Large pricetag, short lifespan
Just over one year ago, the UVB lamp for our bearded dragon stopped working.
Our local "reptile specialist" recommended the Arcadia ProT5 lighting kit as the best option for us as a replacement so we purchased this unit.
Roll forward just a little over twelve months - the light started flashing when first switched on and eventually died. We purchased a replacement lamp but still no luck.
Unhappy with the lamp only lasting around two weeks beyond its warranty (and potentially being outlived by the lamp itself) I initially ordered a fitting from another company but also contacted Arcadia directly.
They got back to me promptly, giving some background about this product and offered a replacement unit out of courtesy.
For this, I was very grateful and immediately cancelled my order for the other unit.
Roll forwards to the present day, 13 days after forwarding my postal address. I had received no reply to my email and no lighting unit plus a sick reptile, probably from lack of UVB.
Again, I have ordered a fitting from elsewhere and emailed in a slightly less friendly tone, basically saying thanks for nothing.
Surprisingly I received a very prompt reply informing me that he is a man of his word, he will chase up why I have not received the lamp and twisting a little of the blame at myself for not chasing him up sooner.
My personal experience with Arcadia products in comparison to cheaper alternatives is that they are of poor quality, only lasting as long as their warranties. Considering how much this unit cost in comparison to the alternative options, and how much longer those cheaper units have lasted, I cannot recommend Arcadia UVB lights.
I would like to have had the opportunity to be proven wrong but after this experience, I doubt I will be purchasing Arcadia products again as I need to know that what I buy is worth the cost and more importantly, reliable for the well-being of my reptile.
Initially, I was impressed with the prompt and friendly customer service that I had received but unfortunately, as I am writing this while looking at a very unhappy reptile, I feel that this also fell short as I never received their very kind offer of a new unit.
October 17, 2021
Unprompted review