which is the best

[MarkCheck]

I have the reptilsun 10.0 .But im tinking bout swicthing 2 the MVB

Questions
1) Cant i use the MVB for basking also
2) So if i get that i dont need a another bulb rite
3) Which 1 is the best 10.0 or the MVB

 

[Embee]

I have the reptilsun 10.0 .But im tinking bout swicthing 2 the MVB

Questions
1) Cant i use the MVB for basking also
2) So if i get that i dont need a another bulb rite
3) Which 1 is the best 10.0 or the MVB

The MVB is designed to be your UVA/UVB/HEAT all in one bulb so yes, this is the bulb you want over your basking area. In some vivs, a secondary source of heat is needed in the form of a lower wattage incandescent/household bulb to keep temps in line. For example: we use a 100w T-Rex in our 40 breeder, but I do find it necessary to have a 45w household flood on the cool end to keep ambient and cool side temps where they should be (85-90 and 80, respectively). When the weather is warmer and the house begins to heat up, the supplemental heat lamp is not necessary and so I have been replacing it with a simple household energy saver type bulb which offers light but very little heat... beardie and I have become quite used to the extra light, you see.

As to whether a MVB is better than a ReptiSun 10.0, it depends. First, MVBs can only be used in tanks 40 gallons and larger. If you get one of the two best MVBs, the MegaRay or T-Rex, then yes, the MVB will far outweigh the ReptiSun tube in UVB output. However, MVBs such as the ZooMed PowerSun and the Exo Terra Solar Glo, have UVB outputs a bit more in line with the ReptiSun tube. To note: take care to avoid the ZooMed PowerSun as they are experiencing difficulties at present. Here is a link to a previous thread that has some good information about various bulbs and their outputs. I found it quite helpful in making a decision myself: viewtopic.php?f=34&t=98349&p=764473&hilit=Megaray+200#p764473.

In my own experience, I have come to rather adore the MVB (we use a T-Rex). Our girl was struggling early on due to a poor UVB bulb (a compact), and while she improved under the ReptiSun tube (we had a 5.0, not a 10.0, mind you), she really began to take off, eat well, and grow when we put her under the MVB. For a lizard that was stuck at 6 inches for 3 months, it's been quite a dramatic winter and spring for us. We put under the new lamp in late February and as of a week ago, she was 14 inches (and still growing). So we are obviously pleased with how the MVB has served our dragon.

Here are some basics on the MVB, in case you decide to go that route:

Wattage depends on tank size (100w for 40/55 gallons, 160w for 75+ gallons). These bulbs run about twice the price of tube UVB, however only need to be replaced every 10-12 months. Beardie should be able to get NO closer than 12 inches to the MVB for a 100w, and NO closer than 18 inches for a 160w. With a MVB, you will want to use calcium withOUT D3 such as: http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-health/105556/rep-cal-ultrafine-calcium-without-vitamin-d3.html. MVBs have a “burn in” period, so allow the bulb to burn for sometime before placing beardie in the viv. Additionally, watch temps VERY closely for the first few days as you will probably see them rise. You may need to raise the bulbs (or lower the basking surface) to get proper temps. The bulbs tend to level off after the 4th day or so. Replace bulbs every 10-12 months.

Hope that helps in your decision.

The best,
Em

 

[BadCon]

Not all MVB's produce heat, only self ballasted units. Externally ballasted bulbs produce very little heat, but provide more UV over a larger area, and typically last longer. They are more expensive though, and the need for an additional basking bulb can make the lighting setup a bit more difficult. I personally prefer self ballasted units for this reason. I doubt you could get an externally ballasted reptile specific MVB anywhere but reptileuv, so don't worry about getting the wrong bulb anywhere else (assuming you are looking for bulb that provides heat).

 

[herpfreak]

1. Yep, as long as it is at least 12" away from the basking spot and your enclosure is 40gal or larger.
2. That depends. You may need to experiment a bit. Have another bulb ready just in case.
3. It all depends on the setup. If your beardie has a small enclosure (~40gal), a ReptiSun is the way to go. MVBs last longer and have a higher UVA/B output, but the ReptiSun 10.0 is still a great bulb. Cheaper than a MVB, too. Both are great bulbs, it's ultimately up to you.


*Be very careful about which type of MVB you choose. As will fluorescents, there are many MVB brands that do much more harm than good; some that can even make a beardie go blind.
The MegaRay is the top MVB out there. Can't go wrong with a MegaRay.
http://www.reptileuv.com/megaray-products.php

 

[MarkCheck]

Thank yall so much i currently have a 55g tank n thats sum get advice yall gave me Thanks so much