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I have recently replaced my old UVB lamp and brought a new one, Repti-Glo. I heard a fizzle, then the light went out. Fearing electrocution and fire, I immediately turned off the switch and unplugged the mini deep dome light fixture. There's a funny smell, but I can't really describe it. The smell isn't anything like burnt plastic and the like. There's no physical change on both lamp and the light fixture. The smell is coming from the ballast of the bulb. What should I do?

I'd replace it... they should honor the warranty for it. Any bulb can explode, though I don't think it happens often with fluorescents.

Thanks. Already asked, but they won't be able to replace it till next week. What should I put as the basking light in the meantime?

Can you take your turtle outside for a little bit each day until the new bulb arrives? Nature's basking bulb is very good for turtles

Yes. Even with the UVB I'm already taking her outside from time to time. How many minutes, do you think? And should I put water in a container? Or just her?

A half hour in the sun will probably provide more UVB than 8 hours under a Repti-Glo. You don't need water... and don't take your eyes off her. A minor distraction and she can get away. Trust me, they're not easy to find when not in an enclosure.

Cheap kiddie pool or even a plastic container / tub would help keep them contained while they are outside. I'd still watch them even while they are in a containment device... turtles = escape artists.

Thank you!

By the way, if I may not be able to supervise basking in the morning, is it okay to let her out in the afternoon? I know the temp around this time is high, but will she be okay?

You mean supervise in the afternoon? I think that would be fine.

Yes, thanks. Just got word that the replacement bulb is ready, so yay!

Great to hear.

Got my new bulb, and the excited one immediately went up the ATBA!

Nice! Is it the same model?

Yep. That's the disadvantage when having a product shipped -- you cannot closely inspect said product, but when you have to return it, you get charged with the shipping (back and forth), again with no guarantees. Hopefully this new one won't have any other problems. Thanks for the advice!