activities, and especially for many of their physiological and biological processes, including the synthesis of vitamin D3, calcium metabolism, boosting the immune system, and promoting a healthy appetite and digestion.
Sunlight, A Beacon of Life
Sunlight arrives at the top of the earth's atmosphere at a power level of about one kilowatt per square meter. It is by this energy that all life-processes on earth are ultimately driven. Without the sun's constant energy input our planet would quickly radiate away its own energy in short order, making all life extinct.
The Myth of Nocturnal Creatures and UVB Light
The belief that nocturnal animals don't require UVB exposure has been a long-standing one in the world of reptile and amphibian care. The argument, "It’s nocturnal—it doesn’t need UVB," has been a staple for many enthusiasts and breeders. However, recent scientific studies have begun to challenge this age-old notion, shedding light on the importance of UVB for all creatures, regardless of their diurnal patterns.
The Role of Visible Light in Reptile Biology
Visible light is essential to the survival and well-being of reptiles, influencing their vision, behavior, communication, and physiology. Understanding the role of visible light in reptile biology can help improve conservation efforts and ensure the health of reptiles in captivity.
Understanding Ferguson Zones
The Ferguson Zones were developed in 2010 by Professor Gary Ferguson of the Texas Christian University. Ferguson and his team of herpetologists gathered data of the daily UV exposure of 15 species of reptiles. In the publication that followed, these 15 species were divided into four groups according to their thermoregulatory behaviour (daily sun exposure) and microhabitat preferences: the "Ferguson Zones". The corresponding UV guidelines were based on the average irradiance of randomly encountered wild specimens: Zone 1 with the least, to Zone 4 with the highest exposure.
Vitamin D3 and Reptiles: A Vital Connection
Vitamin D3 plays a vital role in the health and well-being of reptiles, much like it does in other animals. This hormone is integral to mineral metabolism and bone development in reptiles. One of its most significant roles is to enhance calcium absorption from the intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D3, reptiles couldn’t absorb dietary calcium efficiently, which is crucial for their skeletal health and overall well-being.
What is Light?
Sunlight arrives at the top of the earth's atmosphere at a power level of about one kilowatt per square meter. It is by this energy that all life-processes on earth are ultimately driven. Without the sun's constant energy input our planet would quickly radiate away its own energy in short order, making all life extinct.
What is UV-B?
UV-B stands for Ultraviolet B radiation, which is a type of ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight. Ultraviolet or UV light is a high energy portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, just beyond visible light. The UV-spectrum is divided into three wavelength groups.
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