I just received my mega ray bulb today so I went to test it out. In about an hour later I went to check on it and notice a burning smell coming from it!? I'm using the outdoor spotlight fixture like the one on the original cross fire setup. Has anyone using this fixture along with any MVB? Does this fixture has a ceramic socket ( it seem like it does)? I need help ASAP my Beardie coming soon and I don't wanna burn down my apt building lol... any help would be very much appreciated.
MVB's have been known to smell until they get warmed up and are used frequently, i would guess it is normal, just monitor the temps and the fixture. But again, i have had this smell with all of my new bulbs on first try.
With MVB's, a deep dome with a ceramic top is recommended because they throw off lots of heat. Bob, the manufacturer of the Megaray, recommends the deep domes too and this is what I use for my 100 watt T-Rex bulb. http://www.bigappleherp.com/Zoo-Med-Repti-Extra-Deep-Dome-Lamp-Fixture
Thanks for your input. However I have a cross fire enclosure so getting those defeat the purpose... I been looking through the forum and seen some ceramic fixture does anyone know what company sells those I tried all the obvious companies ( home depot, Loews)
What mega-ray bulb are you using? If it is the 100 watt sb I think I would run it while I was home and keep an eye on it for a few days. Like the post mentioned above they do smell when you first use them. Is the top of your xfire wood or screen? If its wood I would check how hot that is getting above the bulb. If the smell does not go away after a day of use and smells of plastic I would shop for another fixture. If you got the 160 watt bulb your outta luck, it would be to much bulb for the fixture and probably to powerful for the enclosure. If I come across a ceramic fixture In a style like yours I will let share the info. Good luck with the the xfire.
Just installed a Mega-Ray 160w in my aquarium yesterday and i had exactly the same problem, had to keep the window open for couple hrs or so and it disappeared... nothing to worry about its just brand new
Thanks a lot guys for your input. I might just shop for a porcelain fixture just to be on the safe side when I touch the fixture it was extremely hot and it smelled like burnt wiring or rubber like...I see ace has one for under $4 does anyone have other places?
Im using exo terra glow light and it does get extremely hot just like with any other basking bulbs i dont think theres anything to worry about but i do need to get a size bigger fixture so let me know if you find any place where you can get it cheap. thanks