Arcadia T5 D3+ 6% Forest UVB
Arcadia's T5 D3+ 6% Forest UVB is a best-in-class premium option combining the D3+ spectrum technology with T5 efficiency to deliver a naturalistic 6% forest UVB profile at higher efficacy and longer useful life than T8 tubes. It is technically superior for precise spectrum control and penetration compared with standard Zoo Med T5/T8 and Exo Terra T8 offerings, but it commands a premium price and should be chosen where the species' needs justify the extra cost.
Forest-spectrum power
Enhanced UV balance
Forest-spectrum power
Enhanced UV balance
Review Summary
"Arcadia's T5 D3+ 6% Forest UVB is widely rated best-in-class for low-output forest setups—reviewers highlight excellent spectral quality, stable output, and clear benefits to animal health, though it's pricier. Most users find it worth the cost for consistent, biologically appropriate UVB in forest enclosures."
Keeper's secret
D3+ phosphor mix delivering a natural forest-spectrum 6% UVB.
Keeper's secret
D3+ phosphor mix delivering a natural forest-spectrum 6% UVB.
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
Arcadia's T5 D3+ 6% Forest UVB is a best-in-class premium option combining the D3+ spectrum technology with T5 efficiency to deliver a naturalistic 6% forest UVB profile at higher efficacy and longer useful life than T8 tubes. It is technically superior for precise spectrum control and penetration compared with standard Zoo Med T5/T8 and Exo Terra T8 offerings, but it commands a premium price and should be chosen where the species' needs justify the extra cost.
Forest-spectrum power
Enhanced UV balance
Keeper's secret
D3+ phosphor mix delivering a natural forest-spectrum 6% UVB.
High-quality T5 construction for consistent output and extended lamp life.
Forest-spectrum power
Enhanced UV balance
Keeper's secret
D3+ phosphor mix delivering a natural forest-spectrum 6% UVB.
High-quality T5 construction for consistent output and extended lamp life.
$45-80 CAD
Arcadia Dragon 14% UVB T5
Arcadia's Dragon 14% is the highest-output T5 fluorescent in this lineup, engineered for desert-dwelling reptiles and amphibians with the most demanding UVB requirements; it delivers the strongest tube-based UVB while retaining the spread advantages of a linear fixture. While it commands a premium over 10% and 12% tubes, its elevated UVB percentage reduces the need for additional point-source lamps in many setups and is the technical leader here for species that require maximal tube-emitted UVB.
Highest UVB output
T5 low profile
Highest UVB output
T5 low profile
Review Summary
"Regarded as a top-tier, very high-output 14% T5 ideal for species with extreme UV needs; users consistently report excellent spectrum, long-term stability, and superior performance compared with many competitors, though it's more expensive. Considered a market-leading choice for serious keepers of high-UV reptiles."
Dragon-approved glow
Very high-output 14% UVB T5 tube designed for species with elevated UV requirements (e.g., bearded dragons).
Dragon-approved glow
Very high-output 14% UVB T5 tube designed for species with elevated UV requirements (e.g., bearded dragons).
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Arcadia's Dragon 14% is the highest-output T5 fluorescent in this lineup, engineered for desert-dwelling reptiles and amphibians with the most demanding UVB requirements; it delivers the strongest tube-based UVB while retaining the spread advantages of a linear fixture. While it commands a premium over 10% and 12% tubes, its elevated UVB percentage reduces the need for additional point-source lamps in many setups and is the technical leader here for species that require maximal tube-emitted UVB.
Highest UVB output
T5 low profile
Dragon-approved glow
Very high-output 14% UVB T5 tube designed for species with elevated UV requirements (e.g., bearded dragons).
Delivers strong, broad-spectrum UVB while keeping ambient enclosure temperatures lower than heat-producing bulbs.
Highest UVB output
T5 low profile
Dragon-approved glow
Very high-output 14% UVB T5 tube designed for species with elevated UV requirements (e.g., bearded dragons).
Delivers strong, broad-spectrum UVB while keeping ambient enclosure temperatures lower than heat-producing bulbs.
$50-90 CAD
Exo Terra Reptile UVB 100 Compact
The Exo Terra Reptile UVB 100 Compact is positioned as a balanced, cost-effective compact UVB solution for reptiles and amphibians that need moderate UVB; it delivers dependable broad-spectrum UVA/UVB suited to semi-arid and mixed-habitat species while keeping purchase and replacement costs reasonable. Compared with the other bulbs in this list, it trades peak output for affordability and ease of installation in smaller enclosures, making it a practical middle ground between Zoo Med's value-oriented options and Arcadia's premium spectral lamps.
