HylianHealeys":2jv4dt6y said:I would recommend switching out the Solar Glo for a more reliable brand of MVB like Zoo Med's PowerSun or (better) Mega Ray. They provide powerful UVB output, but personally I prefer using a fluorescent UVB source like the Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 HO or Arcadia Desert 14%. These bulbs provide a wider range of UVB and seem to be more beneficial overall for bearded dragons that are already healthy.
phobosdthorga":1zo2l5x6 said:The data on Solar Glo MVBs seems to be pretty reliable and the UVB output is quite good at that. I'm not defending Exo-Terra out of the goodness of my heart but just stating that people here seem to unfairly bash them when they're an otherwise a seemingly decent brand. I use Solar Glo myself and seem to have no issues (eyes closing, eye irritation, etc.
EDIT: I also use a ReptiSun hood with a 14% Arcadia tube.
HylianHealeys":24ih7hut said:I would like to see the data on the Solar Glos — did you find something put out by someone other than Exo Terra? I just haven't seen much of any mention, and when Exo Terra does come up in the context of UVB, it's usually negative. Otherwise I like Exo Terra too, but like other main brands, they have their strengths and weaknesses.
By the way I checked out the posts mentioned in your signature. Very informative. Thanks for sharing!
EllenD":16n1ikc0 said:In my experience, when they climb the wall like that to get right under a light, it's usually the UVB light that they are actually "craving", quite literally. I've actually seen my year old girl do that twice, both times she went right up the polystyrene right under the UVB tube, and both times it was due to be replaced, and as soon as I changed out the UVB tube she went back to her normal basking spot.
The Solar Glo is the least recommended of the 3 big MVB bulbs, the MegaRay seems to be the best by everyone I've spoken to and every article and review I've read, and the Powersun would be next in line. The Solar Glo just doesn't put out enough UVB for dragons. The problem is just as you stated, she could possibly burn herself in this situation since the MVb puts out both her UVB and her heat.
I truly think she is just wanting to get as close to the UVB output as she can because the light is too weak and is not getting enough adequate UVB/UVA light to her while on her basking spot at the normal distance away that a basking spot should be from an MVB. The main issue besides the lack of UVB light, which is obviously the biggest issue and could be very detrimental, is that you can't lower an MVB closer to her like you can a dedicated UVB tube because the temps will go up too much. I'd either order her a new MegaRay if you want to stick to an MVB (don't bother with the Powersun, I've heard nothing but good things about the MegaRay and not one complaint), or you need to order a T5 strength UVB tube and matching T5-rated fixture, either the Reptisun 10.0 T5HO UVb tube or the Arcadia 12% T5 UVB tube...
Just an FYI, Arcadia also makes an MVB, I don't know much about it but I'm just going to assume that it's a very good MVB. But as I said the MegaRay is a great MVB bulb. I'm going to bet that once you replace her UVB light she'll stop climbing the wall completely.
Taterbug":r9cxfbfl said:Dragons, especially the young ones are semi-arboreal. This means given the opportunity they spend just as much time climbing about in trees and shrubs as they do on the ground. It could very well be that your little one is just happier higher up with a commanding view. You could try adjusting the position of the MVB so that it doesn't expose the high place that he likes to sit at as much or move it so that that spot is the basking spot and have another heat lamp adjacent to it to keep the original basking spot warm still.
For folks looking for recent data about UV lamps check out the reptile lighting group on facebook. it is run by the same folks who made the UV guide, but is currently active and has the test reports for lamps under their files section https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReptileLighting . As tested by Dr. Baines, the solarglow appear to have a rapid decay rate and an already low UV output. As other posters have suggested T5 lighting is typically a better choice over ANY MVB for UVA/UVA and visible color, more effective gradient and independent heat control.
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