Exo Terra Natural Light Tube
Exo Terra Natural Light Tube
Full-spectrum daylight along the length of the enclosure — no UVB. The Exo Terra Natural Light Tube is a linear full-spectrum daylight fluorescent for terrariums and aqua-terrariums, sized from 15 W/45 cm up to 36 W/120 cm to match enclosures of different lengths. It improves colour rendition and, through its UVA content, supports natural appetite, activity and reproductive behaviour and plant growth — but like the compact version, it isn't a UVB source, so species that need UVB still need a dedicated UVB tube running alongside it.
Key features
- Full spectrum daylight — supports natural colour perception for both the animal and any live plants.
- UVA present — Exo Terra credits it with stimulating appetite, activity and reproductive behaviour, and improving colour perception.
- No UVB output — pair with a dedicated UVB100, UVB150 or UVB200 linear tube for species that need UVB.
- Five lengths — 45 cm to 120 cm, so longer enclosures (or two placed side by side) can be lit without gaps.
- Energy efficient — full spectrum output from a standard T8-format fluorescent tube.
Specifications
| Length | Wattage | SKU | Est. annual running cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 cm | 15 W | RP500 | $19.80 |
| 60 cm | 18 W | RP501 | $23.70 |
| 75 cm | 25 W | RP502 | $33.00 |
| 90 cm | 30 W | RP503 | $39.30 |
| 120 cm | 36 W | RP504 | $47.40 |
Which length do I need?
Match tube length to enclosure length so the light spreads evenly across the floor rather than leaving a dim end. Exo Terra notes the longer sizes can also be run across two adjoining terrariums where enclosures sit side by side. All five run on the same full-spectrum, no-UVB output — length and wattage are the only differences.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable as general terrarium lighting for all species, particularly planted terrariums and long or multi-terrarium setups, and as a supplementary low-UV light for snakes, amphibians and nocturnal animals. Not suitable as the sole lighting for reptiles that need UVB for calcium metabolism — pair it with a dedicated UVB linear tube for those species.
Running costs
*Estimated at 12 hours a day, a typical daytime photoperiod, at an approximate 30c/kWh household tariff. Actual cost depends on your tariff and how many hours a day the tube runs.
Care and maintenance
Fluorescent tube output fades gradually with age; a visibly dimmer or flickering tube is due for replacement. Exo Terra hasn't published a fixed replacement interval for this linear range specifically — its compact fluorescent bulbs are rated for annual replacement, and checking this tube's output yearly is a reasonable starting point until Exo Terra publishes a linear-specific figure.
Safety
220–240 V AU mains, standard T8 fitting. Fit into a fixture rated for the tube's length and wattage, and keep it clear of misting or splashing water.
Goes well with
- A dedicated UVB100, UVB150 or UVB200 linear tube, for species that need UVB
- A T8 canopy or fixture sized to the tube's length
- A separate basking heat lamp on its own thermostat
Warranty and delivery
Covered by your rights under Australian Consumer Law as a packaged electrical accessory, in addition to any manufacturer terms. Ships standard.
Common questions
Does this tube provide UVB?
No. It provides full-spectrum visible light and UVA only. Species that need UVB for calcium metabolism need a separate, dedicated UVB linear tube alongside it.
Can I run two tubes across two adjoining terrariums?
Exo Terra notes the longer sizes can span multiple terrariums placed side by side, so a single longer tube can sometimes cover two enclosures rather than fitting one tube to each.
How often should I replace it?
Exo Terra hasn't published a fixed interval for this linear range. As a general guide, replace it if output looks visibly dimmer, or check it yearly in line with the replacement interval Exo Terra states for its compact fluorescent range.
What's the difference between the five lengths?
Length and wattage, matched to the size of enclosure they're built to light evenly — colour temperature, CRI and UVA output are consistent across the range.
