Mega Ray with Arcadia T5 12%

[AndyKandyKane]

We have a mega ray 160, then I decided to go with Arcadia 36 12% OR Reptisun T5 10. I looked around for a heat bulb and it might be the luck of the draw but a lot of reviews are saying they burn out in a few days to a few months... So, advice on a heat lamp brand, or can I continue to use the Mega-Ray with the Arcadia/Repti?

Also,

4X2X2 cage
Arcadia/Reptisun will be inside the cage
Mega-Ray is outside on top (if I go with a heat lamp, it will also be on top)

Is there an advantage of Arcadia over Reptisun or vice versa

 

[KarrieRee]

We have a mega ray 160, then I decided to go with Arcadia 36 12% OR Reptisun T5 10. I looked around for a heat bulb and it might be the luck of the draw but a lot of reviews are saying they burn out in a few days to a few months... So, advice on a heat lamp brand, or can I continue to use the Mega-Ray with the Arcadia/Repti?

Also,

4X2X2 cage
Arcadia/Reptisun will be inside the cage
Mega-Ray is outside on top (if I go with a heat lamp, it will also be on top)

Is there an advantage of Arcadia over Reptisun or vice versa

Both are good- the mega ray is a good heat bulb and being on top of screen it's going to cut your uvb rays down so it's good you have the Arcadia - and inside the tank as well- distance would be 12-15 inches directly above the basking decor-

 

[CooperDragon]

I've had great luck with the Arcadia T5 lasting for several years (tested with Solarmeter). The ReptiSun 10 is also a very good bulb. I have a few MegaRay MVBs too. They are very good, but produce a relatively narrow, intense beam of UVB. The 160w is pretty powerful too, so I'd probably stick with just a wide angle incandescent or halogen bulb for heat along with the T5 tube. That will make it easier to set the UVB exposure based on distance to the T5 and then adjust the heat independently. Save the MegaRay and use it as a travel light or a portable basking spot. I use them on adjustable lamp stands and set them up around the house for free roam basking stations.