Reptile Systems T5 D3 Reptile Lamp

The Reptile Systems T5 D3 lamps are designed to be mounted horizontally overhead at a minimum distance of approximately 10– 12 inches (25-30 cm) above the back of the animal. Reptile Systems T5 bulbs provide UVA and UVB for reptiles, which aids their vision as well as the production of vitamin D3, which enables calcium to be utilized to produce strong bones and eliminate the risk of Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

All Reptile Systems lamps are routinely batch tested in their UK testing facility. Several parameters are checked to ensure the lamps are within correct tolerances, as animal welfare is top priority.

There are two percentages (light levels) of the Reptile Systems T5 lamps available:

• 6% for forest species
• 12% for desert species

These light levels are available in a range of lengths/wattages:

• 24 Watt, 22 inch (for 24 inch fixture)
• 39 Watt, 34 inch (for 36 inch fixture)
• 54 Watt, 46 inch (for 48 inch fixture)

T5 D3 lamps do require an external ballast to function, and we suggest using a reflector to increase the light levels. T5 lamps require an electronic ballast to work and will not work with a magnetic ballast. This lamp will only operate when used with equipment containing an appropriate T5 electronic ballast.

Reptile Systems T5 D3 lamps are a full-spectrum lamp with excellent color rendering to promote and enhance natural colors.

One of the questions we're often asked is, “Which lamp do I need?”. There are several factors that can determine which % lamp will suit your animal's needs best:

1. Enclosure size
2. Décor
3. Animal's basking distance
4. Whether lamp is being reflected or mounted above a mesh screen
5. The UVI level you’re trying to achieve for that species

Reptile Systems recommends you visit your local retailer and ask them for advice, or you can check out Reptile System's Facebook, YouTube and website for more information.

About this bulb:

• For animals categorized in Ferguson Zone 2
• 54 Watt, 46 inch
• Light level: 6% (for forest species)
• 1.8 UVI* for the synthesis of vitamin D3
• *Average UVI at 30 cm with reflector over 6 months of testing
• Full spectrum
• Produces excellent natural colors
• Always provide a shaded area for animals
• Replace after one year of normal use
• 60 kWh/1000h

Troubleshooting:

Very occasionally, we are contacted to say that a lamp will not work— there are a couple of equipment checks that should be done in this case:

• Check the fuse and make sure the unit is switched on.
• Check that the pins on the ends of the lamp are not damaged or bent.
• Check that the pins of the lamp are correctly located within the end caps of the ballast unit. If in doubt speak to your retailer for assistance.

Did you know...?

The “T” designation in fluorescent lamps stands for tubular, which is simply the shape of the lamp. The number that follows (in this case an 5) gives the diameter of the lamp in eighths of an inch. So, a T5 lamp is five-eighths of an inch (1.59 cm) in diameter.

T5 fluorescent lamps are low-pressure mercury vapor gas discharge lamps that use fluorescent phosphors to produce visible light. T5 lamps first became widely available in 1990s for household lighting, as an upgrade from the T8s which were commonly used in the 1980s, due to their greater light output per watt.

Manufacturers of reptile lamps saw the household lamp market moving away from T8 lamps and towards the T5, which was more efficient and classed as high output, taking the knowledge they used for the T8 and applying it to the T5 lamps.