Mercury Vapor Bulbs?!

[Pasakaina]

Hi! So, soon it will be time to replace my beardies' UV bulbs, as they are now 6 months old. But, lately, I've been contemplating whether I should switch to mercury vapor bulbs for UV lighting and heat. I know that they only need to be replaced yearly (though they are more expensive), and that they produce more UV light. I certainly don't want my beardie to get MBD, as she had it when she was young at the pet store and already has problems due to that. So, here are a few questions:

1. What's the best type/brand of Mercury Vapor Bulb? Is Powersun good? (It should be reasonably priced)

2. Do these bulbs pose a higher fire hazard than normal heat lamps, or not? I just don't want to take any unnecessary risks .

3. What wattage would I use for a 18 inch high tank with a screen? And how far away would the bulb have to be?

By the way, I am currently using Repti-sun 10.0s.

 

[icelore]

Hi there! I've been using MVBs for a while now, so maybe I can answer your questions...

1. What's the best type/brand of Mercury Vapor Bulb? Is Powersun good? (It should be reasonably priced)
All MVBs are a little more expensive then florescents as far as I know. The best is Mega Ray, they have the best UVB output. IMO, Zoomeds are ok, and Exxoterra are kind of crappy.

2. Do these bulbs pose a higher fire hazard than normal heat lamps, or not? I just don't want to take any unnecessary risks .
Nope, no higher risk of fire. Most of the bulbs are a good deal bigger then normal light bulbs though, and require a "deep dome" fixture. They do heat up unlike florescent bulbs, so provide heat and UVB.

3. What wattage would I use for a 18 inch high tank with a screen? And how far away would the bulb have to be?
I have a 40gal breeder with no lid and the edge of my dome is 16 inches above the tank floor. The surface of the bulb (100w Mega Ray) is probably 17/18 inches away. Is differs by bulb brand and wattage, but for instance a 100w Megaray should be at lest 12in away, and up to 20, where as a 160w needs to be at least 18in away, and can still work up to 24.


If you do decide to go with a MVB, my advise is to order online, either from Amazon or direct from the company. Petshops mark them up like crazy. Good luck, and I hope this helps!

 

[Pasakaina]

Thanks so much for the information. I will probably go with a mega ray, or the zoomed mvb.