Sunforce Mercury Vapor UV bulbs

[BOSSdabeardie]

So i was on bigappleherp.com and came across a brand of mercury vapor bulbs and big apple says goos things about it
"SunForce Bulbs output UVA and UVB with MicroWatts/CM2 that is as much as double that of competing brands. This output also enables our bulbs to penetrate further into your cage insuring proper UV for your reptile.

SunForce Mercury Vapor bulbs produce UVB, UVA, LIGHT and HEAT and provide high levels of UVA and UVB making them one of the most effective methods of simulating natural sunlight and heat. This simulation not only provides ideal levels for optimum health but can actually have life saving benefits.

We are pleased to be the company that introduces the new standard in mercury vapor bulbs with the only individually pre-tested bulbs on the market that are guaranteed to produce UVB at 200 Microwatts/CM2 or better and over 400 Microwatts/CM2 of UVA.

These bulbs throw UV up to 3 feet and are highly recommended for bearded dragons, chameleons, tortoises, iguanas, monitors, tegus, uromastyx, water turtles, sailfin lizards, basilisks and water dragons."

Would this be a good thing to try?

 

[Evergreen]

I'm trying to decide between a MVB and your standard UV tube as well so thanks for posting this. So far I haven't found anything that shows the disadvantages of the bulbs but they're also supposed to last longer and degrade more slowly then your UV tube lights.

Possible con might be that the light is more focused in one spot or area instead of your light that runs more or less the length of the tank? I've never had a reptile that needed a UV though so I don't really have much to go on besides what I've read.

 

[BadCon]

I'm trying to decide between a MVB and your standard UV tube as well so thanks for posting this. So far I haven't found anything that shows the disadvantages of the bulbs but they're also supposed to last longer and degrade more slowly then your UV tube lights.

Possible con might be that the light is more focused in one spot or area instead of your light that runs more or less the length of the tank? I've never had a reptile that needed a UV though so I don't really have much to go on besides what I've read.

For the most part, the degradation myth is just that, a myth. Quality UVB tubes can last a year or more (only recommended if you have a meter to track their progress), and historically MV-Bulbs have burned out far before the 1 year mark, at least in my experience. Secondly the safety track record for MV-Bulbs is nothing to write home about, with even the best bulbs on the market having a spotty history. All of this information is available on the forum, just read the stickies. Having owned both styles of lighting, I give the nod to quality UVB tubes every time. With the new T5 Arcadia's being available in the US, even those who need some really high UVB output have a choice.