My friend has a 15 year old bearded dragon and he’s only used 2 coil bulbsGormagon":3ijhkio7 said:Those coil bulbs don't last that long Six months use is all you can get and, they are only fit for tropical creatures not desert creatures!!!
15 years and, only used 2 bulbs........They can't be puting out any UVB after six months or so, much less for 7.5 years, sorry but his dragon has to have MBD with little to no UVB!!!Mishbenz":17u2h9id said:My friend has a 15 year old bearded dragon and he’s only used 2 coil bulbsGormagon":17u2h9id said:Those coil bulbs don't last that long Six months use is all you can get and, they are only fit for tropical creatures not desert creatures!!!
my friends Beardie has only had a tiny bit of tail rot when it was a baby but now it’s healthy hasn’t had any trace of MBDGormagon":1lem4nzv said:15 years and, only used 2 bulbs........They can't be puting out any UVB after six months or so, much less for 7.5 years, sorry but his dragon has to have MBD with little to no UVB!!!Mishbenz":1lem4nzv said:My friend has a 15 year old bearded dragon and he’s only used 2 coil bulbsGormagon":1lem4nzv said:Those coil bulbs don't last that long Six months use is all you can get and, they are only fit for tropical creatures not desert creatures!!!
I think you are pulling my leg here!!!
I’m trying to save up some more money to get a tube uvb light but for the time being I’m just going to use the coil bulb then buy the tube uvbJessPets":mm1rkdn6 said:Please don't listen to your friend, he does not know what he is talking about. Beardies NEED tube bulbs, not those coil ones. If you care about your dragon, dump the money needed into a good lighting setup. Sorry if this came off as harsh but sometimes that is all that will work.
thank you very much for your helpGormagon":1r68eou2 said:Please do it asap! Your dragon's health is dependent upon you and your care. Once you get everything set up, the rest is a breeze.
Gormagon":i1p31ucn said:Are you talking about these bulbs???
Both of them are not strong enough for dragons.
I have a big enclosure but she usually never moves to the other side and I’m only getting one for the time being because I’m trying to save up money for a tube uvbkingofnobbys":1v51668q said:Gormagon":1v51668q said:Are you talking about these bulbs???
Both of them are not strong enough for dragons.
You have to be very careful how you use compact coil UVB globes.
They are not suitable for large enclosures , but can be used if done correctly, ie 26W UVB200 in a nanohood mounted under the lid (this means the compact is mounted horizontally rather than vertically ==> giving a wider more spread out beam of strong UV , and no more than 8" from the basking spot and replaced twice per year. This is what I've done successfully for many years.
My solarmeter measurements indicate at 8" inches distance from a 26W UVB200 in a nanohood the following happen
new globe , 190 - 200 microW UVB / sq.cm
6 month old globe , 130 - 140 microW UVB / sq.cm , roughly equivalent to a new 26W UVB150
12 months old globe , 60 microW UVB / sq.cm , no longer effective (even for use with skinks) so into the bin.
The person who claims no MBD in a bearded dragon who has had practically zero UVB for several years Is BSing you.
Ideally , a T5ho tube about 2/3 the length of the tank , rated at least 10% UVB mounted in a reflector hood and under the lid and no more than 12" from the basking spot is the way to go.
Even better is a T5ho 12% UVB tube and if the tank is taller than 2ft a T5ho 14% UVB is the way to go.
MVBs & Metal Halide globes are OK BUT be aware it's hard to optimize the temperature & UVA & UVB from a single light source and the UV beam is very focused and narrow with these.