MVB vs. Reptisun - which do you recommend?

[shumes]

Hey guys,

I'm in the market for a new UVB bulb and am really torn between getting an MVB or a Reptisun. I am leaning more towards a MVB since they seem to offer more (light & heat) and the results and improvement in the beardies seem amazing. Also I'm building a viv that is 2ft. tall so it seems that an MVB would be best for that as well.

If I do go with a MVB which brands are currently recommended? I had read that megarays were the best but then again I've read on a few posts that they've been backordered for a long time and the company has horrible customer service.

Thanks!
Savannah

 

[shumes]

*bump*
Any input guys?

 

[GodaTheDragon]

I've had much success with the 160 watt PowerSun UV bulb from ZooMed. Sometimes they go out but turn back on 15 minutes later, leaving many people to believe that they burn out easily. They do produce heat but I find an incandescent buld is still needed to keep the basking area around 100 degrees, so some tinkering may need to be done.

 

[shumes]

I've had much success with the 160 watt PowerSun UV bulb from ZooMed. Sometimes they go out but turn back on 15 minutes later, leaving many people to believe that they burn out easily. They do produce heat but I find an incandescent buld is still needed to keep the basking area around 100 degrees, so some tinkering may need to be done.

How long have you been using it for?
Thanks!
Savannah

 

[KnobCreek]

I'm currently using the 160 watt PowerSun UV bulb from ZooMed as well, but will be ordering the ReptiSun 10.0 to install in my viv. My beardie is very active and colorful while using the PowerSun, so I see no issues with it. As GodaTheDragon stated, they have the tendency to "go out", especially when you bump them, but if you turn it off and wait 15 minutes, they come right back on...I think it's a safety mechanism.

 

[shumes]

I'm currently using the 160 watt PowerSun UV bulb from ZooMed as well, but will be ordering the ReptiSun 10.0 to install in my viv. My beardie is very active and colorful while using the PowerSun, so I see no issues with it. As GodaTheDragon stated, they have the tendency to "go out", especially when you bump them, but if you turn it off and wait 15 minutes, they come right back on...I think it's a safety mechanism.

Thanks! Why are you choosing to switch to the Reptisun, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[KnobCreek]

I built a viv that's 57"x24"x19 and I thought that I could get more coverage by using a UVB emitting tube light than a spotlight. I imagine I can use the MVB for the time being to see how that goes prior to ordering the ReptiSun. I've been using the MVB for almost 3 months now, BTW.

 

[Spikey07]

Something to keep in mind is that you cannot use a thermostat with an MVB bulb, and you are also limited in choice of wattages. So if you are building a melamine or wooden vivarium where the bulb is in a fixed position and cannot be highered/lowered to get the correct temps you could have a problem.

I have used the Repti-Sun 10.0 with my beardies, just recently swapped to the Arcaida D3 12% bulb and both are really good bulbs.

Keep in mind you will need to use calcium with D3 supplementation with a repti-sun tube light but Calcium without D3 with an MVB. Also your beardie will need to get within 6-8" of a repti-sun 10.0 but no closer than 12" to an MVB, so you would depend on how you want to decorate your new tank?

 

[GodaTheDragon]

I've had much success with the 160 watt PowerSun UV bulb from ZooMed. Sometimes they go out but turn back on 15 minutes later, leaving many people to believe that they burn out easily. They do produce heat but I find an incandescent buld is still needed to keep the basking area around 100 degrees, so some tinkering may need to be done.

How long have you been using it for?
Thanks!
Savannah

I've been using them for over a year and replace them every 6 months or so. I grew my female to 20 inches and over 500 grams in her first 9 months and her colors are great!