MVB and dusting crickets - D3 or no D3?

[beardlover]

I just switched over to a MVB, I was wondering if some one could help me understand the deal with D3.
I've read that when using a MVB I shouldn't use a calcium powder that has D3 in it. Is that true?
Also, does anyone have suggestions on a good calcium/multi-vitamin that I should dust my crickets with?

 

[dragonphoenix36]

Yes..it is true..we use Reptical (without D3) and Herpivite. From my understanding D3 helps your beardie absorb calcium better. The MVB helps your beardie make D3 on it's own..so adding it to it's feeders isn't necessary.

 

[beardlover]

Thanks that's what I thought but I just wanted to make sure.

 

[ronni1221]

Why is the MVB different than the UVB light, like reptisun? Anyone know?

 

[dragonphoenix36]

UVB is what the sun produces that helps beardies process calcium.
Mercury Vapor Bulbs (MVBs) and Flourescent Tubes both produce UVB. uW/cm2 is the measurement unit for UVB.
The Reptisun 10.0 puts out about 80 uW/cm2 at 6 inches away.
The Megaray (brand of MVB) puts out 350-400 uW/cm2 at 12 inches.
And the T-rex UV Active Heat (brand of MVB) puts out about 200 uW/cm2 at 12 inches.
The powersun (brand of MVB) puts out around 75 uW/cm2 at 12 inches.

Because of the higher UVB output of quality Mercury Vapor Bulbs, beardie bodies will start producing D3 on their own. With the lower UVB output, we still need to provide it for them!

Sorry..I had to steal this from Zimbabwepegasus..I gave James the "Bearded Dragon Book" a.k.a. the "Beardie Bible" back because I was finished reading it, and I couldn't remember enough to give a full indepth answer like this one. . I definitely recommend the book for anyone who owns or is thinking of purchasing a beardie..great info.

 

[MitchMitch]

You know.. i just purchased a MVB for my Beardie as well and was wondering the same thing.... seems to work better than having a basking bulb and a Flourescent. He seems to have a bit more spunk as well. Mine is the ZooMed Powersun 160Watt. I have his "hot spot" about 12 inches away from the bulb..... I wasnt sure how close they were "allowed" to get to it. So i just made my spot 12 inches. I am new at this myself. I guess i could lower the light a bit for him. So he could get closer. I too was dusting my crickets with D3. But maybe since mine is the Powersun and doesnt put out as much uW/cm2 i should still dust?

I cant figure out how to post a pic... lol

 

[dragonphoenix36]

..That.. I'm not sure of. We have the MegaRay, and we don't use the calcium with the D3. I'm not familiar with the Zoo Med bulbs.

 

[ronni1221]

So the MVB shouldn't get closer than 12 inches?

 

[GoFast]

So the MVB shouldn't get closer than 12 inches?

that is correct assuming that you are using a 100watt MVB. If you get the 160watt then it is 18inches. The bulb should come with a sheet that will give you the recommended minimum distance for that particular bulb.

 

[Tigg]

I too was dusting my crickets with D3. But maybe since mine is the Powersun and doesnt put out as much uW/cm2 i should still dust?

Just wanted to clarify that you regardless of which artificial UVB source you provide, you still need to "dust" you feeders with Calcium supliments... Calcium WITH D3 or Calcium WITHOUT D3 is the question.

 

[MitchMitch]

right... that is what i meant... i have the powder with the D3 right now.

 

[coachrachel]

After reading this I'm wondering also about the with or without D3. I too am expecting the PowerSun 100watt and due to the output of the UVB of 75 I'm wondering if I should still use the one I have with D3. Will it hurt them to have the extra D3? :?