NOMOY PET
LED CALCIUMLAMP 5.0 AND
10.0 REPORTAn investigation into the UVB
LED Lamps from Nomoy Pet.

Thomas Griffiths, 2023
tom@tomaskas.co.uk
V 3.2.23

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Disclaimer .................................................................................. 1

REASONS FOR TEST .................................................... 2
TERMINOLOGY USED .................................................. 4
Kit ............................................................................................. 4
Lamp/Unit .................................................................................. 4
Diode/LED .................................................................................. 5
UVI............................................................................................ 5
UVB ........................................................................................... 5
Ferguson Zone(s) ........................................................................ 6
Colour Temperature (and Corrected Colour Temperature)................. 6
Colour Rendering (Index)/CRI ....................................................... 7

TESTING METHODS..................................................... 8
Equipment .................................................................................. 8
Methods .................................................................................... 10

PRODUCTS TESTED ................................................... 11
Calcium LED Lamp – 5.0 ............................................................. 11
Calcium LED Lamp – 10.0............................................................ 11

INITIAL OBSERVATIONS .......................................... 12
Description and Build Quality ....................................................... 12
Box/Packaging ........................................................................... 13
Photographs .............................................................................. 14

UV PERFORMANCE .................................................... 17
Centre Point After Burn-in ........................................................... 17

IRRADIANCE CHARTS ............................................... 19
Purpose..................................................................................... 19
Disclaimer ................................................................................. 19
5.0 Lamp................................................................................... 20
10.0 Lamp ................................................................................. 21

SPECTRAL MEASUREMENTS ...................................... 22
5.0 LAMP - 250 – 800nm ............................................................. 22
5.0 LAMP - 260 – 340nm ............................................................. 24
5.0 LAMP – Sunlight Comparison .................................................. 26
10.0 LAMP - 250 – 800nm ........................................................... 28
14.0 LAMP - 280 – 340nm ........................................................... 30

10.0 LAMP – Sunlight Comparison ................................................ 32

COLOUR MEASUREMENTS ......................................... 34
Overview ................................................................................... 34
Colour Values ............................................................................ 35

OTHER MEASUREMENTS ........................................... 38
Overview ................................................................................... 38
Measurments ............................................................................. 39
Light Category Breakdown ........................................................... 40
Relevant Action Spectra – 5.0 ...................................................... 41
Relevant Action Spectra – 10.0 .................................................... 42

COMMENTARY ON FINDINGS .................................... 43
Overall ...................................................................................... 43
UVI and UVB .............................................................................. 43
Spectrum and Vitamin D3 synthesis .............................................. 44
Colour Rendering and vision ........................................................ 45
Other Comments ........................................................................ 45

FURTHER TESTS........................................................ 47
Longevity and Degridation ........................................................... 47
Teardown .................................................................................. 47

SPECIAL THANKS ..................................................... 48
Colleagues ................................................................................. 48

LITERATURE AND FURTHER READING ...................... 49
Peer-Reviewed Literature ............................................................ 49
Other Literature ......................................................................... 52

DISCLAIMER
The content in this document including, but not limited to, the text,
graphics, images, links, and other materials is for informational
purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute forprofessional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does notconstitute as medical or other professional advice. Tomaskas Ltd. does
not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products,
procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned inthis document, or on other company websites. Reliance on any
information provided herein is solely at your own risk. The information
provided in this document is designed to support, not replace, therelationship that exists between yourself and a veterinary surgeon.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it
because of something you have read in this document.
The details provided in this document are based on sole use, and the
document contains both scientific information as well as personal
opinion. Other people may have different results. The tests have been
performed to our best knowledge. Although, the tests do notsubstitute that of a laboratory test. There are uncontrollable variables
when testing a small batch of any item. Different items of the samemodel number may differ due to their manufacturing batch oroperating conditions.
This document may refer to the overall exotic animal keeping hobby as
the “reptile hobby”, but this is a force of habit – Tomaskas Ltd. does infact mean the keeping of the broader herpetological spectrum,including invertebrates, amphibians, and even birds.

