New range of Exo Terra Very High Output bulbs positions itself as the most sun-like reptile UVB range on the market
Earlier this year, Exo Terra previewed a new range of T5 Reptile UVB Bulbs at PATS 2024, which many reptile professionals identified as a game changer.
The closest thing to natural sunlight
These new Exo Terra T5 VHO Bulbs are the culmination of years of research between Exo Terra and reptile keeping and lighting expert Tomaskas, and features a unique phosphor blend, allowing it to replicate UVA & UVB rays in sunlight much more closely than was previously possible. To that end, this new phosphor blend effectively eliminates shorter wavelengths in order to match natural sunlight much more closely in the regions of UVB and UVA 2. These bulbs are manufactured in Germany, to a medical-grade standard, and are held to the highest possible quality standards.
These new T5 fluorescent UVB bulbs take the next big step forwards in safe reptile husbandry by eliminating shortwave lengths that could still be found in other T5 bulbs, for an even more true-to-life UV Spectrum, and a more realistic environment in a terrarium. These wave lengths are what solar meters read, which does mean that the bulbs will read slightly lower UVI than you might expect, but this can easily be adjusted by raising the basking area relatively to the bulb, and will greatly improve animal welfare overall.
UVA rays help stimulate appetite, activity and reproductive behaviour in reptiles, while UVB helps prevent metabolic bone disease and helps promote healthy Vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium absorption. The Exo Terra T5 Reptile UVB range covers a wide range of wattages, from 8W to 54W, which makes them easy to integrate into any existing fixtures. The range is split further down into UVB100, UVB200 and UVB300, to closely match the needs of specific reptiles.
Bulbs for specific species
The Reptile UVB100 Bulb is designed for nocturnal and crepuscular reptiles, also known as Ferguson Zone 1, such as frogs, ball pythons, as well as crested and leopard geckos, who all have moderate UVB needs in the wild. In comparison, the Reptile UVB200 bulb matches the needs of partial sun and occasional basking reptiles, which naturally dwell in Ferguson Zone 2. This includes chameleons and green iguanas, among others. Finally, the Reptile UVB300 Bulb covers Ferguson Zones 3 and 4, and matches the needs of reptiles who bask in open, mid-day sun, such as bearded dragons and uromastyx.
The meticulous approach to spectrum development is what really makes this new range position itself as next level, with independent tests showing that the Exo Terra T5 Reptile UVB Bulbs replicate UVB rays closer to sunlight than any other existing market leaders. The differences are obvious when looking at the spectrum graphs, with the Exo Terra T5 Bulbs matching the natural spectrum of UV in sunlight closer than has ever been achieved before. Exo Terra’s scientific commitment to accuracy really shines through, and should give keepers the confidence that their reptiles are receiving the highest possible quality of care.
A huge step forward
While the Exo Terra T5 Very High Output Bulbs are compatible with any existing fixtures on the market, Exo Terra is also releasing a new T5 Terrarium Top High-Performance Reptile UVB Fixture, specially designed to enhance the bulbs’ performance and integrate them with no fuss in any terrarium setting. This new terrarium top comes with many new features, including a high-output reflector, which will increase light penetration in taller and mesh top terrariums. It’s also equipped with a high-quality electronic ballast, which will greatly increase the overall performance and lifespan of any Exo Terra T5 Bulb installed. Its linkable design allows for the control of multiple fixtures with only a single timer, and the grounded plug ensures top-notch safety and durability. Finally, the fixture is an ideal choice for a wide range of setups, with its optional mounting clips allowing it even more flexibility than just placing it on top of a terrarium mesh, for unparalleled versatility in terrarium setups.
Overall, these new T5 Reptile VHO Bulbs show an incredible step forwards in faithfully recreating a reptile’s natural environment in captivity, with some zoos and private collections already adopting the new range to maximise their animals’ welfare. Exo Terra shows once again that they are committed to pushing the envelope in what is possible in reptile keeping, and recreating a reptile’s natural habitat as closely as possible, which should instil confidence in any reptile keeper on the market.
The full Exo Terra T5 range will launch in early 2025. Please contact your Hagen Sales Manager for more information and to place a pre-order, as stocks will be limited and assigned on a first come first served basis.
Visit exo-terra.com or for trade enquiries call 01977 556622
