Best Fluorescent Tubes for Terrariums of 2025

Chloe Foster Avatar
Chloe Foster
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Fluorescent tubes for terrariums are a practical and efficient way to provide the necessary light for reptiles, amphibians, and plants. These tubes come in a range of sizes and wattages to suit different terrariums and provide a natural-looking daylight spectrum that promotes healthy growth and activity. The fluorescent technology also helps to stabilise the temperature in the terrarium and prevent overheating. These tubes are easy to install and provide a cost-effective lighting solution for terrarium enthusiasts.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Arcadia T5 D3+ 39 Watt Reptile Lamp Cover #TOP 1
Arcadia T5 D3+ 39 Watt Reptile Lamp
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Exo Terra Solar Glo 125W Sunlight Lamp Cover #TOP 2
Exo Terra Solar Glo 125W Sunlight Lamp
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Arcadia ShadeDweller MiniT5 UVB Kit Cover #TOP 3
Arcadia ShadeDweller MiniT5 UVB Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Fluorescent Tubes for Terrariums

#TOP 1

Arcadia T5 D3+ 39 Watt Reptile Lamp

RFD3P39T5
White
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Arcadia T5 D3+ 39 Watt Reptile Lamp Cover
Arcadia FD3P39T5 T5 D3+ Reptile Lamp, 39 Watt

The Arcadia T5 D3+ Lamp offers exceptional lighting for your terrarium. It produces excellent natural colours, enhancing the appearance of your reptiles and plants. You will enjoy 100 percent more visible light compared to equivalent T8 lamps, ensuring your habitat is well-lit. Additionally, it provides 95 percent more UVB, which is crucial for your reptiles' health. With 12 percent UVB for vitamin D3 synthesis, you can support their well-being without the hassle of replacing starters.

What We Like
Excellent natural colours
More visible light
High UVB output
Supports vitamin D3 synthesis
No replacement starters needed
#TOP 2

Exo Terra Solar Glo 125W Sunlight Lamp

PT2192A1
White
125 Watt
Exo Terra Solar Glo 125W Sunlight Lamp Cover
Exo Terra Solar Glo, sunlight-simulating lamp, 125W, E27 socket,Weiß

The Exo Terra Solar Glo is a powerful 125 Watt lamp that simulates natural sunlight, providing optimum UVB and UVA levels. This lamp combines visible light and heat, ensuring your terrarium environment is ideal for your pets. Its mercury vapor technology with a built-in ballast means you can enjoy the convenience of a single lamp offering multiple benefits. Additionally, it helps protect against bone softening, promoting healthier growth for your reptiles or amphibians.

What We Like
Simulates natural sunlight
Provides UVB and UVA levels
Includes built-in ballast
Protects against bone softening
#TOP 3

Arcadia ShadeDweller MiniT5 UVB Kit

1 Count (Pack of 1)
Arcadia ShadeDweller MiniT5 UVB Kit Cover
Arcadia Reptile - ShadeDweller MiniT5 UVB Kit - 7% UVB, 8 Watt - Easy To Use & Install - Built In Reflector - Includes Fitting Kit & Link Cable - Suitable For Crepuscular Species

The Arcadia MiniT5 UVB Kit is designed for easy installation and use, making it ideal for those new to terrarium lighting. The included T5 UVB tube ensures your crepuscular species receive the essential UVB light they need for optimal health. With the built-in reflector, you can maximise light efficiency, ensuring that the UVB reaches your reptiles effectively. Additionally, the fitting kit and link cable provided mean you can set up your kit quickly and without hassle, allowing you to focus on caring for your pets.

What We Like
Easy to install
Includes UVB tube
Built-in reflector
Fitting kit included
Suitable for crepuscular species
#TOP 4

Exo Terra UVB 150 Bulb for Reptiles

PT2396
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Exo Terra UVB 150 Bulb for Reptiles Cover
Exo Terra Reptile UVB 150 Bulb, 18 W, 24in

The Exo Terra UVB Bulb is an essential lighting solution for your desert-dwelling reptiles. Its high UVB output ensures that your pets receive the necessary UVB rays, which are crucial for optimal calcium metabolism. With very high D3 conversion, this bulb supports your reptiles' overall health and well-being. If your terrarium has a dense screen cover, this bulb is specifically recommended to ensure maximum UV penetration, promoting a vibrant and healthy habitat for your reptiles.

What We Like
High UVB output
Very high D3 conversion
Supports calcium metabolism
Ideal for desert reptiles
Recommended for dense screen covers
#TOP 5

Exo Terra Reptile UVB 150 Bulb, 25 W

PT2397
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Exo Terra Reptile UVB 150 Bulb, 25 W Cover
Exo Terra Reptile UVB 150 Bulb, 25 W, 30 in

The Exo Terra UVB 150 Bulb is designed for desert-dwelling reptiles, ensuring they receive the essential UVB rays needed for optimal calcium metabolism. With a high UVB output, this bulb helps maintain the health of your reptiles by supporting their natural behaviours. Its very high D3 conversion enhances vitamin D3 levels, which is crucial for strong bones. This bulb is particularly recommended for terrariums with dense screen covers, making it a convenient choice for any reptile owner looking to create a suitable habitat.