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REASONS
FOR TEST

These tests were completed independently of Jiaxing Nomoy Pet
Products Co., Ltd. trading as Nomoy Pet (Nomoy).
Nomoy is a manufacturer based in China, with a range of products
sold. They produce and sell products for the reptile community.
In order to provide the hobby with a base understanding of suchproducts, it’s important that impartial tests are conducted. We have a
duty, as a community, to look out for each other and shareappropriate good practice.
These tests aim to discover if products are suitable for the hobby,
independent of the manufacturer’s claims.
These tests aim to provide a better understanding of the products inquestion. The products are aimed at primarily providing a UVB
provision, but also acts as a source of visible light.
I have contacted Nomoy on various occasions to offer services of
independent testing – with no mention of cost. Nomoy responded tostate that they were wanting to only sell lamps, not have them tested.

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I gave the company another offer, presuming that there was perhaps alanguage barrier and translation problem.
Throughout January 2023 I contacted Nomoy via Whatsapp, email,and phone. I received no further correspondence from them.
I decided to purchase the lamps myself as I wasn’t getting anywherewith Nomoy.
I will let the reader come to their own conclusions about Nomoy’s lackof response or correspondence.

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TERMINOLOGYUSEDAs with many things, there may be more than one correct or colloquial
way to describe the same item. There may also be common terms
used that may not be correct in everyday usage. I’ve tried to remain
consistent throughout the document so that if I refer to a specific partof an item, you as the reader will know with confidence which part I’mreferring to. I’m only human though, and there may be mistakes.

KIT
This refers to everything that comes in the box, including fittings andinstructions.

LAMP/UNIT
This refers to the main item in the kit. Both types are a small E27
screw in unit. Inside the lamp are electronics to ensure that the lamp
turns on and works as intended.

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DIODE/LED
The individual electronic parts that emit light (including UV).

UVIThis is shorthand for Ultra Violet Index. UVI is a standardised
measurement for the appropriate wavelengths of radiation associatedwith essential biological processes involving the synthesis of Vitamin
D3 – it is often used as a measure of solar UV radiation at the Earth’s
surface in terms of potential damage to the skin and the eye. The
higher the UVI, the less time it takes for harm to occur. This document
does not aim to educate about this biological process specifically, andfurther reading is readily available online. By continuing, it ispresumed that you have an understanding of UVI and its relevance tothese tests. UVI is not to be confused with UVB. UVI is not to be
confused with the Ferguson Zones.

UVB
UVB is the term for part of the electromagnetic spectrum on certain
wavelengths, generally between 280 and 320nm. This document does
not aim to educate about this specifically, and further reading isreadily available online. By continuing, it is presumed that you have an
understanding of UVB – including the differences between terrestrial(solar) UVB, which is around 295-320nm, and the more dangerous
non-terrestrial (non-solar) UVB, which is from 280nm to around
295nm.

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FERGUSON ZONE(S)The Ferguson Zones are classification markers for different exposurelevels to different UVI. There are 4 Zones. Animals that expose
themselves naturally to lower UVI are classified as Ferguson Zone 1,
and animals that naturally expose themselves to high UVI areclassified as Ferguson Zone 4. This document does not aim to educate
about this specifically, and further reading is readily available online.
By continuing, it is presumed that you have an understanding of
Ferguson Zones – including the differences between the different
Zones.

COLOUR TEMPERATURE (AND CORRECTED COLOURTEMPERATURE)
Colour temperature, or CT, is widely used to define the colour
appearance of a light source. Colour temperature is technically onlyused for “true” light sources – defined as a black body that reads closeenough to the Planckian locus.
Corrected Colour Temperature, or CCT, is used on a light source that
doesn’t read close to the Planckian locus.
Both are defined in degrees Kelvin where a Warm White is around2700K moving to Neutral White at around 4000K to Cool White, 5000K
or more. Note that Colour Temperature and CCT do not tell you
anything about the colour rendering ability of a light.
This document does not aim to educate about this specifically, andfurther reading is readily available online. By continuing, it ispresumed that you have an understanding of CT/CCT – including thedifferences and similarities.

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COLOUR RENDERING (INDEX)/CRI
Broadly defined as an indication of how well a light source can provide
wavelengths that allow for certain colours to be visible to the humaneye. This is defined by the CIE in greater detail, along withstandardisations on measuring the level of colour rendering capability– referred to as the “index” of colour rendering.
Light with a low CRI is less effective as one with a high CRI. The CRI of
unobstructed sunlight is 100.
This document does not aim to educate about this specifically, andfurther reading is readily available online. By continuing, it ispresumed that you have an understanding of CRI.

