Confused about MVB

[isabelleandpaul]

Hello,
I am getting a new viv built (yeah, can't do that myself, and hubby is not much into manual work..) and I want a MVB for uvb. But with all the issues with megaray, powersun, etc I am lost at which one I should order. The viv will be 4x2x2, crossfire style. The options I have are: Megaray 100 watts, Solar Glow (125 or 160 watts), powersun (100 or 160 watts), and Trex (160 watts). I have to add a CHE for nighttime, and can use it during the day if the MVB does not give enough heat. What would be my best option?
More info: my beardie is approx 7 months old (18 in 400 g), now in 36x18x18 viv under reptisun 10.0 and sun glow 100 watts, and CHE 100 watts.

Thanks for your input!
Isabelle

 

[Twobeardieguy]

Get the Megaray as it is still the best MVB on the market!

 

[glenCOCO]

Hasn't there been a couple problems with the Megarays lately? I'd go with Trex just to be safe since they're pretty much the same anyway.

 

[acwood04]

I just purchased two Mega-rays and they were recalled. My beardie got the eye problem from one. If you are still building when they fix the issue, get the Mega-ray. I switched to a Exo-terra Solar glo because the T-rex is made by the same company that makes the megaray (Westron lighting). I've not had any problems with the Solar glo. Also, you should set up a socket to have an incandescent bulb or halogen bulb next to the MVB so the visual light is a little warmer. MVB's produce light that looks very green.

 

[isabelleandpaul]

Thanks for the info. I am aware that Megaray is the best, it's just that with the recalls, I am not sure what to do. I would buy it online from a canadian store, because it's the same price as on ReptileUV but in Can$, which makes a difference! But if I need to return it, I may be complicated...
Solar glo is the easiest for me to get, the store in my town carries it. So I guess I will get the Solar Glo this time, and when I get my next beardie (this spring), I will give Megaray a try (I am building two vivs). By that time their issues will probably be solved.

Isabelle

 

[spurlee01]

I've heard that solar glos need to be replaced in 9 months unless you have a UVB meter and can monitor its output, just keep that in mind. The Trex and Megaray both last 12 months.

 

[isabelleandpaul]

I just installed a Solar GLo (after two days burn-in) and it definitely makes my beardie look green! So I took your advice and placed a halogen bulb and it looks much better! Now I have to wait to see if I get the right temperatures. In fact, the new viv is not ready, so I replaced the 6-month old Reptisun and Sun glo with the Solar Glo in the 36x18x18 viv, I had to lower the basking spot. So I'll see if Balrog likes the new bulb sooner!

 

[acwood04]

Yeah the MVB bulbs have that greenish tint to them. Thats why its very important to pair them up.. Depending on the temps you can use a halogen to keep it warm enough of a regular bulb to keep it lit if the temps are already warm enough. Make sure that your reptilian friend cant get closer than 12in from it!