Zoo Med Repti Sun 5.0 Tropical Compact Fluorescent
Wattage
26 W
Fitting
Standard screw base
Replace every
12 months
Warranty
1 year
Running cost a year
$34
Mounting distance
15 to 23 cm after burn-in
Zoo Med Repti Sun 5.0 Tropical Compact Fluorescent
Tropical-strength UVB in a bulb that screws into any standard fitting. The Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 Compact Fluorescent (item FS-C5, 26 W) is a self-ballasted UVB bulb delivering 5% UVB and 30% UVA full-spectrum output – the level tropical, forest and part-shade reptiles and amphibians receive under natural canopy. UVB lets reptiles synthesise vitamin D3 in their skin, which is what allows them to metabolise calcium and avoid metabolic bone disease; UVA on top of that encourages natural feeding, basking and breeding behaviour. It runs cool enough to mount in a standard dome or hood with no separate ballast.
Key features
- 5% UVB / 30% UVA full-spectrum output – suited to tropical and forest species: most geckos, many skinks and tree-dwelling snakes, water dragons in shaded zones, and forest tortoises.
- Self-ballasted screw base – fits any standard threaded fixture, no external ballast required.
- Cool-burning quartz glass envelope – emits UVA and UVB without adding heat to the enclosure, so basking temperature is set by a separate heat source.
- Runs vertically or horizontally – suits dome fixtures and terrarium hoods alike.
Specifications
| Item number | FS-C5 (SKU ZM217) |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 26 W |
| Base | Standard screw (self-ballasted, no external ballast needed) |
| UVB output | 5% |
| UVA output | 30% |
| Spectrum | Full spectrum |
| Heat output | None – UVA/UVB only |
UV gradient and mounting distance
Zoo Med publishes mounting distance by fixture type rather than a single figure, because output is highest during the bulb's first two weeks (the “burn-in” period) and settles after that. A mesh screen between the bulb and the animal cuts UVB substantially, which is why Zoo Med gives separate distances for screened and open setups.
| Fixture | Screen cover | During burn-in (first ~2 weeks) | After burn-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep dome | With screen | 20–30 cm (8–12″) | 15–23 cm (6–9″) |
| Deep dome | No screen | 25–36 cm (10–14″) | 18–25 cm (7–10″) |
| Terrarium hood (12″ or 18″) | With screen | 25–33 cm (10–13″) | 18–25 cm (7–10″) |
Zoo Med does not publish a numeric UV Index-by-distance chart for this specific 26 W lamp (only its Mini Compact range carries a UVI table) – the mounting-distance guidance above is the manufacturer's published figure for this model. As the mesh gets finer, more UVB is filtered, so measure your actual setup with a UV index meter where possible, and mount at the closer, no-screen distances only if the enclosure has no mesh between the bulb and the basking spot.
Useful UVB life
This lamp provides beneficial UVB for 12 months from first use, even though it will keep glowing visibly well beyond that. Replace it every 12 months regardless of appearance – visible light output does not track UVB output.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for: tropical and forest-floor to part-shade species – many geckos, skinks, tree frogs, and forest-dwelling chelonians that bask in dappled rather than direct sun.
Not suitable for: desert and full-sun basking species (e.g. bearded dragons, many desert tortoises, uromastyx) that need higher UVB – step up to a ReptiSun 10.0.
Safety
Mount in a ceramic or porcelain-socketed fixture rated for the wattage, with ventilation around the bulb base. Do not touch the bulb when hot, and keep it away from water and high-humidity misting zones.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by Zoo Med's 1-year manufacturer warranty. Ships via standard delivery.
Common questions
Do I still need a separate heat bulb?
Yes. This lamp produces UVA and UVB without heat, so a separate basking bulb or ceramic heat emitter sets the temperature gradient.
How do I know when to replace it?
By the calendar, not by eye – UVB output drops well before the bulb stops glowing. Replace it 12 months after first use.
Does a mesh screen matter?
Yes – a screen between the bulb and the animal reduces UVB reaching the basking spot, which is why Zoo Med publishes closer mounting distances for open setups than for screened ones.
Can I use this for a desert species?
No – 5% UVB suits tropical and part-shade species. Desert and heavy-basking species need the higher-output ReptiSun 10.0.