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TESTING
METHODSEQUIPMENT
In order to ensure that results are as true and comparable as possible,
I have used standardised measuring devices for the tests. I have useda SolarMeter 6.5 for measuring UVI, and a SolarMeter 6.2 formeasuring UV in µW/cm².
The spectral response of these broadband meters is shown below. On
these graphs, “Erythemal” refers to the action spectrum for the UV
Index, since this is derived directly from the action spectrum for skinreddening (“erythema”) under UVB.

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To allow for full spectrometry, a calibrated FLAME Spectrometer from
Ocean Optics was used alongside their flagship software – OceanView.
Room temperature measurements were taken with an Inkbird branded
digital thermometer, with part number IBS-TH2. The manufacturer
claims the device to have an accuracy of ±0.3°C.
A drywipe backboard was used for the “manual” portions of the tests.
The backboard was pre-marked with a grid pattern. The grid used is
2.5cm squares. The board is approx. 2mx2m in total. The board does
not reflect UV.
The distance from the unit was determined using a Stanley tapemeasure, with points marked on the backboard.
A Windows 10 PC with Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop CC 2015
was used to digitise the results and write up this report.
A power meter was used, model KWE-PM01, to monitor power usage.
A Dr Meter LX1330B was used to manually determine LUX values.
The lamps are 220-240V. I used a voltage transformer to correctly
power the lamps.
SCHOTT N-WG295 Long Pass Glass (WG295 Glass) was used whereappropriate to monitor for UVC vs noise on the spectrometer.

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METHODS
Precaution was taken with all tests, as there should be when dealing
with UVB-emitting devices. “Factor 50” UV protection sun cream wasused on skin, with care taken not to spread any onto the equipment orlamps.
The method for creating ISO Irradiance charts is very close to themethod documented by UV Guide. I have made comparisons with myresults and those of the UV Guide, and the results are withintolerances – this means that the results are comparable to those of the
UV Guide.
Info here: (http://www.uvguide.co.uk/makingspreadcharts.htm)
Before every test took place, a dry microfibre towel was used to wipe
the lamp to ensure that the lamp was clean.
UVI was measured in the testing room before each test to ensure that
results were only measuring the lamps and not any other sources.
Spectrometer readings were taken in line with standard processes.
The Reptile Lamp Database, courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich, wasutilised for some technical analysis.
The lamps were given 30 minutes to “warm up” before each individual
test, unless otherwise noted.
The lamps had 50 hours of “burn-in” before the tests began, unlessotherwise noted.

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PRODUCTSTESTEDThe following products were tested.

CALCIUM LED LAMP – 5.0
I tested one of these lamps (n=1) in total. This lamp was sent in retailpackaging from the seller. Referred to as “5.0” from here. The website
sales page for this lamp (https://www.nomoy-pet.com/led-calciumlights-product/) shows the model number as ND-24.

CALCIUM LED LAMP – 10.0
I tested one of these lamps (n=1) in total. This lamp was sent in retailpackaging from the seller. Referred to as “10.0” from here. The
website sales page for this lamp (https://www.nomoy-pet.com/ledcalcium-lights-product/) shows the model number as ND-24.

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INITIAL
OBSERVATIONSDESCRIPTION AND BUILD QUALITY
The lamps are both near-identical in external appearance, with the 5.0
being a silver colour and the 10.0 being black. And they appear wellbuilt. They have a metal outer chassis and feel high quality to hold.
They weigh approximately 55g, and feel solid.
They are both small, with a diameter of approx. 49mm at their widest
part, and are only approx. 66mm “tall” in total, including the E27
fitting. They are not dissimilar in formfactor from a HR16 lamp.
The E27 fitting itself looks well made. There are no marks or solder
burns on the faces of the units or the E27 fitting.
There is no protective plastic or glass on the face of the lamps,
meaning that the diodes can be directly accessed.
The lamps both look significantly different from the ND-24 on thewebsite.
The font is different on both lamps.

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Both lamps seem to include the exact same diodes, just in different
proportions.

