Zilla Super UV Coil Lamp Reptile Fluorescent Bulbs at Pet Mountain

On November 15, 2010:
This bulb is ideal for my aquatic turtle's needs. There's enough UVA / UVB for basking without baking. I also enjoyed the blue glow mentioned in the review from Bradley in OH, no more jaundiced yellow tints. The 13-watt bulb is a good match for my ceramic-socket goose-neck lamp. As a side thought (I'm not an electrician or expert), it may be imperative to check the rating required by your lamp - because although the energy efficient bulb uses only 13 watts, it likely still needs the socket / voltage to match 25-40 watt standard bulbs. Ultimately, this is easy, eye-friendly lighting for lite basking in non-desert habitats. It's not too harsh or garish - comfortable for both the turtle and me! I'm sure other lamps & pets have other needs, but this is an affordable option for quality that met ours.

On October 10, 2010:
I use these bulbs with my aquatic turtles and have for years. Just to clarify, these bulbs do emit both UVA and UVB spectrum light, and there is a small chart on the back of the packaging that shows the spectrum coverage. UV bulbs tend to be marketed for their UVB output, but rest assured that while the packaging does not mention UVA, these do emit UVA light (assuming the spectrum chart is correct). That's not to say that all UV bulbs provide sufficient UVA; I've seen some high-output UVB bulbs from other manufacturers that do not, which may be fine depending on the pet. This particular bulb is an excellent mix for aquatic turtles, providing plenty of UVA and not too much UVB. If your pets require a large amount of UVB light, there are other bulbs for this purpose. The other thing I like about these bulbs is that they emit a pleasing blue-colored light that brings out the color in my pets and makes the aquariums look great. Equivalent bulbs from other manufacturers (Exo Terra, I'm looking at you) tend to emit a nasty yellow-green light that reduces everything to one shade of disgusting. Who knew that water looks better under bluish light? It's quite obvious after you try it. My only complaint is that Pet Mountain does not carry the 20 Watt variety. Consider this my third nudge. ;)

On August 25, 2010:
Be warned that it DOES NOT say anything about UVA on the packaging - anywhere. I do not know if that is just assumed, but I'm a little confused about it. Also, DO NOT rely on this bulb for any heat source!!

On July 26, 2010:
I got this bulb and i had not even had it on for a day and it blew up.. (yes i mean blew up not blow out). And i had it in a zilla 8.5" reflector dome (which i have been using for a while).