CFL?! Good or bad?

[steven97]

CFL bulbs are known to blind reptiles. try holding your hand under on for 5 minutes. you get a sunburn. my question is: are these okay for geckos, but for nothing else?? heres what im talking about:
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor-summary.htm

 

[steven97]

Anyone?

 

[qiksilver]

From what I gather, it depends on the build quality of the light bulb. Not all CFLs will cause puffy eyes and blindness. Some just don't QC the amount of UV rays they emit, and I *think* that's it's the amounts of UVA that's damaging. Also there's the issue of exposure and distance the animal can maintain from it (for example putting a mercury vapor bulb too close to your animal wouldn't be advised), but don't quote me, I'm no expert.