BOX/PACKAGING
The boxes are both identical. They look and feel high quality ingeneral, there is no blurry printing or any off colours. The productname is underneath the word “heating” on the front of the box.
The boxes feature an image of a tortoise on nearly every side.
The colour accents are not dissimilar from the “Creatures” range fromZoo Med. I have included a picture for comparison in a later section.
There is an area in which the manufacturer can mark exactly what
product is on the inside. This box has, at the bottom of both sides, a“tick box” for “5.0” and for “10.0”. They are appropriately marked.
There are no guidelines for how close either lamp should be in order toachieve the relevant results. However, the boxes do state that the 5.0
is suitable for tropical forest species, meanwhile the 10.0 is suitable fordesert species.
One side features a QR code which is invalid and doesn’t link to a
website. Presumably this is a sales code and not a link to a website.
There are no CE or UKCA markings on the packaging or on the lamps.
The boxes are clear that this is the model ND-26.
The boxes claim that the units use 5W.

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PHOTOGRAPHS
Here are some images of the lamps and accessories etc. Descriptions
are provided where appropriate.

Comparison of the design on the box to the Zoo Med Creatures line.
Note that the Zoo Med product pictured above is not a UVB LED and is
not being reviewed here.

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Lamps are appropriately marked

Note the different font

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5.0
1x ‘UVB’ diode2x ‘UVA’ diodes
2x ‘White’ diodes

10.0
2x ‘UVB’ diodes
2x ‘UVA’ diodes
1x ‘White’ diode16

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UV
PERFORMANCE

As it can be presumed that most average consumers will not burn-in
their lamp, I have allowed a 50-hour burn-in and then began
measuring.

CENTRE POINT AFTER BURN-IN
The below measurements were taken at set distances from directly
below the lamps after a 50-hour burn-in.

Distance (cm)

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

UVB
UVI
UVB
UVI

142
26.9
259
49.5

80
15.7
159
29.2

54
10.3
100
18.8

37
7.4
70
13.1

28
5.2
51
9.7

21
4.0
39
7.1

17
3.2
31
5.7

14
2.6
25
4.6

5.0
10.0

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The following is a graph of the same data, showing how the UVBchanges over distance.
NOMOY 5.0 and 10.0 Calcium LED - UVB (µW/cm²) at set distances
300

UVB (µW/cm²)

250

200

150

100

50

0
15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Distance from centre of lamp (cm)
5.0 UVB

10.0 UVB

The following is a graph of the same data, showing how the UVIchanges over distance.
NOMOY 5.0 and 10.0 Calcium LED - UVI at set distances
60

50

UVI

40

30

20

10

0

15

20

25

30

35

40

Distance from centre of lamp (cm)
5.0 UVI18

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10.0 UVI45

50

IRRADIANCE
CHARTSPURPOSEThe charts in this chapter are an indication of UVI output from thelamps at set distances.
It is possible to visualise how the lamps emit UVB as a whole, using
UVI as a figure.

DISCLAIMER
The charts do not make claim to the safety of the lamps, as there is nodata on the spectrum included in the charts. The charts are a guide
only.
The charts are to scale.

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5.0 LAMPThis is the ISO Irradiance Chart for the 5.0 lamp.

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10.0 LAMPThis is the ISO Irradiance Chart for the 10.0 lamp.

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SPECTRAL
MEASUREMENTS

5.0 LAMP - 250 – 800NM
Reading taken at 30cm away from the lamp. Lamp warm-up was 30
minutes. This reading was taken after the lamp had burned-in for 50
hours.

Full page graph is on the next page. Commentary is in a later section.

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5.0 LAMP - 260 – 340NM
Reading taken at 30cm away from the lamp. Lamp warm-up was 30
minutes. This reading was taken after the lamp had burned-in for 50
hours.

Full page graph is on the next page. Commentary is in a later section.

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25

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5.0 LAMP – SUNLIGHT COMPARISON
The below chart shows the spectrum from the lamp to sunlight (ASTM
sunlight). The spectral plot of the lamp has been up-scaled (to approx.
UVI 30.0) in order to be visually comparable to sunlight for the sake ofanalysis.
Reading taken at 30cm away from the lamp. Lamp warm-up was 30
minutes. This reading was taken after the lamp had burned-in for 50
hours.

Graph made using Reptile Lamp Database Software, Courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich

Full page graph is on the next page. Commentary is in a later section.

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Graph made using Reptile Lamp Database Software, Courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich

tom@tomaskas.co.uk

27

10.0 LAMP - 250 – 800NM
Reading taken at 30cm away from the lamp. Lamp warm-up was 30
minutes. This reading was taken after the lamp had burned-in for 50
hours.

