HELP! Why isn't my MVB hot enough?

[lcurrier83]

Hi... i just got a 40g tank for my beardie Boogie... and I am using a 100w Powersun MVB... it is about a foot away from the basking spot and the basking spot is only getting 80degrees!! What am I doing wrong? It's been on for hours now and no change!

 

[NegativeCreep]

It is possible that your MVB will just not get it hot enough. I would check into adding some additional lighting..

 

[Judah'sHuman]

yes you will need to use an additional basking bulb such as a house hold halogen or something like a zoo med basking bulb (these have just UVA and give off heat) or what I use, a Ceramic heat emitter. This will get your temps up.

 

[ilovepeanut]

That's odd. I have the same Powersun 100w MVB in a 40 gal and it's reaching at least 110*F.

Are you checking your temps with a digital thermometer with a probe end directly on the basking spot?

 

[lcurrier83]

Yes I used a digital probe directly on the basking spot... just for fun, I changed it out with my regular 75 watt basking bulb and that with the probe reached 107degrees. I don't get it. Maybe it's a bad bulb, things happen... I am just going to switch it out with my 150watt basking bulb with a dimmer and use a 36'' halogen with that... just thought I'd ask! I'm not familiar with the MVBs. Thanks for all your help, it's greatly appreciated! And by the way... does anyone think a 4 month old beardie that is 13 inches sound unusual? He is growing extremely fast!! Thanks!

 

[Judah'sHuman]

Does your basking bulb emite UVA and UVB though? And please make sure that you are not using the compact coil type bulbs they are very dangerious and cause cause all sorts of ailments. You can use the Merc Bulb along with a basking bulb or the Halogen.

 

[NegativeCreep]

Yes I used a digital probe directly on the basking spot... just for fun, I changed it out with my regular 75 watt basking bulb and that with the probe reached 107degrees. I don't get it. Maybe it's a bad bulb, things happen... I am just going to switch it out with my 150watt basking bulb with a dimmer and use a 36'' halogen with that... just thought I'd ask! I'm not familiar with the MVBs. Thanks for all your help, it's greatly appreciated! And by the way... does anyone think a 4 month old beardie that is 13 inches sound unusual? He is growing extremely fast!! Thanks!

I was going to buy a powersun, but the folks here kind of talked me out of it. Nobody said specifically that they were not good MVB's, but I have never really heard anything good about them... If you are going to return it for your money back, you may consider just purchasing a MegaRay. I went with it, and I have had it for 3 days now, and my little girl is already acting, looking and eating better. I am not only convinced and impressed, but relieved.

I'm using it in a 40l, and my temps are spot-on.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

If you are going to take the Powersun out, what will you be using as a UVB source along with your basking bulb?


Tracie

 

[ilovepeanut]

I've been using a Powersun MVB for a few months now, and have only great things to say about it. It saved me from my female's eating strike and puts out just the right temps. The only negative is that it will produce too much heat normally if it's in anything smaller than a 40 gallon. I find it convenient to only use one bulb for the proper amount of heat and uvb.
You could bring it back, or contact the company since they have a 1 year warranty stated on the box. It does seem like something is faulty with that particular bulb you have.
What type of UVB will you be using instead?