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I've been using Fluker's Sun Dome Reptile Lamp (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OS0SB8/re ... Hyb96ZF68K) for a few months now along with Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot light bulbs for UVA and heat, 100W (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000256EAI/re ... HybB1YWZA5).

Each light says it will last up to 2,000 hours but I'm only getting about 800 hours out of it. It is becoming costly to constantly keep replacing the light bulb every month it seems like.

Has anyone ever had this problem? Does anyone recommend another brand or am I just doing something wrong? Thanks in advance for your help.

I've read on here that some people use standard light bulbs such as the ones around their home which would be suitable. Would someone be able to link me to some options that I would be able to use for my RES' basking area. Thanks!

Most incandescent and halogens I've used won't last beyond a 3-6 months if in use for 12 hours a day. I do like flood halogens as a basking light, though they are roughly the same cost as the one you linked. You can try a standard incandescent, just make sure it's out of reach from your turtle or any potential water splashes.

steve wrote:Most incandescent and halogens I've used won't last beyond a 3-6 months if in use for 12 hours a day. I do like flood halogens as a basking light, though they are roughly the same cost as the one you linked. You can try a standard incandescent, just make sure it's out of reach from your turtle or any potential water splashes.

Would these work, Steve?
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-248872-6 ... ood+lights

If yes, would I be able to use my current lamp to support these halogen lights?
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-248872-6 ... ood+lights

If not, would you be able to link me to other semi-inexpensive light bulb options? Thank you!

Adam,
Try this place they have outdoor floodlight bulbs which will not shatter if they accidentally come in contact with water for a reasonable price.

https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/par3 ... ght-bulbs/

@Adamsv7 - I use ones similar to what kiwi linked (they have a thick glass cover), though the type I use is PAR30L (usually 40W). I'm not sure how either will fit into your fixture.

@kiwi - Have you ordered from there before? Prices look pretty good.

Prices look good Kiwi, hopefully it's a good site and not a scam or something.

But Steve, would those Philips lights from Amazon I linked earlier work? I have some of those already and was hoping to give them a try.

The ones in your link are regular incandescent, so yes they will work. Just make sure they are out of reach from your turtle and can't possible get wet/splashed on.

steve wrote:@Adamsv7 - I use ones similar to what kiwi linked (they have a thick glass cover), though the type I use is PAR30L (usually 40W). I'm not sure how either will fit into your fixture.

@kiwi - Have you ordered from there before? Prices look pretty good.

Steve,
I have not ordered from them before, but the prices looked good. Today i noticed that Walmart had two packs of halogens for $10.

Walmart is a bit far away for me

I've been getting these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Philips-75-W ... /203231695

I used to get GE halogens from my local hardware store but the prices have doubled and just not reasonable anymore.

Steve,
Walmart has free shipping on orders over $49. It's pretty easy to come up with light bulbs, paper towels, dish soap etc to hit that price. I didn't know if you knew. We do it all of the time.

Great idea, thanks!

steve wrote:Great idea, thanks!

Hey Steve just to follow up on this I decided to go with these: http://imgur.com/a/mPYb9
My RES seem to like it. I have it raised up about 5 inches from the basking platform. Will this be fine?

It's a normal incandescent bulb and is fine as long as it can't get wet. So if your turtle is splashy, then I would be cautious.