Full page graph is on the next page. Commentary is in a later section.

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29

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14.0 LAMP - 280 – 340NM
Reading taken at 30cm away from the lamp. Lamp warm-up was 30
minutes. This reading was taken after the lamp had burned-in for 50
hours.

Full page graph is on the next page. Commentary is in a later section.

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31

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10.0 LAMP – SUNLIGHT COMPARISON
The below chart shows the spectrum from the lamp to sunlight (ASTM
sunlight). The spectral plot of the lamp has been up-scaled (to approx.
UVI 30.0) in order to be visually comparable to sunlight for the sake ofanalysis.
Reading taken at 30cm away from the lamp. Lamp warm-up was 30
minutes. This reading was taken after the lamp had burned-in for 50
hours.

Graph made using Reptile Lamp Database Software, Courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich

Full page graph is on the next page. Commentary is in a later section.

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Graph made using Reptile Lamp Database Software, Courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich

tom@tomaskas.co.uk

33

COLOURMEASUREMENTS

OVERVIEW
The spectrometer software is able to calculate colour values based on
the readings from the lamps.
The range of wavelengths used to generate these values is dictated by
the CIE. Their range defined is 400nm to 750nm.
These standards are defined as such for human vision only, and they
do not take into consideration reptile vision in the UVA range.
I have also used a slightly wider range (350nm to 850nm) to allow
analysis of typical reptile photoreceptor excitation by software.
Measurements taken using centre point of lamps at 30cm away, withall diodes on.

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COLOUR VALUES
The lamps each had their colour values checked. Data is below.
Category

35

Ref

5.0

10.0

CCT (Kelvin)

8454K

8110K

CRI(a)

75.9

76.3

R1

78.8

78.4

R2

75.9

75.8

R3

69.3

70.6

R4

78.7

77.8

R5

78.4

78.2

R6

69.7

72.5

R7

71.4

82.0

R8

75.3

75.4

R9

6.0

2.9

R10

38.2

38.9

R11

78.7

78.1

R12

48.3

52.5

R13

74.7

72.9

R14

81.7

82.2

R15

77.1

75.3

DC<5.4E-3

False

False

tom@tomaskas.co.uk

Below is a chart showing excitation of the 3 “cone” visualphotoreceptors used in human vision, as they would be stimulated by
the spectrum on the platforms. The coloured vertical bars show thecone stimulation level; the short green horizontal bars show theequivalent stimulation by natural sunlight. The chart gives a visual
representation of how well colour is rendered by humans.

Graph made using Reptile Lamp Database Software, Courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich

5.0 Lamp

Graph made using Reptile Lamp Database Software, Courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich

10.0 Lamp

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Reptiles have different photoreceptors to humans. And most species
are also different to each other. This makes it difficult to quantify andanalyse light for reptile vision. Basic assumptions can be made though.
Below are the same charts showing excitation of the “3 cone” visualphotoreceptors used by some reptiles and birds (top), and the samefor “4 cone” visual photoreceptors used by other species of reptile andbirds (bottom), as they would be stimulated by the spectrum in thisenclosure. The coloured vertical bars show the cone stimulation level;
the short green horizontal bars show the equivalent stimulation by
natural sunlight. The chart gives a visual representation of how wellcolour is rendered by different species of reptile or bird.

Graph made using Reptile Lamp Database Software

Graph made using Reptile Lamp Database Software

Courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich

Courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich

5.0 Lamp

10.0 Lamp

Graph made using Reptile Lamp Database Software

Graph made using Reptile Lamp Database Software
Courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich

Courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich

10.0 Lamp

5.0 Lamp37

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OTHERMEASUREMENTS

OVERVIEW
The spectrometer software is able to ascertain certain values based on
the readings from the lamps. Each reading was taken at 30cm whereappropriate. Readings taken after 50-hour burn-in. The lamps were
given 30 minutes to warm up before each test. I have listed theIlluminance (Lux), Luminous intensity (Candela), Power Density(µWatt/cm²), UVB density (250-320nm in µWatt/cm² using SolarMeter
6.2), UVI (SolarMeter 6.5), SolarMeter Ratio, Power Factor, andaverage wattage values. Integration began at 280nm and ended at
850nm for measurements, excluding the tests done with theSolarMeter 6.2 and SolarMeter 6.5. This encompasses the range of UV,Visible Light, and the very shortest Infrared Wavelengths. Simpson’srule was used for integration between 270 and 800nm.
This section also contains light category breakdown and action spectra
analysis.

