Mercury vapor bulb 100 watt question

[Lisamariefr]

Hi all. I’m waiting for delivery if t5 10.0 bulb and fixture so for the interim, I got a MVB 100 watt. Does this go on top of the screen or should it not be impeded by screen at about 12”? I don’t have much info on MVBs and will only be using it for about one week. Thanks for any expert info!

 

[HylianHealeys]

MVBs are strong enough that they can be safely placed over a screen without too much detriment to UVB output. Make sure to arrange the basking platform so that you're still getting the right basking temps with the new bulb.

 

[Lisamariefr]

Thanks for your response. It’s kind of a process trying to keep the basking temp around 103 but I think I’ve worked it out, using a 53 watt light bulb on a slight angle along with the MVB. Seems to be holding steady at 103 after an hour.

 

[CooperDragon]

Which brand of MVB are you using? I ask because they aren't all created equally and don't have even outputs. A 100w is a close range bulb in general so if you are shining it through a mesh top that will intercept some of the output. Instead of 10-12'' being optimal (general estimate) it would be more around 8-10'' depending on how fine the mesh is.

 

[HylianHealeys]

When is your t5 UVB due to arrive? Even with a lesser quality MVB, there should be no ill effects for up to week or so.

 

[Lisamariefr]

Hi! I love this forum — everyone is so helpful! Thank you for the replies. I have fallen for this little lizard and I want to be sure she is getting what she needs to be happy and healthy. It’s a tremendous responsibility to have her depend entirely on me for so much. I had no clue how much it would take in time and brain cells and emotional energy!! LOL

I have put the 100 watt Zoomed Sun Blaster MVB 12” over her basking spot on top of the screen. I think I will try to move her basking spot up a couple inches and raise the additional 53 watt for heat up the same amount and keep an eye on the temp.

The t5 bulb and fixture will both arrive by the 30th. So it’s not too long. I would keep her in my 29 gallon tank with the t8 mounted under the screen but she seemed miserable in there and I couldn’t hold out on putting her into the bigger space. She gave me “the look” after I took her out of the 40 and tried to feed her in the smaller one.

 

[CooperDragon]

The PowerSun is a good bulb. I like the wide beam it produces. It should be totally fine if you provide access a few inches closer, especially if it's just temporary as mentioned earlier. Once you have your T5 in place, you can repurpose your MVB as a portable basking light for outside the tank and travel. That's how I use mine and it works really well.

 

[Lisamariefr]

That’s a great idea. I have a regular bulb in a dome on a stand that she will use when she’s out but the MVB will be bette — and for the money, I will be happy to get more use from it!!

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

The Powersuns are decent & I agree that they do have a nice, wide beam more than others.
You could actually use it in combination with the T5 as a basking bulb. Or you can use it as
a basking/UVB in a stand while she is out running around outside of her tank, too.
You don't have long to wait for your T5 & she will definitely love it!

Tracie

 

[Beardeddtagonlover]

[ximg]97755 3860897594[/ximg]I saw it on a webpage i cut the screen around the bulb and you don't have to worry about overheating or screen blockages.in this pic my lamp fixture is sitting on top of the screen but the screen is been cut around the bulb