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Top 5 UVB Replacement Tubes & Bulbs for Reptiles and Amphibians in Canada — 2025 Expert-Reviewed Guide to Find the Right UVB Match

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

Replacement tubes and bulbs include OEM and third-party options matched by spectrum and intensity to maintain effective UVB systems. Keeping proper replacements on hand ensures consistent UVB delivery and timely swaps to retain efficacy. This category covers T5 and T8 linear tubes, compact fluorescent bulbs, and mercury vapor options tailored for reptiles and amphibians. Canadian buyers prioritize reliable spectrum, measured UVB output, replacement intervals, energy efficiency, and availability from local retailers or fast-shipping national distributors. Species-specific needs — from desert-dwelling bearded dragons that require strong basking UVB to rainforest frogs that need lower, filtered UVB — drive purchase decisions. In 2025 the market in Canada continues to favor proven lamp technologies with clearer labeling, third-party replacements that match OEM spectra, and an increased focus on long-life, energy-efficient options that simplify maintenance for hobbyists and professional keepers alike.

Quick Menu

1. Best High-Output T8

2. Best Desert T5 HO

3. Best Compact Fluorescent

4. Best All-in-One Heat+UV

5. Best Forest/Low UVB T5

1
BEST HIGH-OUTPUT T8

Arcadia D3+ T8 12% UVB Tube

Arcadia

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.

4.7
★★★★☆

  • Desert-strength UV

  • Vitamin D boost

  • Desert-strength UV

  • Vitamin D boost

Review Summary

94%

"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

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From 64.99$
2
BEST DESERT T5 HO

Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 T5 HO UVB

Zoo Med

Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 T5 HO UVB is a market-leading choice prized for its reliable 10% UVB output for desert species, wide retail availability, and competitive pricing, making it an easy selection for hobbyists and breeders. Technically it uses T5 high-output technology to deliver focused UVB where needed; compared to Arcadia's D3+ it offers slightly different spectral tuning and is often more budget-friendly for equipping multiple enclosures.

4.5
★★★★☆

  • High-output beam

  • Clear bone support

  • High-output beam

  • Clear bone support

Review Summary

89%

"Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 T5 HO is regarded as a reliable, good-value high-output option for many reptiles, providing effective UVB for basking species; some users report it underperforms versus premium brands over long-term use. Overall it's considered a solid mainstream choice for hobbyists."

  • Tropical sunshine

  • High-output T5 HO design delivering strong, focused 10.0 UVB for desert species

  • Tropical sunshine

  • High-output T5 HO design delivering strong, focused 10.0 UVB for desert species

Increased Safety & Security

Skill Development & Mastery

Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 T5 HO UVB is a market-leading choice prized for its reliable 10% UVB output for desert species, wide retail availability, and competitive pricing, making it an easy selection for hobbyists and breeders. Technically it uses T5 high-output technology to deliver focused UVB where needed; compared to Arcadia's D3+ it offers slightly different spectral tuning and is often more budget-friendly for equipping multiple enclosures.

  • High-output beam

  • Clear bone support

  • Tropical sunshine

  • High-output T5 HO design delivering strong, focused 10.0 UVB for desert species

  • Slim, efficient tube that fits modern T5 reflectors to maximize UV delivery

  • High-output beam

  • Clear bone support

  • Tropical sunshine

  • High-output T5 HO design delivering strong, focused 10.0 UVB for desert species

  • Slim, efficient tube that fits modern T5 reflectors to maximize UV delivery

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From 53.50$
3
BEST COMPACT FLUORESCENT

Exo Terra Reptile UVB 150 Compact Bulb

Exo Terra
🏠 Local Product

Exo Terra Reptile UVB 150 Compact Bulb is a compact high-output option designed for tight or small enclosures and for animals that need very close-range UVB exposure; it is technically strong for localized UVB delivery where a tube or fixture won't fit. Financially it tends to be inexpensive up-front, but because compact bulbs lose output faster and have narrower effective range than T5/T8 tubes or mercury vapor, they can be less economical for larger setups compared to the other products listed.

3.8
★★★☆☆

  • Compact UV punch

  • Nook-friendly sun

  • Compact UV punch

  • Nook-friendly sun

Review Summary

72%

"Exo Terra Reptile UVB 150 compact bulbs get mixed reviews: convenient for small enclosures and easy to fit, but many users find UV coverage uneven and performance declines sooner than expected. They're useful in niche setups but less favored for primary UVB in larger or high-demand terrariums."