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MEASURMENTS
The following are readings taken from the lamps after a 50-hour burnin period at 30cm.
Category

5.0

10.0

570

285

327.78239.43

Candela0.0064076

0.0031666(SM6.2) UVB

37 µW/cm²

70 µW/cm²(SM6.5) UVI

7.4

13.1

SolarMeter Ratio

5:1

5.3:1

Power Factor

3.1

3.2

Average Wattage

2.8

1.8

Voltage

237.8

238.0

Lux
PD µW/cm²39

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LIGHT CATEGORY BREAKDOWN
The light from the lamps underneath the UVB-emitting diodes can be
broken down as follows. The measured range for these readings is
280nm to 780nm.
5.0:Grouping
UVB (280-320nm)
UVA (320-400nm)
Visible (400-780nm)

W/m2
0.313
0.783
2.94

Percentage of total Measured Range
7.76%
19.40%
72.84%

W/m2
0.579
0.66
1.82

Percentage of total Measured Range
18.93%
21.58%
59.50%

10.0:
Grouping
UVB (280-320nm)
UVA (320-400nm)
Visible (400-780nm)

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RELEVANT ACTION SPECTRA – 5.0
I have compared the activity of the spectrum in relation to action
spectra related with VitaminD3 synthesis and actinic activity, and thesame expected from sunlight. The spectral plot of the lamp has been
up-scaled to UVI 20.0 for analysis purposes.

Graph made using Reptile Lamp Database Software, Courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich

Percentage of activity in different action spectra - NOMOY 5.0 CALCIUM Lamp
compared to sunlight
300.00%250.00%% Activity

200.00%150.00%100.00%50.00%

245.19%75.29%

23.40%

24.44%

495.45%1692.02%

Actinic UV

Vitamin D3

Conversion of preD3

Conversion of
Tachysterol

Conversion of
Lumisterol

Conversion of 7DHC

0.00%

Lamp

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Sunlight

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RELEVANT ACTION SPECTRA – 10.0
I have compared the activity of the spectrum in relation to action
spectra related with VitaminD3 synthesis and actinic activity, and thesame expected from sunlight. The spectral plot of the lamp has been
up-scaled to UVI 20.0 for analysis purposes.

Graph made using Reptile Lamp Database Software, Courtesy of Dr. Sarina Wunderlich

Percentage of activity in different action spectra - NOMOY 10.0 CALCIUM
Lamp compared to sunlight
300.00%250.00%% Activity

200.00%150.00%100.00%50.00%

233.65%80.23%

23.61%

24.21%

457.58%1536.18%

Actinic UV

Vitamin D3

Conversion of preD3

Conversion of
Tachysterol

Conversion of
Lumisterol

Conversion of 7DHC

0.00%

Lamp

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Sunlight

tom@tomaskas.co.uk

COMMENTARYON FINDINGSOVERALL
The lamps worked without any faults during the tests. Neither got
concerningly warm during use.
Despite the word “heating” on the front, there is no heating effectfrom these lamps.
The lamps did not use the 5W as stated on the box.

UVI AND UVBThe UVB output from the lamps very high. It is significantly higher
than any recommended lamp at the same distance.
The Solarmeter ratio can be used as a way of estimating thebiologically-appropriate UV from a light source. By comparing the ratio
to that of the sun, we can discern how similar or different a light43

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source is to sunlight in the UV wavelengths. Sunlight is generally
shown to have a ratio of 50-55:1 at “full strength”.
The Solarmeter ratio for the 5.0 lamp was 5:1. This is extremely low.
The Solarmeter ratio for the 10.0 lamp was 5.3. This is also very low.
A low ratio implies a significant amount of short-wavelength UVB
compared to longer wavelengths.
The spread of the UV (in UVI) followed the same pattern for bothlamps. However, the output from the 10.0 was stronger, as is
expected.
Given that the 5.0 and 10.0 emit approx. 8% and 19% UVB
respectively, the use of “5.0” and “10.0” in their naming is confusing
and appears to be for no real reason other than to follow the trend ofother manufacturers.

