Reptile Systems T8 D3 Reptile Lamp

The Reptile Systems T8 D3 lamps are designed to be mounted horizontally overhead at a minimum distance of approximately 10– 12 inches (25-30 cm) above the animal. Reptile Systems T8 D3 provide UVA and UVB for reptiles, aiding true color vision as well as the production of vitamin D3. This allows the animals to synthesize calcium from their diet, along with many other important bodily functions. This process facilitates the building of strong bones and eliminates the risk of Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

There are currently three percentages of the Reptile Systems T8 lamps available:

• 2.4% designed for birds and crepuscular reptiles
• 5% for forest species
• 10% for desert species

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.

The three strengths of lamp are high-quality, reliable and available in all standard sizes:

• 15 Watt, 18 inch
• 18 Watt, 24 inch
• 25 Watt, 30 inch
• 30 Watt, 36 inch
• 38 Watt, 42 inch
• 58 Watt, 60 inch (2.4% only)

T8 D3 lamps require an external ballast (which can be magnetic or electronic) to function. A reflector can be used to double-up on light output.

Reptile Systems T8 D3 lamps are a full-spectrum lamp which helps to enhance excellent 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:

• 30 Watt, 36 inch
• For forest reptile species
• 10% UVB for the synthesis of vitamin D3
• Full spectrum
• Produces excellent natural colors
• Replace at least once a year
• 36 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.
• If you are using a magnetic controller check and replace the choke/starter.

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 8) gives the diameter of the lamp in eighths of an inch. So, a T8 lamp is eight-eighths of an inch, or one whole inch (2.54 cm), in diameter.

T8 fluorescent lamps are low-pressure mercury vapor gas discharge lamps that use fluorescent phosphors to produce visible light. T8 lamps date much further back than you think and first started becoming widely available in 1981 for household lighting, replacing the inch and a half T12 (3.20 cm) lamps that were commonly being used.

Manufacturers of reptile lamps took this new T8 technology and evolved it much further than the previous versions. By adding blends of different phosphors they were now able to get the lamps to emit better levels of UVB. This was quite a breakthrough as our understanding of how reptiles UVB requirements within captivity had also grown. These were the first reptile designed lamps and the many improved generations of lamps have followed. Advancements have increased the lifespan and reliability to the point we are at today.