  • Surprising reach

  • Compact bulb form ideal for small enclosures and dome fixtures

  • Surprising reach

  • Compact bulb form ideal for small enclosures and dome fixtures

Time-Saving Convenience

Increased Safety & Security

Exo Terra Reptile UVB 150 Compact Bulb is a compact high-output option designed for tight or small enclosures and for animals that need very close-range UVB exposure; it is technically strong for localized UVB delivery where a tube or fixture won't fit. Financially it tends to be inexpensive up-front, but because compact bulbs lose output faster and have narrower effective range than T5/T8 tubes or mercury vapor, they can be less economical for larger setups compared to the other products listed.

  • Compact UV punch

  • Nook-friendly sun

  • Surprising reach

  • Compact bulb form ideal for small enclosures and dome fixtures

  • Provides both UVA and elevated UVB designed for medium-range exposure

  • Compact UV punch

  • Nook-friendly sun

  • Surprising reach

  • Compact bulb form ideal for small enclosures and dome fixtures

  • Provides both UVA and elevated UVB designed for medium-range exposure

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$25-50 CAD

4
BEST ALL-IN-ONE HEAT+UV

Zoo Med PowerSun UV Mercury Vapor Bulb

Zoo Med

Zoo Med PowerSun UV Mercury Vapor Bulb combines powerful UVB, UVA and significant radiant heat in a single lamp, making it an efficient technical solution for larger enclosures or species that require strong basking gradients; its dual-function reduces the need for separate heat and UV fixtures. While it carries a higher purchase and running cost than tubes or compact bulbs, its long effective range and intense output can be more economical overall for large enclosures compared with buying multiple separate fixtures.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Basking powerhouse

  • Full-spectrum day

  • Basking powerhouse

  • Full-spectrum day

Review Summary

86%

"Zoo Med PowerSun mercury vapor bulbs are popular because they combine strong heat and UVB output in one unit and create visible basking behavior; critics point to higher running costs, need for proper fixtures, and occasional variability in output. When used correctly they are often praised for improving animal activity and health."

  • Tank-vibe boost

  • Mercury vapor technology delivers UVA, UVB and significant heat from a single bulb

  • Tank-vibe boost

  • Mercury vapor technology delivers UVA, UVB and significant heat from a single bulb

Increased Safety & Security

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Zoo Med PowerSun UV Mercury Vapor Bulb combines powerful UVB, UVA and significant radiant heat in a single lamp, making it an efficient technical solution for larger enclosures or species that require strong basking gradients; its dual-function reduces the need for separate heat and UV fixtures. While it carries a higher purchase and running cost than tubes or compact bulbs, its long effective range and intense output can be more economical overall for large enclosures compared with buying multiple separate fixtures.

  • Basking powerhouse

  • Full-spectrum day

  • Tank-vibe boost

  • Mercury vapor technology delivers UVA, UVB and significant heat from a single bulb

  • Excellent for creating strong basking spots without separate heat lamps

  • Basking powerhouse

  • Full-spectrum day

  • Tank-vibe boost

  • Mercury vapor technology delivers UVA, UVB and significant heat from a single bulb

  • Excellent for creating strong basking spots without separate heat lamps

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From 106.92$
5
BEST FOREST/LOW UVB T5

Arcadia D3 Forest 6% UVB T5

Arcadia

Arcadia D3 Forest 6% UVB T5 is engineered specifically for forest and shade-dwelling reptiles and amphibians, providing a lower UVB curve that better matches species adapted to low-light environments while retaining the efficiency and stability of T5 technology. Compared to the stronger D3+ and Zoo Med 10.0, it offers a safer, more species-appropriate option for animals that would be overexposed by higher-output bulbs, and it can reduce the risk of excess UV-related stress without sacrificing lamp longevity.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Forest-grade UV

  • Shade-friendly rays

  • Forest-grade UV

  • Shade-friendly rays

Review Summary

92%

"Arcadia D3 Forest 6% T5 is well-regarded for creating a more natural, lower-UV environment suited to forest and low-light species, with reviewers praising spectrum quality and consistency. Some buyers note it isn't adequate for high-UV-demand desert species, but for its intended use it performs excellently."

