MVB QUESTIONS

[BayAreaReptiles]

So im finally upgrading both of my BD's setups to MVB and need some advice on what wattage I should use for my enclosures. I know that it has to do with type of enclosure ambient temp and so on. Here are my two setups. I live in San Francisco weather is usually 55-70 outside in the apartment its usually about 70degrees.

First one is a 80 gallon aquarium with screen tops. I have ceramic fixtures for the MVB's. I use slate tile and Have a 48inch tube florescent for extra light.

Second one is wood measures 42X24x24 it has screen all on the top and is sealed closed on the sides. It has a 24 tube for extra light.

So basically I am torn between the 100watt or the 160watt..

My other MVB questions are:

Can I use a dimmer with it?
Is it safe to use a timer with it?

Thanks..
Carlos Miranda

 

[MNbeardie]

My enclosure is pretty close to your wood one, except it's a solid top with adjustable ventilation on the back and sides. I use a 100w MegaRay it has worked great as far as basking and ambient temps. You can't use a dimmer with MVB, but a timer is a good idea.

 

[BayAreaReptiles]

My enclosure is pretty close to your wood one, except it's a solid top with adjustable ventilation on the back and sides. I use a 100w MegaRay it has worked great as far as basking and ambient temps. You can't use a dimmer with MVB, but a timer is a good idea.

Thanks....Do you use any other light source? Or does the MVB put out enough light?

 

[reptilianboy831]

Another really good MVB is the T-rex bulb, its worked fine for me.

 

[MNbeardie]

I also have a 36" flourescent daylight with a white cover just for brightness. The MVB keeps the temps perfect without additional heat in the summer. This viv is fairly new and I haven't dealt with winter temps yet. We'll cross the Minnesota winter road when it comes.

 

[Reven1337]

If you are concerned about having enough light i would also suggest getting a 5000k+ household bulb aswell for 2 reasons.

A) i find in my enclosure, even with a 4ft double florescent fixture housing 2x5000k t12 bulbs AND a Mega-Ray 100watt SB the cool side tends to be a little dark. So another bulb in the cool side should brighten it up a bit.

B) It will also provide a 2nd basking spot so that the dragon can not only thermo-regulate but can also photo-regulate (controlling how much UVB they are getting).

Now i cannot do this in my enclosure as my ventilation will not allow 2 basking bulbs (gets way too hot), But you did say that your top was a screen so you maybe more successful than i.

I hope this helped

-Adam