Everything always breaks at the same time =\

[katieerin]

That's how it feels anyway. I just replaced the basking bulb (just a 100 watt daylight bulb) and realized that the fixture is quickly falling apart. Then I noticed that the tube bulb was out. THEN I picked up the tube fixture and it's falling apart too! So, basically the only thing that doesn't need replaced is the cool side bulb (spiral) and fixture. ANYWAY, I'm here to ask for some advice - What is the BEST thing I can do for my beardie? Just get another ReptiSun 10.0 and get a cheap fixture? (And another lamp for the basking bulb, but those aren't hard to find.) Or should I upgrade to a Mega-Ray? I like the idea of having one less fixture on the top of the viv. (They just sit on top the screen, so I would have to find a lamp that would keep the MegaRay from touching the screen, I think.) However, if the mega-ray is still causing issues with a few beardies, I want nothing to do with it.

Thank you in advance =)

 

[Floof]

I've been hearing some pretty awful things about MegaRay's customer service and reliability, so not sure that would be the right option. I've been using ZooMed's PowerSun MVB with great results, though, and know of many that also use it successfully. So maybe that would be the better option if you choose to go the route of an MVB?

The MVBs are big bulbs, though, you're right... The Deep Dome fixture, I think also by ZooMed, works perfect if you have to set it on screen. Otherwise I've always just mounted mine so that they hang into the tank, so that it's not an issue if the bulb pokes out a little bit. (But, then, I've never had a diurnal reptile who was really keen on climbing out (or even able to), so I haven't had to use screens, either...)

For what it's worth, I have definitely liked having to worry about one less light fixture by using the MVB. I'm not even sure how I would go about mounting a fluorescent in my leopard tortoise's enclosure, what with his MVB and CHE taking up so much room, and figuring out how to get a fluorescent close enough to the floor/basking spot in my beardie's tank would be difficult, too. They are both under 100 watt Powersuns, and doing great.

 

[katieerin]

Thank you! Is this the right one? =)

http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-incandescent-bulbs/11442-107801/zoo-med-powersun-uv-mercury-vapor-uvb-lamp.html

 

[Floof]

Yep, that would be the one! (And, holy cow, what a sale!!! Wish I knew about that when I ordered my Leo tort's new bulb, to the tune of almost $50 plus shipping... lol)

 

[bdalton]

Doesnt it seem to always work like that with things breaking!
but honestly thete are no mvbs that are reccomended that are near as good as Reptisun & aracadia, with only 3 that are okay/do-able ; t-rex, mega ray, and powersun 160watt as long as they're minimun 12" from to of their head when basking. But...screen blocks out a good amount of uvb, and its really easy to mount it in the viv with 3m command pic frame hooks or heavyduty velco and a cheap under counter fixture (walmart 8$) still being a little less or no more or same as an mvb (with fixture & hooks!) A mvb may even be harder to mount as well.
i would reccomend just sticking with the Reptisun. All uvb lights were tested with a uvb meter, and reptisun and arcadia have are rated to have the most beneficial levels for beardies.

 

[Floof]

With all due respect, I disagree with the Reptisun vs MVB sentiment. Just based on my own animals' behavior/overall health, they do MUCH better under the PowerSun bulbs than under ReptiSun bulbs. As well, all the measurements/studies (whatever you want to call them) I've seen have shown PowerSun (both 100 and 160 watt) have a higher UVB output at the recommended distances than ReptiSun does. Ditto with T-Rex--I have one T-Rex Active UVHeat bulb (160 watt), and, again, it has outperformed the ReptiSun by far, based on my observations using each one over the same bearded dragon, as well as the UVB output measurements I've seen quoted. I didn't mention T-Rex in my original post because, last I heard, they aren't in production at the moment. If you can find one, though, they're fantastic bulbs...

I can't comment on Arcadia, as I've never even heard of it much less used it, but that's my experience with ZooMed's bulbs...

Maybe one of these days I'll find out more about this Arcadia bulb and give it a try, but I'm a firm believer in good MVBs over ReptiSun 10.0 any day of the week.

Just my opinion...

 

[Floof]

On another note, I would love to see your references for UVB output. I'm always looking to give my animals the best, and I'm curious to see the research you speak of when all the research I've found is the exact opposite. Maybe I'll learn something new... Thanks.

(Would also like to note that an MVB shouldn't be any harder to mount than a regular basking light, so long as you can get it pointing straight up and down. Lamp stand, some kind of light bar... Heck, even cutting a hole in your screen so all the UVB penetrates, setting the lamp on top, and just adjusting the height of the basking spot works. I don't doubt mounting fluorescent lights is easier than my over-thinking would make it out to be, but that doesn't mean an MVB is any harder to mount than the fluorescent...)

 

[katieerin]

Okay, quick question... do you think I will need a 160 watt? I only need a 100 watt household bulb to get the proper temp on his basking spots, they're about 6-8 inches away.

???

 

[bdalton]

I never said there was anythinb wrong with them or that they were harrmful, nor do i look down upon anyone who does. I personally ised to use the powersun. im going by what ive.learned on this site, and you ovbiously joined the site to learn too. I was quoting Tracie, the moderator of this site who has many many years experience, and is who you would contact in case of emergency. She said, word for.word, that there are no reccomended mvbs on the market, with reptisun and arcadia being the best uvbs.

I didnt mean to offend you.

 

[Floof]

Katie--How big is your enclosure? 160 watt can be too powerful for a smaller enclosure. If it takes a 100 watt at 6-8" to get your basking spot to the right temp, though, you might consider a 160 watt.

bdalton--You didn't offend me at all, I was simply stating my opinion and what I've learned here and in other places--granted, I haven't really been actively lurking here for quite awhile, so maybe I've missed some new "discovery" or "advancement" in UVB bulbs. =P

I still would like to see the written study that has these measurements so I can see for myself. I'm simply looking for the opportunity to learn more about the UVB bulbs I choose to use over my animals.