What We Like
High UVB output
Very high D3 conversion
Supports calcium metabolism
Ideal for desert reptiles
Suitable for dense screen covers
#TOP 6

Arcadia FD324T5 24W D3 Reptile Lamp

RFD324T5
55cm (22")
Arcadia FD324T5 24W D3 Reptile Lamp Cover
Arcadia FD324T5 T5 D3 Reptile Lamp, 24 Watt, 22-inch

The Arcadia FD324T5 Lamp is designed to enhance the natural colours of your terrarium, providing a vibrant environment for your reptiles. With 80 percent more UVB than standard T8 lamps, it ensures your pets receive adequate sunlight for their health. The lamp also emits 30 percent UVA, essential for maintaining their well-being. Additionally, it provides 6 percent UVB for the synthesis of vitamin D3, crucial for calcium absorption. You will appreciate the convenience of not needing replacement starters, making it easier to maintain your setup.

What We Like
Excellent natural colour production
High UVB output
UVA for reptile health
Vitamin D3 synthesis support
No replacement starters needed
#TOP 7

Arcadia Euro Range D3+ Desert Reptile Light

FRP25
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Arcadia Euro Range D3+ Desert Reptile Light Cover
Arcadia Euro Range 10-Percent D3+ Desert Reptile Light, 750 mm

The Arcadia D3+ Desert Light is designed for optimal reptile care. It offers a balanced UVA to UVB ratio, ensuring your reptiles receive the right amount of light for their health. With typically three times more usable UVB than most lamps, it promotes better vitamin D3 synthesis, crucial for their growth. The excellent colour emissions enhance the visibility of your terrarium, making it more vibrant. Additionally, its long lifespan of nine months provides continuous UVB exposure, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

What We Like
Balanced UVA and UVB ratio
High usable UVB output
Vibrant colour emissions
Long lifespan of 9 months
#TOP 8

Exo Terra 13w UVB Bulb for Reptiles

PT2186A1
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Exo Terra 13w UVB Bulb for Reptiles Cover
Exo Terra 13w UVB Tropical Terrarium Bulb

The Exo Terra UVB Bulb is designed to enhance the well-being of tropical and sub-tropical reptiles. It stimulates appetite and activity through UVA radiation, ensuring your pets remain lively and healthy. With a high UVB output effective up to 12 inches, it provides essential rays for optimal calcium metabolism, crucial for their growth. For even greater visual light output, it is recommended to use this bulb alongside the Repti-Glo 2.0, creating a better environment for your reptiles.

What We Like
Stimulates appetite and activity
High UVB output
Ideal for tropical reptiles
Enhances reproductive behaviour
Works with Repti-Glo 2.0
#TOP 9

Arcadia FD3D24T5 D3 Lamp 0.14 T5, 24 Watt

RFD3D24T5
24 W / 550 mm
Arcadia FD3D24T5 D3 Lamp 0.14 T5, 24 Watt Cover
Ardacia FD3D24T5 D3 + Dragon Lamp Lamp 0.14 T5, 24 Watt

The Arcadia D3 Lamp offers exceptional lighting for your reptiles with a UV index of 6, reaching up to 40 cm. This ensures that your pets receive adequate UV exposure, promoting their health and well-being. With over 20% more visible light than previous models, it enhances the visibility in their habitat. Additionally, the lamp provides a clear, pure light of 8000 Kelvin, which mimics natural daylight, making it easier for you to observe your reptiles. The 14% UVB output is particularly beneficial for desert species and arboreal reptiles in spacious enclosures.

What We Like
High UV index for reptiles
Increased visible light output
Natural daylight simulation
Suitable for various reptile types
#TOP 10

Exo Terra 45 cm Compact Canopy Light

PT2226
Schwarz
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Exo Terra 45 cm Compact Canopy Light Cover
Exo Terra Small Compact Canopy Top 45 cm

The Exo Terra Canopy Light is an easy-to-install solution for your terrarium needs. It helps you create the ideal ultraviolet and visual light ratio, ensuring your plants and animals thrive. This compact fluorescent canopy is designed to fit perfectly in smaller spaces, making it convenient for various terrarium setups. With model number LHC045, it promises to enhance the overall environment of your terrarium, benefiting both you and your pets.

What We Like
Easy installation
Ideal light ratio
Compact design
Enhances terrarium environment
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know what size fluorescent tube I need?

In order to identify which size you need, the easiest way to tell is to read the label near the base of the tube. If this information is no longer legible, you can measure the bulb's diameter. Fluorescent tubes are measured in eighths of an inch.

2. What size is a T9 fluorescent tube?

The Circular Fluorescent Tube is a uniquely shaped light source that comes in T5 (15mm diameter), T6 (20mm diameter) and T9 (29mm diameter) formats.

3. What size is a t8 fluorescent tube?

T8s are 1-inch diameter fluorescent tubes, and they are the most prevalent of all fluorescent tubes.

Editor's Notes

During our fluorescent tube for terrariums research, we found 131 fluorescent tube for terrariums products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 25,417 customer reviews through our big data system to write the fluorescent tubes for terrariums list. We found that most customers choose fluorescent tubes for terrariums with an average price of £21.12.

The fluorescent tubes for terrariums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of fluorescent tubes for terrariums, including Arcadia, Exo Terra. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,100 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Chloe Foster Avatar

Happy Pet Happy Owner by Chloe Foster sold over 100 thousand copies in the UK. Chloe worked as a veterinarian in The Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Woodham. She stayed for seven years before coming home to set up her pet store in Swansea. Chloe is an experienced veterinarian with a flair for literature. Chloe is vast in the knowledge of animals, animal nutrition, medication, and care.