Confused about UVB Light's.

[lazer]

I have been using an 18 inch UVB bulb for the last 5 months made by Reptisun. The package says 15 watts, T-8, 10.0 UVB, the #1 Reptile lamp world wide. It was the bulb my veterinarian suggested.
Last Friday, I went to the pet store and asked where the UVB bulbs were? The lady asked me what I had. I told her a Bearded Dragon and she grabs a bulb off the rack and hands it to me.
This one is made by ZILLA It says Desert Series 50, T8, 15 watt.
The first bulb says 10.0 UVB which is supposed to be ideal. On my new bulb's box, it gives a graph with a UVB/UV index. It tells you how much UVB the pet will get from being 4 inches away, 12 inches away, etc. why can't it just say how many UVB's the light produces like the Reptisun tells you straight out on the box. 10.0 UVB.
Now I don't know whether I should use this new bulb or not?
Can someone help me? Thank you.

 

[PatsyB]

When I was researching t8 bulbs 2 years ago, the Zilla got real bad reviews. Bad UV output I think. Reptiles were lathargic and not eating. Once people switched to the ReptiSun there was a total turn around in their behavior. Not sure if anything has changed since then.

 

[Josh]

I generally go with Reptisun or Arcadia lights (lightyourreptiles.com). I am not saying you shouldn't use the Zilla bulb, I just haven't used that brand myself so I can't speak to it. As far as UV ratings you can look here: http://www.uvguide.co.uk/index.htm

 

[lazer]

Thank's so much guys. That's what you call invaluable information. Wow. Am I happy I asked this question .

 

[jarich]

It will be useful to have as a backup in case one of your other bulbs goes out, but I would recommend a different brand too. As Josh said, either the Arcadia or Zoomed are a great choice, especially if you decide to go with the more powerful T5 bulbs. Either way you can purchase a reflector from lightyourreptiles.com that will fit inside the fixture youve got and increase your output by 2 to 3 times.