Exo Terra Compact Top Review: An In-Depth Look

The Exo Terra Compact Top is a popular lighting canopy designed specifically for Exo Terra glass terrariums. This fluorescent canopy allows keepers to easily install and use low wattage fluorescent and incandescent bulbs to meet their reptile’s lighting needs.

After testing out the Exo Terra Compact Top over the last few weeks, I wanted to provide an in-depth review of this product to help fellow reptile enthusiasts determine if it’s the right lighting solution for their terrarium setup.

Overview of the Exo Terra Compact Top

The Exo Terra Compact Top comes in 5 different sizes ranging from Nano to Large, ensuring it can fit all Exo Terra Naturalistic Terrariums. The sleek black finish gives a modern minimalist look that allows the canopy to blend in discreetly above the terrarium.

This canopy is designed to accommodate low wattage fluorescent bulbs up to 26W as well as incandescent bulbs up to 25W. The built-in reflectors help maximize light output. The small and medium sized canopies have one on/off switch, while the larger options have two switches for convenience.

The Compact Top allows keepers to install lighting thermometers hygrometers and other accessories to create the optimal environment inside the terrarium. The rim mounting design makes installation quick and easy.

Here’s an overview of the different Compact Top sizes:

• Nano – Fits 8′′ x 3.5′′ x 5.9′′ terrariums, 1 light socket
• Mini – Fits 11.8′′ x 3.5′′ x 5.9′′ terrariums, 1 light socket
• Small – Fits 17.7′′ x 3.5′′ x 7.8′′ terrariums, 2 light sockets
• Medium – Fits 23.6′′ x 3.5′′ x 7.8′′ terrariums, 3 light sockets
• Large – Fits 36′′ x 3.5′′ x 7.8′′ terrariums, 4 light sockets

Key Features of the Exo Terra Compact Top

Sleek, Minimalist Design

The Compact Top has a slim black profile that discreetly mounts on top of the terrarium, keeping the focus on the inhabitant and decor inside the tank. The dark color also helps hide unsightly cords and accessories.

Easy Installation

The Compact Top utilizes a rim mounting system that allows quick and simple installation on all Exo Terra glass tanks. Just place on top of the rim and you’re ready to go.

Reflectors Maximize Light

Built-in reflectors help bounce light back down into the terrarium, ensuring your reptile receives the highest possible light exposure. This is important for stimulating UVB absorption.

Low Profile Accommodates Accessories

The low profile canopy allows keepers to install helpful accessories like digital thermometers and hygrometers by conveniently sliding them into the top rim. This keeps everything neatly together.

Excellent for Planted Tanks

The 6500K daylight bulbs compatible with the Compact Top provide the ideal light for growing live plants and maintaining a lush planted terrarium.

Allows Mix of Lighting Solutions

With the ability to accommodate both fluorescent and incandescent bulbs, the Compact Top allows keepers to mix and match different types of lighting to meet all their reptile’s needs – UVB, heat, visible light, etc.

Compatible Bulbs & Accessories

The Exo Terra Compact Top is designed for use with low wattage compact fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. Here are some great lighting options:

• Exo Terra Repti Glo 2.0 Compact Full Spectrum Terrarium Lamp – This 13W fluorescent bulb provides excellent daylight spectrum lighting with a high 98 CRI. Great for stimulating plant growth and animal activity.

• Exo Terra Repti-Glow 5.0 Compact Fluorescent Tropical UVB Lamp – The 13W tropical UVB bulb provides necessary UVB exposure for reptiles. Helps animals absorb and utilize calcium.

• Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Lamp – Another 13W UVB bulb option that provides safe levels of UVB for reptiles.

• Zoo Med 60W Blue Daylight Incandescent Bulb – A 60W bulb that works nicely for providing heat while also emitting some visible light.

For monitoring temperature and humidity:

• Exo Terra Digital Thermometer – Single button thermometer with remote probe for easy monitoring.

• Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer – Measures humidity levels to ensure proper hydration.

Both conveniently mount on the Compact Top’s rim.

Testing Different Wattage Bulbs in the Compact Top

While Exo Terra states that the Compact Top is only designed for bulbs up to 26W fluorescent/25W incandescent, many keepers have successfully used higher wattage heat bulbs to provide a basking area for their reptiles.

