Exo Terra Reptile UVB200 25w Compact Fluoro Bulb
Wattage
25 W
Replace every
12 months
Exo Terra Reptile UVB200 25w Compact Fluoro Bulb
Exo Terra's strongest compact UVB bulb, stepped up to 25 W for extra reach. The Exo Terra Reptile UVB200 25 W is a self-ballasted compact fluorescent bulb built for reptiles with very high UV requirements — sun-basking desert diurnal species — and for taller enclosures or dense screen tops where a lower-output bulb would fall short of a useful dose at basking height. Exo Terra's own technical documentation labels this bulb 26 W; it's sold here as the 25 W variant.
Key features
- Highest output in Exo Terra's compact UVB range — above the UVB150 desert (10.0) strength.
- 25 W format — carries useful UVB further than the 13 W version; see the comparison below.
- Self-ballasted, standard screw fitting — no separate ballast or transformer, fits the compact fluorescent sockets already in most hoods and fixtures.
- 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 | PT2341 (listed by Exo Terra as 26 W) |
| SKU | RP239 |
| Wattage | 25 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 | 25 W (this bulb) | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 in larger or taller enclosures, and for setups with a denser screen top where extra reach is needed to hold a useful dose at basking height.
Not suitable for shade or forest species, and often more bulb than a small, open-top enclosure needs — the 13 W version covers those setups without the extra reach going to waste. Overexposing a low-UVB species is a real risk, not just a cost consideration.
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 | 1350 | 225 |
| 20 cm | 550 | 90 |
| 30 cm | 240 | 40 |
| 40 cm | 150 | 25 |
| 50 cm | 100 | 15 |
| 60 cm | 70 | 10 |
| 70 cm | 60 | 9 |
| 80 cm | 40 | 7 |
| 90 cm | 30 | 6 |
| 100 cm | 20 | 4 |
UVB is still measurable at 100 cm — noticeably higher than the 13 W version at every distance in the table — which is the point of stepping up wattage rather than just buying "a UVB200." 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 $33 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 is this bulb labelled 26 W on Exo Terra's own charts?
Exo Terra's technical documentation uses 26 W for this model's actual measured draw; it's sold and listed here as the 25 W variant of the UVB200.
Is 25 W overkill for a standard bearded dragon enclosure?
Often, yes. If your enclosure is open-top and under about 45 cm tall, the 13 W UVB200 usually reaches a comparable dose at basking height for less running cost.
When should I pick the 25 W over the 13 W?
When the enclosure is tall, large, or has a denser mesh lid — the table above shows the 25 W holding meaningfully higher UVB at every distance past 20 cm.
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.
