TLDR Review: REPTI ZOO T5 HO UVB Lighting Combo Kit
Published: February 9th, 2026
Pros
- •Provides good brightness and UVB light quality suitable for reptiles like chameleons and large bearded dragons.
- •Comes with a conveniently detachable curved reflector that improves light distribution.
- •The 5.0 UVB T5 lamp bulb lasts longer than typical bulbs, with some users reporting up to 3 years of use before replacement.
- •Compact and simple terrarium hood design that fits well in smaller setups.
- •Installation instructions are clear and easy to follow.
- •The combo kit offers good overall value by including both the fixture and bulb.
- •Fluorescent tube lighting outperforms many UVB incandescent bulb alternatives in terms of effectiveness.
- •ETL certification provides assurance of basic safety standards.
Cons
- •Fixture durability is a major concern; multiple users reported the light failing or the fixture melting within just a few months of daily use.
- •Quality control seems inconsistent, with at least one instance of a bulb burning out quickly and causing dangerous overheating.
- •Customer support is reportedly unresponsive, leaving buyers without assistance when issues arise.
- •The product feels like a louality, short-lived import designed to barely last beyond the return window.
- •Power cable length is short, potentially requiring an extension cord in many setups.
- •Bulb replacement can be tricky, and care is needed to avoid touching the bulb with bare hands, complicating maintenance.
- •Original bulbs gave mixed results on longevity, with some units failing much earlier than expected (as little as 40 days in one case).
- •Overall, the product's reliability and safety concerns overshadow its initial performance benefits.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a budget-friendly reptile UVB lighting option that performs well initially, the REPTI ZOO 8W combo kit delivers decent brightness and long-lasting bulbs. However, its questionable fixture durability, safety concerns, and poor customer support make it a risky investment for serious reptile keepers. We recommend considering higher-quality alternatives with proven track records if longevity and safety are priorities for your pet.
Get ShopSavvy
ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
Footer 1
Subscribe for Updates
Get the latest news, and updates on ShopSavvy. You'll be glad you did!