I am looking to switch to a Mercury Vapor Bulb for convenience (combine heat/light/UVB all in one) and also because my newest cage is 4x2x2 and have read that it is more practical to use MVB's on larger tanks. Any suggestions on what is currently the best MVB bulb out there? Thanks in advance!
Hi, I use a SunForce MVB 160w in my 55 gallon. I get them from www.bigappleherp.com. THey are all under $30 and come in 70, 100, and 160 watt. It has been working great so far. Good luck with the new crib
Cheryl from Rio Reptiles has done extensive testing on the Powersun bulbs and has found those to put out the right amount of UVB. I would only buy the Powersun if you want to use a MVB.
Hi, I use a SunForce MVB 160w in my 55 gallon. I get them from http://www.bigappleherp.com. THey are all under $30 and come in 70, 100, and 160 watt. It has been working great so far. Good luck with the new crib
I definately would be aware of anything that is low in price.. I would rather go with ones that are proven and tested. MVB's are already sketchy as it is, so it's definately wise to do a UVB test on your bulb.
Yes you are right about the skepticism on MVB. I did some research before going with the SunForce. My beardy is in a 55 gallon and i am planning on building a custom cage and will probably swith to the Reptisun 10.0. Big Apple Herp is a reputable site and i like the way they have a video that shows the UVB testing on these bulbs, as well as videos for many of their products. Their prices are very reasonable as well. They said that the Sunforce is their favorite MVB. I have nothing bad to say yet as my dragon has been great. If i would ever have any issues i would be glad to share with everyone.
Cheryl from Rio Reptiles has done extensive testing on the Powersun bulbs and has found those to put out the right amount of UVB. I would only buy the Powersun if you want to use a MVB.
Funny, I continually hear people worrying that the 100 watt is TOO hot! I use 100 watt bulbs on most of my cages at home, and find that when provided with a basking spot close to the light, it does create hot basking area. It works well for 36" long cages and/or larger cages that have warmer ambient temperatures. Here in Southern California, 100 watts is an ideal summertime bulb - most homes set summertime AC temps to 78, and with a 100 watt powersun about 6" away for basking temps, this works well.
In winter, a 160 watt bulb is often a necessity, when the ambient temps drop at least 10 degrees to 68 in most homes.
In our stores, we use powersun bulbs on all of our chameleon cages (animals that are extremely sensitive to light quality and heat), as well as raise our baby tortoises and uromastyx under them. Their effectiveness and quality are so noticeable that most of our staff also uses them at home, and when almost every single staff member will spend almost $50 on a bulb when there are less expensive options out there tells you something about the bulb! We see the results of customers using the bulbs in addition to coworkers and in-store animals, and nearly every staff member after just a month or two of working here will switch their diurnal basking animals over to powersuns. That tells you something!