Moderate UVB
Compact fit
Moderate UVB
Compact fit
Review Summary
"Generally praised for providing reliable UVB suitable for many reptile setups, though users report output decline over several months and occasional fit/compatibility issues with some fixtures."
Jungle glow (frog-approved)
Provides a balanced UVB spectrum suitable for a wide range of reptiles and amphibians.
Jungle glow (frog-approved)
Provides a balanced UVB spectrum suitable for a wide range of reptiles and amphibians.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Exo Terra Reptile UVB 100 Compact is positioned as a balanced, cost-effective compact UVB solution for reptiles and amphibians that need moderate UVB; it delivers dependable broad-spectrum UVA/UVB suited to semi-arid and mixed-habitat species while keeping purchase and replacement costs reasonable. Compared with the other bulbs in this list, it trades peak output for affordability and ease of installation in smaller enclosures, making it a practical middle ground between Zoo Med's value-oriented options and Arcadia's premium spectral lamps.
Moderate UVB
Compact fit
Jungle glow (frog-approved)
Provides a balanced UVB spectrum suitable for a wide range of reptiles and amphibians.
Compact spiral design fits small fixtures and enclosures where space is limited.
Moderate UVB
Compact fit
Jungle glow (frog-approved)
Provides a balanced UVB spectrum suitable for a wide range of reptiles and amphibians.
Compact spiral design fits small fixtures and enclosures where space is limited.
$20-35 CAD
Exo Terra Solar Glo 125W
Exo Terra Solar Glo 125W is positioned as a best-in-class generalist mercury vapor lamp, delivering a strong combination of UVA/UVB output and heat that suits medium to large diurnal reptiles. Compared with the smaller 100W models from Zoo Med, Arcadia and Mega‑Ray it creates broader basking zones and deeper UV penetration while often undercutting the high-output Zoo Med 160W on energy use and overall cost, making it a cost‑effective all‑rounder for single‑fixture setups.
Strong UVB output
Warm basking spot
Strong UVB output
Warm basking spot
Review Summary
"Users generally like its combined heat and UVB output, praising strong basking heat and reliable performance. Some report UVB output drops over time and a shorter-than-expected lifespan."
Desert-sun glow
125W mercury vapor combines strong UVB, UVA and heat in a single lamp
Desert-sun glow
125W mercury vapor combines strong UVB, UVA and heat in a single lamp
Recreational Enjoyment
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
Exo Terra Solar Glo 125W is positioned as a best-in-class generalist mercury vapor lamp, delivering a strong combination of UVA/UVB output and heat that suits medium to large diurnal reptiles. Compared with the smaller 100W models from Zoo Med, Arcadia and Mega‑Ray it creates broader basking zones and deeper UV penetration while often undercutting the high-output Zoo Med 160W on energy use and overall cost, making it a cost‑effective all‑rounder for single‑fixture setups.
Strong UVB output
Warm basking spot
Desert-sun glow
125W mercury vapor combines strong UVB, UVA and heat in a single lamp
Broad-spectrum output that simulates natural sunlight to support calcium metabolism
Strong UVB output
Warm basking spot
Desert-sun glow
125W mercury vapor combines strong UVB, UVA and heat in a single lamp
Broad-spectrum output that simulates natural sunlight to support calcium metabolism
$60-90 CAD
Exo Terra Reptile UVB200 High Output Terrarium Hood
Exo Terra's Reptile UVB200 High Output Terrarium Hood stands out for combining a high-output lamp with a deep reflector and sturdy guard designed for tropical and semi-arboreal species, delivering concentrated UVB across larger enclosures. Technically it bridges the gap between value HO hoods and premium kits by offering strong UVB intensity and easy lamp swaps; financially it sits mid-range, offering notable performance without the top-tier price of some specialized brands.
High-output lamp
Protective guard included
High-output lamp
Protective guard included
Review Summary
"Users appreciate the strong UVB output and affordability, but common complaints include occasional quality-control issues, bulky housing, and reflector/fitment quirks. Good value for the price but not as polished as premium T5 kits."
Desert-ready warmth
High-output UVB lamp paired with a deep reflector to concentrate light and UV onto basking areas
Desert-ready warmth
High-output UVB lamp paired with a deep reflector to concentrate light and UV onto basking areas
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Exo Terra's Reptile UVB200 High Output Terrarium Hood stands out for combining a high-output lamp with a deep reflector and sturdy guard designed for tropical and semi-arboreal species, delivering concentrated UVB across larger enclosures. Technically it bridges the gap between value HO hoods and premium kits by offering strong UVB intensity and easy lamp swaps; financially it sits mid-range, offering notable performance without the top-tier price of some specialized brands.
