Exo Terra Reptile UVB100 Tropical Compact 5.0

• Tropical-strength UVB (5.0 output) – matched to species that bask under partial canopy rather than full desert sun, including many geckos, skinks, tree frogs and forest tortoises.
• Self-ballasted, standard screw fitting – no separate ballast or transformer, fits the compact fluorescent sockets already in most hoods and fixtures.
• 13 W or 25 W – the 25 W bulb pushes useful UVB further into a taller or wider enclosure; see the output table below before choosing.
• Also provides visible light – bulbs run bright well after their UVB output has faded, which is why replacement is on a calendar, not on how the bulb looks.
• 12-month replacement interval – Exo Terra's own guidance, backed by its "Restore The Rays" reminder programme.

Exo Terra grades its compact UVB bulbs by output strength, not wattage alone. Match the strength to how your species basks in the wild, then use wattage to reach the right distance.

Suitable for tropical and sub-tropical reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates that bask in filtered or indirect light in the wild.

Not suitable as the sole UVB source for strongly sun-basking desert species such as bearded dragons or uromastyx – those animals need the UVB150 or UVB200 strength to reach a comparable dose at a workable distance.

Exo Terra publishes irradiance in microwatts per square centimetre (µW/cm²) for this bulb, not a UV Index reading. If your setup needs a confirmed UV Index figure, measure it on site with a calibrated meter such as a Solarmeter 6.5R – irradiance alone cannot be safely converted to UV Index without one, and real readings fall further behind a mesh screen.

Both wattages drop off sharply after 40–50 cm, which is why Exo Terra states an effective range of 40 cm – beyond that the UVB contribution is close to background. A wire mesh lid cuts UVB further; if your enclosure is screened, mount the bulb closer than an open-top setup would need.

Based on a 12-hour daily photoperiod – a typical basking schedule for tropical species – and a 30c/kWh tariff assumption, the 13 W bulb costs an estimated $17 a year to run, and the 25 W costs an estimated $33 a year. Actual cost depends on your own tariff and the hours the bulb is switched on.

Wipe dust from the bulb and reflector regularly – a light film cuts UVB output before it's visible to the eye. Replace on a 12-month calendar regardless of how bright the bulb still looks, since visible light output outlasts the UVB. Exo Terra's "Restore The Rays" programme sends a reminder if you register the bulb.

Covered by the standard Exo Terra manufacturer warranty against defects, in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law. Ships as a standard parcel item.

Can I use the UVB100 for a bearded dragon?

Not as the only UVB source. Bearded dragons are strong desert baskers and need the higher output of the UVB150 or UVB200 to reach an adequate dose at a safe distance.

Do I need a separate ballast?

No. The UVB100 is self-ballasted and screws directly into a standard compact fluorescent fitting.

How do I know when to replace it?

On the calendar, not by eye. Replace every 12 months – the bulb keeps producing visible light well after UVB output has dropped below a useful level.

Will a mesh lid stop the UVB working?

It reduces it. Mount the bulb closer to compensate, and check the output table above against your enclosure's actual clearance.

What's the difference between the 13 W and 25 W?

Wattage doesn't change the UVB strength grade – both are 5.0/tropical – it changes how far useful UVB reaches. The 25 W reads higher at every distance in the table above, so it suits larger or taller enclosures.