08/09/2026
⚠️ PLEASE STOP USING THESE BULBS ⚠️
Please share this post — these bulbs are becoming increasingly common, and many keepers simply don't realise there may be a risk.
We are seeing more and more of these small “UVA + UVB” reptile bulbs being sold online, often supplied with inexpensive clamp lamps.
If you are currently using one, we strongly recommend replacing it with a reputable, purpose-designed reptile lighting system.
These tiny reflector bulbs are often advertised as providing heat, UVA and UVB all from one bulb. Unfortunately, there are serious concerns surrounding some unshielded halogen lamps of this type.
Unlike properly manufactured halogen basking lamps, some have an exposed halogen capsule with no protective glass lens which can potentially emit unwanted short-wavelength UV, including dangerous UVB/UVC wavelengths, which would normally be filtered by protective glass.
Excessive or inappropriate ultraviolet exposure can cause serious problems including eye inflammation and damage, skin damage and abnormal shedding. There are published veterinary reports of reptiles becoming ill following exposure to unsuitable UV-producing lamps.
There is another problem too…
They produce a very small, concentrated basking area.
Reptiles should be provided with a suitable basking zone that allows them to warm a significant area of their body. A tiny, intense beam can create a concentrated hotspot rather than providing the broad, even basking area we want.
❌ Cheap isn't always safe.
❌ Don't assume something is suitable simply because it says “reptile” or “UVA + UVB” on the listing.
For species requiring UVB, we recommend using reputable reptile UVB lighting with a known and tested output, correctly positioned for the species and enclosure. Heating should also be provided using an appropriate reptile basking lamp with a suitable beam spread and controlled where necessary.
If you have one of these bulbs and you're unsure what to replace it with, please bring us a photo of your enclosure and the animal you're keeping. We're always happy to help.
Watch this video from our friends Responsible Reptile Keeping to further understand the issues.
https://youtu.be/YO55wn5YUBY?si=EDwankutX7lJNG8V
