Exo Terra Reptile UVB200 13w Compact Fluoro Bulb
Wattage
13 W
Fitting
Standard screw fitting
Replace every
12 months
Exo Terra Reptile UVB200 13w Compact Fluoro Bulb
The strongest compact UVB bulb Exo Terra makes, in a 13 W screw-in format. The Exo Terra Reptile UVB200 is a self-ballasted compact fluorescent bulb built for reptiles with very high UV requirements – sun-baking desert diurnal species – and for enclosures where a screen top or extra height dilutes UVB before it reaches the animal. It shares the UVB200 output with the 25 W version below; wattage is what changes the reach.
Key features
- Highest output in Exo Terra's compact UVB range – above the UVB150 desert (10.0) strength.
- Self-ballasted, standard screw fitting – no separate ballast or transformer, fits the compact fluorescent sockets already in most hoods and fixtures.
- 13 W format – suited to smaller and mid-sized enclosures; step up to the 25 W for taller setups or dense screening (see the comparison below).
- Built for penetration through screens – Exo Terra markets this line specifically for taller terrariums and terrariums with denser mesh tops.
- 12-month replacement interval – Exo Terra's own guidance, backed by its "Restore The Rays" reminder programme.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Exo Terra model | PT2340 |
| SKU | RP238 |
| Wattage | 13 W |
| Fitting | Self-ballasted compact fluorescent, standard screw base |
| UVB strength | UVB200 – highest in the compact range |
| Replacement interval | 12 months |
Which wattage do I need?
Both the 13 W and 25 W UVB200 carry the same output grade; wattage changes how far that output reaches, not how strong it is at the source.
| 13 W (this bulb) | 25 W | |
|---|---|---|
| UVB at 20 cm | 60 µW/cm² | 90 µW/cm² |
| UVB at 40 cm | 20 µW/cm² | 25 µW/cm² |
| UVB at 60 cm | 7 µW/cm² | 10 µW/cm² |
| Best suited to | Smaller and mid-sized enclosures, open or lightly screened tops | Taller or larger enclosures, or denser screen tops |
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for high-UV desert and semi-desert baskers, and for setups where a mesh lid or extra height would leave a lower-output bulb short of a useful dose.
Not suitable for shade or forest species – this is the strongest bulb in the range, and mounting it close for a low-UVB animal such as a forest gecko or tree frog risks over-exposure. Those species belong on the UVB100 instead.
UVA and UVB output by distance
Exo Terra publishes irradiance in microwatts per square centimetre (µW/cm²) for this bulb, not a UV Index reading, and does not publish a single "effective distance" figure for the UVB200 the way it does for the UVB100 and UVB150. Use the table below to choose a mounting distance for your species' target dose, and confirm on site with a calibrated meter such as a Solarmeter 6.5R if precise UV Index matters for your setup.
| Distance | UVA (µW/cm²) | UVB (µW/cm²) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 cm | 750 | 130 |
| 20 cm | 360 | 60 |
| 30 cm | 180 | 30 |
| 40 cm | 120 | 20 |
| 50 cm | 90 | 15 |
| 60 cm | 40 | 7 |
| 70 cm | 30 | 5 |
| 80 cm | 20 | 4 |
| 90 cm | 15 | 3 |
| 100 cm | 10 | 2 |
UVB is still measurable at 100 cm, well beyond where the UVB100 and UVB150 taper off – this is the bulb built for reach. A screen top will cut these figures further; mount closer than the open-air numbers above if your enclosure is screened.
Running costs
Based on a 12-hour daily photoperiod – a typical basking schedule for desert species – and a 30c/kWh tariff assumption, this bulb costs roughly $17 a year to run. Actual cost depends on your own tariff and the hours the bulb is switched on.
Care and maintenance
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.
Warranty and delivery
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.
Common questions
Why isn't there a stated "effective distance" for the UVB200 like the other bulbs?
Exo Terra doesn't publish one for this line. Use the irradiance table above against your species' target dose and enclosure height instead of a single headline figure.
Should I choose this over the UVB150?
Only if your species has very high UV requirements or your enclosure is tall or heavily screened – the UVB200 is the strongest bulb in the compact range and can over-expose an animal that only needs UVB150-level output.
Do I need a separate ballast?
No. The UVB200 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.
