Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB T5 HO
A widely available, cost-effective high-output T5 fluorescent designed to deliver reliable UVB for desert and semi-arid reptiles, the ReptiSun 10.0 balances performance and price for many hobbyists. Compared with the higher-spec Arcadia tubes it offers slightly lower peak UVB but greater affordability and broad retail availability, making it a practical first-choice for enclosures that need even linear coverage rather than a single intense point source.
High UVB output
Slim T5 fit
High UVB output
Slim T5 fit
Review Summary
"Generally praised as a reliable, affordable high-output T5 HO option that provides strong UVB for desert and high-light species; some users note gradual output decline after 6–12 months and advise scheduled replacement. Installation and compatibility with fixtures are straightforward, making it a common first-choice tube."
Feels like desert-sun
Provides 10% UVB in a T5 HO format suitable for many desert reptiles and UVB-needing amphibians.
Feels like desert-sun
Provides 10% UVB in a T5 HO format suitable for many desert reptiles and UVB-needing amphibians.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
A widely available, cost-effective high-output T5 fluorescent designed to deliver reliable UVB for desert and semi-arid reptiles, the ReptiSun 10.0 balances performance and price for many hobbyists. Compared with the higher-spec Arcadia tubes it offers slightly lower peak UVB but greater affordability and broad retail availability, making it a practical first-choice for enclosures that need even linear coverage rather than a single intense point source.
High UVB output
Slim T5 fit
Feels like desert-sun
Provides 10% UVB in a T5 HO format suitable for many desert reptiles and UVB-needing amphibians.
Slim T5 tube fits standard fixtures and delivers even UVB distribution across the enclosure.
High UVB output
Slim T5 fit
Feels like desert-sun
Provides 10% UVB in a T5 HO format suitable for many desert reptiles and UVB-needing amphibians.
Slim T5 tube fits standard fixtures and delivers even UVB distribution across the enclosure.
$30-50 USD
Arcadia D3+ 12% UVB T5
Arcadia's D3+ 12% T5 is positioned as a premium high-output fluorescent tube with a spectrum tuned to more closely mimic natural sunlight and enhance vitamin D3 synthesis, making it a top pick for species with higher UVB needs. It sits between Zoo Med's 10.0 and Arcadia's Dragon 14% in output, offering a strong technical advantage in spectral fidelity and consistency at a slightly higher price, and is preferred when spectrum quality and biological accuracy are prioritized over cost.
12% UVB power
Broad-spectrum D3
12% UVB power
Broad-spectrum D3
Review Summary
"Widely regarded as a premium, high-quality 12% T5 tube with excellent spectrum and consistent UV output for a range of reptiles; reviewers appreciate the build and measured performance but acknowledge the higher price. Many keepers prefer it for long-term setups where strong, stable UVB is required."
Lab-grade sunshine
High-output 12% UVB with spectral tuning to closely mimic natural sunlight for efficient vitamin D3 production.
Lab-grade sunshine
High-output 12% UVB with spectral tuning to closely mimic natural sunlight for efficient vitamin D3 production.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Arcadia's D3+ 12% T5 is positioned as a premium high-output fluorescent tube with a spectrum tuned to more closely mimic natural sunlight and enhance vitamin D3 synthesis, making it a top pick for species with higher UVB needs. It sits between Zoo Med's 10.0 and Arcadia's Dragon 14% in output, offering a strong technical advantage in spectral fidelity and consistency at a slightly higher price, and is preferred when spectrum quality and biological accuracy are prioritized over cost.
12% UVB power
Broad-spectrum D3
Lab-grade sunshine
High-output 12% UVB with spectral tuning to closely mimic natural sunlight for efficient vitamin D3 production.
T5 HO format gives strong UVB intensity while keeping enclosure heat lower than mercury vapor lamps.
12% UVB power
Broad-spectrum D3
Lab-grade sunshine
High-output 12% UVB with spectral tuning to closely mimic natural sunlight for efficient vitamin D3 production.
T5 HO format gives strong UVB intensity while keeping enclosure heat lower than mercury vapor lamps.
