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HID bulb for reptiles – UVB, UVA and heat all in one
HID bulb for reptiles – UVB, UVA and heat all in one
The HID (High Intensity Discharge) bulb for reptiles packs UVB, UVA, heat and full-spectrum visible light into a single lamp, designed for diurnal species with a very hot basking spot and a high UVB demand. Unlike other all-in-one lamps, it needs a compatible external ballast to work. It is available in 35W, 50W and 70W.
How does the HID bulb differ from other UVB lamps?
- Compared with a compact UVB: the compact lights and gives UVB, but does not heat, so it calls for a separate lamp. With the HID you have fewer devices inside the vivarium.
- Compared with the mercury vapour lamp: the mercury lamp has its ballast integrated and goes straight into an E27; the HID delivers more light per watt and offers better-quality UVB.
- Compared with a T5 tube: the tube spreads light more evenly, although it gives no heat. For a powerful basking spot, with concentrated UVB and temperature, the HID wins.
Which reptiles is the HID bulb right for?
The HID bulb suits bearded dragons, uromastyx, monitors such as exanthematicus or acanthurus, and tortoises such as hermanni, graeca or sulcata. In roomy vivariums it also works for tegus (Salvator merianae) that need strong heat and for the green iguana (Iguana iguana) if the volume is large.
Which wattage to choose: 35W, 50W or 70W?
The wattage of the HID bulb determines the heat it gives and how far its effective UVB reaches. If you don't know which one suits your set-up, ask us.
| Wattage | Vivarium | Distance to the basking spot | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35W | Small or medium, up to 80–90 cm long | 20–30 cm | Juveniles or species with lower heat demands |
| 50W | Mid-sized, up to 100–120 cm | 30–40 cm | Adult bearded dragon, Hermann's tortoise or a small monitor |
| 70W | Big or very tall, more than 120 cm | Check with a thermometer | Species that require very high basking temperatures |
What does the HID bulb need to be installed?
- Ballast: external and compatible, because the HID cannot be connected directly to a standard E27.
- Lamp holder: ceramic, no exceptions; plastic cannot cope with its temperature.
- Thermostat: incompatible; in normal use, don't switch it off and on at intervals.
- Monitoring: use a thermometer to check that the basking area reaches your species' temperature.
- Lifespan: long if used properly, beyond that of mercury vapour and the 6 months of a compact.
If you don't have a ballast yet, the complete HID kit brings bulb, ballast and lamp holder together.
How much does HID bulb for reptiles – UVB, UVA and heat all in one cost?
| Power | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 35W | €24,95 | In stock |
| 50W | €24,95 | In stock |
| 70W | €24,95 | In stock |