High-output lamp
Protective guard included
Desert-ready warmth
High-output UVB lamp paired with a deep reflector to concentrate light and UV onto basking areas
Protective guard prevents direct contact with bulbs and helps keep animals and debris away
High-output lamp
Protective guard included
Desert-ready warmth
High-output UVB lamp paired with a deep reflector to concentrate light and UV onto basking areas
Protective guard prevents direct contact with bulbs and helps keep animals and debris away
$60-110 CAD
Arcadia D3+ T8 12% UVB Tube is positioned as a best-in-class high-output T8 tube delivering a broad-spectrum UVB profile tailored for diurnal reptiles and amphibians; it balances strong UVB output with a stable spectral curve and typically longer lamp life than compact alternatives. Compared with the T5 and mercury-vapor options in this list it offers a cost-effective middle ground—higher consistent UVB than many basic tubes while running cooler and cheaper than mercury vapor floods for similarly exposed animals.
Desert-strength UV
Vitamin D boost
Desert-strength UV
Vitamin D boost
Review Summary
"Arcadia D3+ T8 12% is widely praised for its strong, consistent UVB output and long lifespan, making it a favorite for desert-dwelling reptiles; reviewers note the higher price but say performance justifies it. Installation and compatibility with standard T8 fixtures are also seen as positives."
Beardie-approved glow
12% UVB output suitable for a wide range of diurnal reptiles
Beardie-approved glow
12% UVB output suitable for a wide range of diurnal reptiles
Increased Safety & Security
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
Skill Development & Mastery
Arcadia D3+ T8 12% UVB Tube is positioned as a best-in-class high-output T8 tube delivering a broad-spectrum UVB profile tailored for diurnal reptiles and amphibians; it balances strong UVB output with a stable spectral curve and typically longer lamp life than compact alternatives. Compared with the T5 and mercury-vapor options in this list it offers a cost-effective middle ground—higher consistent UVB than many basic tubes while running cooler and cheaper than mercury vapor floods for similarly exposed animals.
Desert-strength UV
Vitamin D boost
Beardie-approved glow
12% UVB output suitable for a wide range of diurnal reptiles
D3+ spectrum designed to closely mimic natural sunlight for vitamin D3 synthesis
Desert-strength UV
Vitamin D boost
Beardie-approved glow
12% UVB output suitable for a wide range of diurnal reptiles
D3+ spectrum designed to closely mimic natural sunlight for vitamin D3 synthesis
$30-60 CAD
Exo Terra Reptile UVB200 High Output Combo
The Reptile UVB200 High Output Combo is a practical, space-saving kit that pairs a compact high-output lamp with a reflector for solid UVB delivery in medium to small enclosures, usually at a mid-range price point. It’s often more affordable than Arcadia’s ProT5 and simpler than custom T5 setups, making it attractive for hobbyists who want a straightforward, integrated kit without the premium price. While it doesn’t match the spectrum tuning of Arcadia or the energy efficiency of LED hoods, it provides a good technical and financial compromise for many amphibian and reptile setups.
Broad-spectrum UV
All-in-one combo
Broad-spectrum UV
All-in-one combo
Review Summary
"Delivers strong UVB output that many owners appreciate, but reviews note inconsistent quality control and occasional early failures; effective when functioning but somewhat less reliable than top-tier alternatives."
Desert-sun vibe
Integrated reflector and lamp design to maximize UVB delivery to basking areas.
Desert-sun vibe
Integrated reflector and lamp design to maximize UVB delivery to basking areas.
Recreational Enjoyment
Increased Safety & Security
The Reptile UVB200 High Output Combo is a practical, space-saving kit that pairs a compact high-output lamp with a reflector for solid UVB delivery in medium to small enclosures, usually at a mid-range price point. It’s often more affordable than Arcadia’s ProT5 and simpler than custom T5 setups, making it attractive for hobbyists who want a straightforward, integrated kit without the premium price. While it doesn’t match the spectrum tuning of Arcadia or the energy efficiency of LED hoods, it provides a good technical and financial compromise for many amphibian and reptile setups.
Broad-spectrum UV
All-in-one combo
Desert-sun vibe
Integrated reflector and lamp design to maximize UVB delivery to basking areas.
Specifically tuned high-output UVB200 bulbs suitable for many desert and tropical species.
Broad-spectrum UV
All-in-one combo
Desert-sun vibe
Integrated reflector and lamp design to maximize UVB delivery to basking areas.
Specifically tuned high-output UVB200 bulbs suitable for many desert and tropical species.
$110-170 CAD