Will a repti glo 2.0 uvb compact (coil) placed in aluminium reflector

Question
QUESTION: Will a repti glo 2.0 uvb compact (coil) placed in aluminium reflector cause health problems?

ANSWER: Hi Joe, I seriously doubt it but it depends on  what purpose you are using it for. There were some eye problems being caused by some brands of compacts but these were the high UV output designs that were involved. The manufacturers have been changing the bulb composition, burn-in time and distance instructions to correct that. The Repti glo bulbs don't place very high in UV output testing and one designed for just 2.0 would be very weak indeed. The compacts tend to put out a more concentrated brightness then the tubes which not all animals appreciate. The strong glare can be a bit too much up close but if kept at a suitable distance for general lighting purposes then it should be fine.  However, if you are actually intending it as a UV source for a diurnal UV requiring reptile then I would recommend that you stick with one of the regular tubes from  ZooMed instead. A Repti glo 2.0 would emit very little usable UVB.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I need a good UVB compact for my corn snake he's about 5' long and he's in a cage that's 4" tall with a screened in top.

Answer
Hi Joe, Corn snakes do not require a UVB source. They acquire their vitamin D3 through the liver of their prey which is one of the reasons whole body prey is so important. I have never used UV with my corns and some are almost 15 years old. The only snakes that I have seen UV recommended for are the Rough and Smooth green snakes that are totally insectivorous.
I just want to clarify though, is your cage actually 4 inches tall or was that a typo? Some people use "sweater boxes" for snakes which don't have a lot of height. Placing the light on a 4 inch tall cage might be a little intense, especially if your snake is an amelanistic/red albino. That's the mutation that lacks melanin (black pigment) which is the protective pigment in the eyes (and skin) making them more light sensitive. If your cage is 4 feet tall then no worries.