  • Mossy-habitat charm

  • 6% UVB output tailored for forest and shaded-habitat reptiles and amphibians

  • Mossy-habitat charm

  • 6% UVB output tailored for forest and shaded-habitat reptiles and amphibians

Increased Safety & Security

Skill Development & Mastery

Arcadia D3 Forest 6% UVB T5 is engineered specifically for forest and shade-dwelling reptiles and amphibians, providing a lower UVB curve that better matches species adapted to low-light environments while retaining the efficiency and stability of T5 technology. Compared to the stronger D3+ and Zoo Med 10.0, it offers a safer, more species-appropriate option for animals that would be overexposed by higher-output bulbs, and it can reduce the risk of excess UV-related stress without sacrificing lamp longevity.

  • Forest-grade UV

  • Shade-friendly rays

  • Mossy-habitat charm

  • 6% UVB output tailored for forest and shaded-habitat reptiles and amphibians

  • T5 form factor for efficient reflector use and even light distribution

  • Forest-grade UV

  • Shade-friendly rays

  • Mossy-habitat charm

  • 6% UVB output tailored for forest and shaded-habitat reptiles and amphibians

  • T5 form factor for efficient reflector use and even light distribution

Order Now
From 65.46$

Why UVB Matters: The Science Behind Replacement Bulbs

UVB radiation triggers vitamin D3 synthesis in reptiles and amphibians, which in turn enables proper calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Veterinary and herpetological research consistently links appropriate UVB exposure to reduced metabolic bone disease and better overall growth and activity in captive animals. The scientific essentials are straightforward and practical: specific UVB wavelengths and sufficient intensity are required, UVB output declines over time even if visible light remains, and enclosure geometry and distance to the animal determine effective dose. Understanding these points helps keepers choose the right replacement tube or bulb and replace it at appropriate intervals.

Effective UVB range: Research and veterinary guidance show the biologically relevant UVB for vitamin D3 synthesis is concentrated between roughly 290 and 320 nanometers; product choices aim to deliver usable flux in this band.

Intensity and distance matter: UVB decreases rapidly with distance and with barriers such as glass or screen mesh. Manufacturer percent ratings (for example, 6% or 12%) and lamp type (T5 HO vs T8 vs compact vs mercury vapor) help match intensity to species needs.

Bulb aging and replacement: Studies and manufacturer tests demonstrate that UVB output can fall significantly long before a bulb’s visible light dims. Most linear T5/T8 and compact UVB bulbs are recommended for replacement on a 6 to 12 month schedule depending on type, while some high-output products may maintain usable UVB longer — always follow manufacturer guidance and check with a UVB meter when possible.

UVB + heat options: Mercury vapor bulbs provide both UVA/UVB and high heat for basking zones, but produce greater ambient temperatures and require careful fixture and wattage selection for safety.

Species variation: Desert, crepuscular, and forest species require different UVB intensities and photoperiods; matching bulb spectrum and placement to the species is key to good husbandry.

Practical testing: UVB meters and consultation with reptile vets or experienced keepers are recommended to verify that lamp choice and placement deliver the intended UVB dose in a specific enclosure setup.

In Canada, a reliable supply of matched replacement tubes and bulbs keeps captive reptiles and amphibians healthy through seasonal changes and routine maintenance. The five options highlighted here — Arcadia D3+ T8 12% UVB Tube, Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 T5 HO UVB, Exo Terra Reptile UVB 150 Compact Bulb, Zoo Med PowerSun UV Mercury Vapor Bulb, and Arcadia D3 Forest 6% UVB T5 — cover a broad set of species needs: from strong basking UVB to lower-forest outputs and combined heat + UVB solutions. For most generalist keepers seeking accurate spectrum, consistent output, and wide availability in Canada, the Arcadia D3+ T8 12% UVB Tube is the best overall choice on this list, while the Zoo Med PowerSun is the right pick when integrated heat and UV are required and the Arcadia D3 Forest is preferable for lower-intensity forest setups. I hope you found what you were looking for; if not, refine or expand your search using the store search to compare wavelength specs, output curves, and replacement intervals for each product.

Discover More
  • Low Output UVB Fluorescent Tubes for Reptiles and Amphibians
  • High Output UVB Fluorescent Tubes for Reptiles and Amphibians
  • Compact UVB Fluorescent Bulbs for Reptiles and Amphibians
  • Mercury Vapor UVB Bulbs for Reptiles and Amphibians
  • Integrated UVB Fixture with Reflector and Guard for Reptiles and Amphibians
  • UVB Bulb and Fixture Kits for Reptiles and Amphibians

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