Do compact fluorescents have UVB rays?

Question

I'm using a compact as a basking lamp in my chinese water dragon's cage, will this provide him with UVB/UVA rays that he needs? I also have tube bulbs as his overhead light, do this also provide UVA/UVB? I bought them at Lowes. I thought they all created this type of light, not just ones made specifically for lizards.

Answer 1

NO it will not provide UVA/UVB.

"Some" (not all) soft white florescents put out small levels of UVA (depends on brand).

Nothing listed above puts out UVB.

You won't find anything at Lowes that will provide UVA/UVB except maybe MVB (mercury vapor bulb).

Answer 2

the answer given above is correct.  no lights found at any home store (Lowe's, home depot) put out enough uvb for reptiles, even the plant lights.  compact florescent lights have a small field of output as well.  depending on the maker of the light the light does no good if it's more than around 8 inches away from the animal.  compact lights also put out very little to no heat. a basking light needs to put out heat.  mercury vapor lights for reptiles are great lights for UVB and heat.