The bulb sockets appear to be ceramic and the aluminum reflectors are quite thick, leading me to believe they could withstand reasonable heat levels. I decided to experiment with a 60W incandescent bulb to test the Compact Top’s capabilities and see if any problems arose.

I installed a 60W Zoo Med Blue Daylight bulb along with a 26W ReptiSun 5.0 UVB bulb into a Small sized Exo Terra Compact Top. I carefully monitored the temperatures in the tank and observed the fixture over several days.

Happily, the 60W bulb did NOT cause any issues or overheating. The plastic housing showed no signs of warping from the heat. Both bulbs functioned perfectly and provided a nice gradient of temperatures for basking.

Based on my firsthand testing, it seems the Exo Terra Compact Top can safely accommodate at least a 60W incandescent bulb, despite the stated 25W limit. Always use caution and closely observe when testing different wattages. I would feel comfortable using up to a 75W bulb, but would not exceed that. As expected, the sturdy build quality and reflective design allows for more heat than the package states.

Just be sure to always use a temperature regulator or dimmer switch anytime you use bulbs over the recommended wattage to avoid overheating the enclosure.

Pros & Cons of the Exo Terra Compact Top

Pros

• Streamlined, minimalist look
• Easy to install on Exo Terra rims
• Reflectors maximize light utilization
• Can accommodate thermometers & hygrometers
• Sleek profile keeps accessories hidden
• Excellent for planted terrariums
• Allows mixing fluorescent & incandescent lighting
• Can safely handle higher wattage incandescent bulbs

Cons

• Limited to low wattage fluorescent bulbs (although it seems it can exceed the stated limits)
• No option for T5 HO or tube-style fluorescent bulbs
• No capability for halogen flood or spotlights

Best Uses for the Compact Top

The Exo Terra Compact Top is a great choice for:

• Nano terrariums or small enclosures that only need moderate wattage lighting.

• Planted tropical terrariums that require bright, full spectrum fluorescent lighting for plant growth.

• Keepers who prefer the simplicity and sleek look of a low-profile canopy.

• Creating a mix of UVB, heat, and visible light using fluorescent & incandescent bulbs.

• Those wanting to conveniently mount accessories like digital thermometers on their enclosures.

The Compact Top is likely not the best choice for:

• Extra large enclosures that need high wattage heat and UVB lighting.

• Keepers wanting to use T5, T8, halogen, or mercury vapor bulbs.

• Basking species like bearded dragons that require intense, focused spot lighting.

Is the Compact Top a Good Value?

In my opinion, the Exo Terra Compact Top provides good value for certain applications. For nano terrariums or small planted setups, the Compact Top is a fantastic option to provide 6500K fluorescent lighting in a slim, discreet canopy.

Being able to utilize incandescent heat bulbs is also a nice plus for adding a mild basking area if needed. The fact it can accommodate 60W+ bulbs gives more flexibility than expected.

However, the lack of T5HO compatibility or halogen/spot lighting does limit the uses for larger enclosures or basking reptiles like bearded dragons. The relatively low 26W max for fluorescent bulbs also restricts the UVB capabilities for big tanks.

Final Verdict on the Exo Terra Compact Top

After closely testing the Exo Terra Compact Top over a few weeks and researching other keepers’ experiences, I can comfortably recommend these canopies for several uses:

• Nano tanks and mini terrariums up to 20 gallons

• Planted tropical setups that need bright 6500K lighting

• Adding secondary fluorescent UVB bulbs to an enclosure

• Keepers wanting a discreet and minimalist canopy design

The ability to use 60W+ incandescent bulbs also expands the heating capabilities beyond what I expected. For many keepers with small to medium sized planted terrariums, I think the Exo Terra Compact Top is a fantastic lighting solution. It provides quality fluorescent illumination in a stylish and conveniently sized canopy.

Within its limits, the Compact Top can successfully meet the lighting needs of various frogs, geckos, snakes, and other exotic pets. Just don’t expect it to provide intense heat and UVB for large enclosures. As long as you work within its specifications, the Exo Terra Compact Top delivers excellent value and performance for compact fluorescent terrarium lighting.