SPECTRUM AND VITAMIN D3 SYNTHESISFrom the data collected, the for both lamps the following can bestated:1. The lamps emit dangerously short-wavelength (unnatural) UVB.
2. The lamps emit some amount of UVC.
3. The lamps are likely to cause skin problems and eye problems inanimals and humans.
4. There is activity in the wavelengths associated with the synthesis
of Vitamin D3.
5. There is hardly any activity in the wavelength range associatedwith the regulation of Vitamin D3 synthesis.

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In practical terms, this tells us that the lamps will cause the skin tosynthesise Vitamin D3, however the lamps are also very likely to cause
eye problems if used long term with animals.
These lamps could cause overproduction of Vitamin D3 if the animal is
exposed to the lamp for any significant length of time. This could leadto hypervitaminosisD.
There is activity in the visual spectrum – typical of white LEDs.
The “UVA” diodes included peak in activity just below 400nm. A large
proportion of their output is in the “violet” range rather than theultraviolet range.
The lamps do not approximate sunlight in the UVB range at all.

COLOUR RENDERING AND VISION
The colour, to my eyes, is fairly white with a slight tint towards blue.
The lamps render colour for human vision poorly. To an animal, thelamps would appear very tinted towards the UVA part of the spectrum,
due to the very disproportionate activity in this range.
The lamps are not very bright. But this is to be expected if considering
the fact that a number of the diodes are non-visual and are using up a
portion of the overall wattage.

OTHER COMMENTS
The Power Factor of the 5.0 lamp is approximately 3.1. This is very low
and considered poor. This is not atypical of a UVB LED product. The
Power Factor for the 10.0 lamp is approximately 3.2. This is very low
and considered poor. This is not atypical of a UVB LED product.

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There are no safety markings on the lamps, which concerns me as
they are for sale in the UK.
I do not recommend either of these lamps for use with animals. I
recommend anyone who has purchased these lamps to contact theirseller and request a refund.

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FURTHER TESTSLONGEVITY AND DEGRIDATION
There is no statement that the lamps will emit UVB for any amount oftime. This was not tested, although such a test is doable if time wasput aside for the test.

TEARDOWN
At this point I have not conducted a teardown of the lamps. This could
involve reviewing electronics inside, although I may seek further
counsel on this first as I don’t want to break any laws regarding
intellectual property.
LEDs are widely used in many sectors, and I don’t suspect there is any
ground-breaking technology inside to warrant a teardown.

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SPECIAL
THANKSSpecial thanks are in order for many friends, colleagues, and partners.
I’d like to give a thank you to the following, but there are undoubtedly
more that have not been named.

COLLEAGUESDr Sarina Wunderlich has kindly allowed me to utilise her Reptile Lamp
Database system to generate some technical graphs and datasets. She
has not explicitly endorsed this document or seen it before release.

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LITERATURE
AND FURTHERREADINGIn this paper, I have made comments supported by scientific
literature, both peer-reviewed and not. Here is a list of literature that I
have either directly referenced, or used in support of points and claims
that I’ve made. The list is not extensive.

PEER-REVIEWED LITERATURE
Holick, M. F (2016) - Biological Effects of Sunlight, Ultraviolet
Radiation, Visible Light, Infrared Radiation and Vitamin D for Health.
Anticancer Research 36: 1345-1356 (2016)
Wacker and Holick (2013) - Sunlight and Vitamin D.
Dermatoendocrinol. Jan 1; 5(1): 51–108.
Christopher J. Laing, Angelika Trube, Glenn M. Shea, and David R.
Fraser (2001) - The requirement for natural sunlight to prevent

