Evil Light Bulbs of Doom

[Shadowfax]

[Zach]

Hmm, in the tanks the bigger 100w seemed to go out every 3 mons or so...but since the hotel, I have the 40w and none have gone out yet (since sept.)

[Jenn]

I said about every three months. They last a little longer in the winter because they aren't on for as many hours.

[Dragontears]

I put every three months although I'm not exactly sure. They seem to burn out in cycles...first Mamma's, then Tarzan's, then Sprout, then Nona and then Stewey. (I'm not sure where Styx fits in there yet) Since I'm replacing all their bulbs within a 1-1.5 month time frame it gets difficult to remember how long each bulb lasts.

[Marie]

Ever since I bought the expensive light housings, I haven't had so many die on me. Mel's light is going on 1 yr.

[KyleWeiss]

Rollie's light is the first one I bought him, a 90W on a stepped-down dimmer. Just a regular flood light, but it touted itself as some 4500 hour somethingorother. It's been great, Rollie likes it.

KW

[Shadowfax]

Hmmm, that makes me feel a little better -- I've never had a problem with smaller bulbs, but the 150 W monster it takes to heat Maya's tank blows out every few months. I tried buying a new fixture, but it didn't make too much of a difference. At least now I know it's not just me. Guess I just thought the bulbs should last longer!

[Zach]

Ever since I bought the expensive light housings, I haven't had so many die on me. Mel's light is going on 1 yr.

What do you have?

[Marie]

Ever since I bought the expensive light housings, I haven't had so many die on me. Mel's light is going on 1 yr.

What do you have?

Mel has a PowerSun for day. Popsicle has a PowerSun for day and a low watt exo terra for night. The PowerSuns are at least a year. The exo terra is more 8-10 months. I found that the expensive housings and timers both help extend the lifetime of the bulb.

[Greytmari]

Great topic for newbies and those of us who are not sure of these things!!! Thanks Shadowfax. I have not had to replace any of mine yet and I am going on 8 months with Tito and 4 months with Mags. Watch they will all BLOW out today!!!!!!

QUESTION: Will the UVB lights (The sun like ones) blow out or do you just need to replace them every six months? I am unsure, don't the UVB rays weaken over time?

[Tigergenesis]

I replace my UVB every 6 months. I don't think I've ever had one actually go out on me.

[Marie]

I had only had one PowerSun go in under one year. It didn't pop or anything, it just stopped working. I usually replace my PowerSuns every 1 to 1 1/4 yrs. Although, I found that they still emit tons of UV after a year (my way of testing this was dorky and too complicated to explain).

[KyleWeiss]

There's various suggestions as to when to change the UVA/UVB lights, 8-12 months seems to be standard for most keepers that use them. I don't mind this, for I'll just use the old bulbs in other lamps around the house as "energy savers," since for light they're still just fine.

KW

[Skinkman]

Most of mine last six months-to-year atleast. I have to replace afew...but not too often.

[Shadowfax]

Hmmm, so apparently, I need to find some fancy sockets -- well, first let me find some extra cash, then, I'll be set!

[Chase]

I had only had one PowerSun go in under one year. It didn't pop or anything, it just stopped working. I usually replace my PowerSuns every 1 to 1 1/4 yrs. Although, I found that they still emit tons of UV after a year (my way of testing this was dorky and too complicated to explain).

Actually, I think I'd like to hear it.

[Shadowfax]

Did it involve writing the word "mom" in scotch tape on your skin and giving yourself a sunburn around it?

[Edward]

[Chase]