$40-70 USD
Exo Terra Intense Basking Spot UVB 150
Although not a linear fluorescent tube, the Exo Terra Intense Basking Spot UVB 150 is included for use cases requiring a powerful point-source that combines heat and UVB for deep basking spots; its concentrated output excels where tube coverage won't deliver sufficient intensity. Technically it replaces separate heat and tube fixtures and creates a true basking gradient, but it is more energy-intensive and less suitable if even, room-wide UVB distribution from T5 tubes is the primary goal.
Powerful focused beam
Heat+UV combined
Powerful focused beam
Heat+UV combined
Review Summary
"Mixed reviews: praised for strong heat and localized UV intensity for deep-basking animals, but several users report inconsistent UV output, shorter-than-expected lifespan, and limited effective coverage. Works well in specific setups but is less favored for general-purpose or delicate installations."
Makes a sunflower of heat
150W spot bulb combining bright visible light with localized UVB, creating an intense basking zone.
Makes a sunflower of heat
150W spot bulb combining bright visible light with localized UVB, creating an intense basking zone.
Recreational Enjoyment
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Although not a linear fluorescent tube, the Exo Terra Intense Basking Spot UVB 150 is included for use cases requiring a powerful point-source that combines heat and UVB for deep basking spots; its concentrated output excels where tube coverage won't deliver sufficient intensity. Technically it replaces separate heat and tube fixtures and creates a true basking gradient, but it is more energy-intensive and less suitable if even, room-wide UVB distribution from T5 tubes is the primary goal.
Powerful focused beam
Heat+UV combined
Makes a sunflower of heat
150W spot bulb combining bright visible light with localized UVB, creating an intense basking zone.
Produces concentrated heat and UV for species that require deep, focused basking spots.
Powerful focused beam
Heat+UV combined
Makes a sunflower of heat
150W spot bulb combining bright visible light with localized UVB, creating an intense basking zone.
Produces concentrated heat and UV for species that require deep, focused basking spots.
$35-60 USD
Zoo Med PowerSun UV 160W
The PowerSun UV 160W is a strong mercury-vapor style lamp that provides intense combined heat and UV output for large or deep enclosures, giving exceptional penetration for species that require very hot, UV-rich basking sites. Compared to fluorescent T5 options like ReptiSun and Arcadia tubes it offers a simpler single-fixture solution for high-intensity needs but at the cost of higher power draw and a more focused beam rather than linear coverage.
Deep-penetrating heat
Full-spectrum UVA+UVB
Deep-penetrating heat
Full-spectrum UVA+UVB
Review Summary
"Generally liked for delivering both strong heat and UV (good for large or deep-basking species) with many users reporting excellent immediate results; some complaints center on heavy heat output, potential for short lifespan in some batches, and higher running costs. When matched to the right enclosure and thermostat, most keepers report positive outcomes."
Like a mini-sun lamp
160W mercury vapor lamp delivering high UVB output plus substantial heat in a single bulb.
Like a mini-sun lamp
160W mercury vapor lamp delivering high UVB output plus substantial heat in a single bulb.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The PowerSun UV 160W is a strong mercury-vapor style lamp that provides intense combined heat and UV output for large or deep enclosures, giving exceptional penetration for species that require very hot, UV-rich basking sites. Compared to fluorescent T5 options like ReptiSun and Arcadia tubes it offers a simpler single-fixture solution for high-intensity needs but at the cost of higher power draw and a more focused beam rather than linear coverage.
Deep-penetrating heat
Full-spectrum UVA+UVB
Like a mini-sun lamp
160W mercury vapor lamp delivering high UVB output plus substantial heat in a single bulb.
Well-suited for larger enclosures or deep basking areas where strong, long-range UVB and thermal gradients are necessary.
Deep-penetrating heat
Full-spectrum UVA+UVB
Like a mini-sun lamp
160W mercury vapor lamp delivering high UVB output plus substantial heat in a single bulb.
Well-suited for larger enclosures or deep basking areas where strong, long-range UVB and thermal gradients are necessary.
$80-140 USD
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 USD