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vitamin D deficiency in iguanian lizards. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife
Medicine 32(3), 342-348.
Acierno, M.J., Mithcell, M.A., Roundtree, M.K., and Zachariah, T.T.,(2006) - Effects of ultraviolet radiation on 25-hydroxyvitamin D3
synthesis in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans).
American Journal of Veterinary Research, 67(12), pp. 2046-2049.
MacLaughlin, J., Anderson, R. & Holick, M. F. (1982) - Spectral
character of sunlight modulates photosynthesis of previtamin D3 andits photoisomers in human skin. Science, 216 1001–1003.
Baines, F. M. et al. (2016) - How much UV-B does my reptile need?
The UV-Tool, a guide to the selection of UV lighting for reptiles andamphibians in captivity. Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 4.
Ferguson, G. W. et al. (2010) - Voluntary exposure of some westernhemisphere snake and lizard species to ultraviolet-B radiation in thefield: how much ultraviolet-B should a lizard or snake receive incaptivity? Zoo Biology 29(3), 317-34.
Scott, R. K. et al. (2015) - Evolutionary transformation of rod
photoreceptors in the all-cone retina of a diurnal garter snake. PNAS
113, 2.
Sillman et al. (1999) - The photoreceptors and visual pigments in theretina of a boid snake, the ball python (Python regius). The Journal of
Experimental Biology, 202, 1931–1938.
Kelber, A., Vorobyev, M. & Osorio, D. (2003) - Animal colour vision behavioural tests and physiological concepts. Biological Reviews, 78
81–118.
Katti C, Stacey-Solis M, Coronel-Rojas NA and Davies WIL (2019) The Diversity and Adaptive Evolution of Visual Photopigments in
Reptiles. Front. Ecol. Evol. 7:35.

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Sarika Paul and Timothy M Brown (2019) - Direct effects of the lightenvironment on daily neuroendocrine control. Journal of
Endocrinology, 243:1.
Albers et al. (2019) - Blue light (λ=453 nm) nitric oxide dependently
induces β-endorphin production of human skin keratinocytes in-vitro
and increases systemic βendorphin levels in humans in-vivo. Free
Radical Biology and Medicine 145 78-86.
Grace, Michael S. (1997) - The visual system and non-visualphotoreception. The Biology Husbandry, and Health Care of Reptiles.
Lowell Ackerman, DVM, ed. Vol. I, pp. 325-341.
G. Chen et al. (2017) - Mercury speciation by differential
photochemical vapor generation at UV-B vs. UV-C wavelength.
Spectrochimica Acta Part B 137, 1–7.
C. M. Lerche et al. (2017) - UVR: sun, lamps, pigmentation andvitamin D. Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2017, 16, 291-301
Lindgren, J., Gehrmann, W. H., Ferguson, G. W. & Pinder, J. E. (2008)- Measuring Effective Vitamin D3-Producing Ultraviolet B Radiation
Using Solartech’s Solarmeter® 6.4 Handheld, UVB Radiometer.
Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society, 43 57–62.
Holick, M. F. (2016) - Biological Effects of Sunlight, Ultraviolet
Radiation, Visible Light, Infrared Radiation and Vitamin D for Health.
Anticancer Research, 36 1345–1356.
James K. Bowmaker (2012) - Evolution of the Vertebrate Eye. How
Animals See the World: Comparative Behavior, Biology, and Evolutionof Vision 23 441–472.
Tosini et al. (2001) - The circadian system of reptiles: amultioscillatory and multiphotoreceptive system. Physiology &Behavior 72 (2001) 461-471.

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Kalajian, T. A., Aldoukhi, A., Veronikis, T.J., Persons, K.& Holick, M. F.
(2017) - Ultraviolet B Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) Are More Efficientand Effective in Producing Vitamin D3 in Human Skin Compared to
Natural Sunlight. Scientific Reports, 7 11489.
Sakich and Tattersall (2022) - Regulation of Exposure to Ultraviolet
Light in Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) in Relation to
Temperature and Scalation Phenotype. Ichthyology & Herpetology
110, No. 3, 2022, 477–488.
Cusack, L., Rivera, S., Lock, B., Benboe, D., Brothers, D. & Divers, S.
(2017) - Effects of a light-emitting diode on the production ofcholecalciferol and associated blood parameters in the bearded dragon(pogona vitticeps). Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine, 48 1120–
1126.

OTHER LITERATURE
Sinclair, Sandra (1985) - How Animals See: Other Visions of Our
World. Croom Helm, London.
Dr Frances M Baines (2021) - Vitamin D3 Synthesis: A self-limiting
process in natural sunlight.
Loos, B. de (Babette) (2016) – Production of cutaneous vitamin D3
after UVB radiation in reptiles and amphibians. Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine Research Internship Department: Biochemistry and Cell
Biology
Baines, F. M. (2008) - Photo-kerato-conjunctivitis in reptiles. In
Proceedings of the Autumn British Veterinary Zoological Society
Meeting. BVZS: UK.
GOV . UK (2023) – Guidance - Using the UKCA marking.
GOV . UK (2023) – Guidance - Using the CE marking.

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