Keeping your bearded dragon healthy requires multiple things, but one of the most essential things your bearded dragon needs is UVB light. UVB light is a specific UV spectrum light that stimulates vitamin D production in your beardie’s body. Vitamin D is responsible for how well your bearded dragon’s body is able to absorb and use calcium. Without enough vitamin D, calcium levels will go down and can result in metabolic disorders, bone problems, and issues with egg formation in females.
These reviews of the top 7 best UVB lights for your bearded dragon will help you pick a light that will help your beardie stay healthy for years to come.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
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Best Overall
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ZOO MED ReptiSun 10 UVB Compact Fluorescent Lamp |
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Best Value
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ZOO MED T8 ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Fluorescent Lamp |
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Premium Choice
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MyComfyPets UVB400 Light Reptile Bulb |
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Evergreen Pet Supplies UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb |
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Zilla Desert Series Fluorescent Coil Bulb |
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The 6 Best UVB Light Bulb for Bearded Dragons
1. ZOO MED ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Lamp – Best Overall
The ZOO MED ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Lamp is the best overall pick for UVB lights for your bearded dragon because it provides 10% UVB lighting in a compact size. This lamp can be used in hood or dome light fixtures.
This lamp provides 30% UVA output while staying cool, meaning that it won’t increase the temperature within your tank. UVA lighting helps improve your reptile’s mood, as well as increase appetite and activity. It can be used vertically or horizontally to fit different fixtures and it will fit into any standard threaded socket.
This is a quartz bulb, which means that it should not be handled with bare hands. The oils from your hands will damage the bulb, shortening its life and possibly causing it to shatter. This light will need to be replaced every 6 months, even if not burned out, to maintain UVB efficacy. All in all, we think this is the best overall UVB light bulb for bearded dragons available this year.
2. ZOO MED T8 ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Fluorescent Lamp – Best Value
The best UVB light bulb for your bearded dragon for the money is the ZOO MED T8 ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Fluorescent Lamp. This light has a similar name to the ZOO MED compact lamp but is larger, more cost-effective, and a different type of bulb. It is available in 18-inch and 24-inch options, both of which provide 10% UVB lighting.
This bulb provides 30% UVA lighting and is ideal for large terrariums. It can be used above screen tank covers, but a screen will filter up to 50% of the UVB lighting, preventing it from reaching your beardie. It should be placed 20 inches from your bearded dragon’s basking area and ideally, it should cover 75% of your tank. This bulb is a T8 fluorescent bulb, which is rated for 20,000 to 24,000 hours of use, so it should last up to 2.5 years.
This bulb contains mercury and should be handled with care and disposed of properly. You will likely need to check your local hazardous materials disposal laws if you need to dispose of this bulb. This does produce some heat but not enough to replace a heat lamp, so you will need to have space for this bulb and a heat lamp over your bearded dragon’s basking site.
3. MyComfyPets UVB400 Light Reptile Bulb
The MyComfyPets UVB400 Light Reptile Bulb is available in two sizes, 180-200 UVB and 400 UVB. The 400 UVB bulb is recommended for large tanks and is usually the better option for bearded dragons. This is a mercury vapor lamp, so it can also be used as a heat lamp.
This bulb does not release UVC radiation, but it does provide adequate UVA, UVB, and heat output. It’s rated for 10,000 hours of use, so you’ll likely need to replace it within a year. This bulb is parabola-shaped, so it can be used in tanks of any size, but large tanks may require more than one light. It is 100 watts, so your fixture will need to be able to handle a high-wattage light.
The UVA and UVB output of this lamp is not measured in percentage like many other lamps are. Since it contains mercury, it will require special disposal. This bulb cannot be used with a dimmer.
4. Evergreen Pet Supplies UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb
The Evergreen Pet Supplies UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb is both a UVB bulb and a heat lamp. These bulbs are each tested prior to sale to ensure they work correctly. They are made to fit standard threaded light fixture sockets.
This bulb produces UVA and UVB light without harmful UVC, and it also produces enough heat to keep your basking spot around 90°F depending on how far away you place the light. The recommendation is to place this light 10-20 inches from your basking area. Since this is a parabolic bulb and not a long bulb, it can be used for tanks of any size, although larger cages may require more than one light. This is a 100-watt bulb, so your fixture will need to be rated for a light this strong.
This light cannot be used with a dimmer. The percentage of UVB and UVA provided by this light is not listed on the bulb, the packaging, or by the manufacturer, so it may not be the best option if you have a specific percentage in mind. This includes mercury and will need appropriate disposal.
5. Zilla Desert Series Fluorescent Coil Bulb
The Zilla Desert Series Fluorescent Coil Bulb is a 20-watt light that fits standard threaded sockets. It gives off 50 microwatts of UVB light per second.
This bulb is energy-efficient and is designed for up to 12 months of use. It provides full-spectrum lighting, meeting the needs of your beardie. It gives off heat, but it’s unlikely to give off enough heat to replace a heat lamp. Since this bulb doesn’t contain mercury, standard lightbulb disposal is fine when replacing it. This bulb helps to enhance the natural colors of your bearded dragon and tank setup.
You will need to replace this bulb at least annually, as well as purchasing a separate heat lamp setup.
6. WACOOL PT-P95100 UVB Reptile Light Bulb
The WACOOL PT-P95100 UVB Reptile Light Bulb is a good option for UVA, UVB, and heat coverage. It is designed for maximum efficacy at 12 inches from the basking area.
This bulb fits standard threaded sockets and is designed with a magnesium oxide coating to help reduce the harshness of the light. It has an automatic shutoff if it begins to overheat and after cooling for 15 to 20 minutes, it will turn itself back on. This bulb can be used as a heat lamp as well as UVB and UVA lighting.
This bulb is a mercury bulb and requires special disposal. It also does not have the percentage of UVB coverage listed on the packaging or product and it isn’t available through the manufacturer. This bulb only has a life expectancy around 6,000 hours, so it will need to be replaced every 6 months or so.
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best UVB Light Bulb for Bearded Dragons
How to Measure UVB Output:
UVB Light Options:
Final Thoughts
For the best overall product, check out the ZOO MED ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Lamp, which includes a light fixture and is compact but effective. The best value product is the ZOO MED T8 ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Fluorescent Lamp, which is a great pick for large tanks. If you’re interested in a premium product, then the MyComfyPets UVB400 Light Reptile Bulb is a perfect option, especially if you’re starting out and don’t have a heat lamp yet.
Buying a UVB light for your bearded dragon may seem like a confusing task, but it isn’t so bad when you look at the available options! These reviews should help you narrow your search and find a good starting point to picking a bulb for your tank. Keep in mind that many of these do not include a light fixture, so that will need to be purchased separately.
Featured Image Credit:Â yann ferlaak, Pixabay
