Zilla UVB? Good or Bad?

[PuffyLuv123]

OK, so, I know I said that I was getting Zelda a Repti Sun 10.0, but the pet store ordered the wrong thing! They got me another bulb to replace my old Zilla one that broke... So, now Im stuck with a Repti Sun 10.0 BULB but no fixture and Zelda is back to using the Zilla UVB bulb.
Ok! My question is, are Zilla UVB bulbs good or bad? Its a 12 watt that covers 2/3 of her viv. And also, Ive heard before that your supposed to remove the plexi-glass cover on the UVB hood, is that true? I just removed it, but should I put it back on or is it better this way?
Thanks!

 

[Reptar101]

I use the Zilla and haven't had problems yet. And yes, you should leave off the plexiglass cover. Anything between the dragon and the UVB will block it's rays (except wire mesh).

 

[PuffyLuv123]

OK, thanks. The problem is, we're pretty sure she has MBD, but just the early beginning stages, so I wanted the Repti Sun to help her, but we'll live with this for a while, then if nothing changes or she gets worse, we'll switch.

 

[diamc]

The Repti-Sun 10.0 fluorescent is actually the BEST UVB you can get here in the U.S. and if your beardie is showing signs of MBD, that would actually be the best one to use and to make sure it is 6 to 8" from your beardie and placed inside the tank so that nothing is blocking the UVB exposure. You can get a reasonably priced holder for it at Lowe's, Home Depot or even Walmart for about $8.00 or so. Just buy a standard fluorescent holder (make sure the bulb is the correct size for it), remove the plastic cover & the bulb that comes with it and pop in the UVB, leaving the plastic cover off.

 

[PuffyLuv123]

Yes, I kno it is better. I am ordering a fixture offline right now however I am hesitating because my dad and I are soon building Zelda a new viv. I'm hoping she can live with the Zilla for a few days 'til we get it finished. I'm hoping it will be done sometime this week, so she wont have to use it for very long. Thanks, Im getting worried... gotta do this soon!

 

[jharris08]

def keep an eye on your dragons until you get the reptisun...some people havent had problems with zilla but I have!! it jacked my dragons eyes up (photokerato conjuctivits) is the big name for it...if they start closing their eyes and leaving them closed, turn off the bulb immediately! hopefully this wont happen but just make sure you check.