Using UV tubes?..

[Tom]

after looking around, and working out prices, and set-up costs, is it me, or are UV tubes from say zoo med, and exo terra really worth it?..

looking at the market with these sunglows etc, where the uv, and heat can be offered through one bulb seems alot easier, and after reading a few details on them, seem to offer twice the amount of UV from higher posistions, and a better spectrum area..

so..

is it not better, and far easier to sell these multi bulbs, they seem better, and as much in cost, but with better results, and easier fittings, plus they then offer a safer set-up due to the easy set-up requirements, after all, we all know some people still screw the UV light at the top of a 2ft viv and the dradon is FAR further than 8inch from say where the light is, and the reptile in question.

what are your thoughts.
Thanks.

[Alison]

There are pros and cons to using the Mercury Vapour bulbs. Ive started to change my chameleons over to these. But only the ones in mesh vivs as they cant be put on a stat. They are really expensive, but they last about a year, tubes are 6 months max. Also look for the ones that are self ballasted as some need a seperate ballast.

Mega-Ray Ultraviolet | UVB | UVA | Reptile | lighting | Bulbs | Lamps | Sole UK Distributor (http://www.megaray.co.uk/)

[jo x]

i personaly wouldnt use anything else other than the megaray bulb they are a little more expensive but when weighing up the price of a UV bulb a starter and a basking light and a reflector these bulbs are cheap!! And the change in my tortoises makes them priceless in my eyes, within a hour or so off fitting the bulb, you would think the sun had come out in there tables they were more active the difference i saw in them was outstanding.The quality and intensity of light and heat with the combined lamps have no comparison, the powersun is better than a tube and spot lamp, and the Megaray simply leaves them all standing.
Personally I think they are excellent value for money.

[TyMilsom]

There are lots of different UV sources on the market at the moment; EB mercury vapours, SB mercury vapours, metal halides, tubes, compacts...the list goes on. Within these individual sources there are further differing characteristics and outputs etc. A very wise person once told me there are is no black and white's in reptile keeping, and righly so, a UV source that is good for one species may not be suitable for another, to the extent can be harmfull infact! This is for a number of contrasting reasons.

Can i draw your attention to this thread on here http://www.findmeareptile.co.uk/turtles-tortoise/3036-uv-not-uv.html

Thanks

Ty

[Tom]

thanks everyone for the replys..

i personaly agree ty, some do not require such high levels, but say bearded dragons, surly these are top quality, at affordable prices?

i am looking to change over the dragons we have to the above bulbs,and am looking for a nice bulb that will fit well with there requirements.

[jo x]

Ty I agree with you I use the megaray in my tortoise tables ,like most things everything has a pro and a cons .
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of properly caring for UVB-dependent basking reptiles. It cannot be emphasized enough how critical it is to provide an ideal lighting set-up for the physical and psychological health of you reptiles. In the wild, the sun gives all the reptile’s heat and light requirements. UVB is critical to many reptiles’ health. UVB light allows the reptile to synthesize Vitamin D3 in its skin, which in turn mediates the absorption of calcium and development of strong, healthy bones. But as Ty stated on the uv thread if that radiation is above 300 nm it destroys vitamin D3 .UVA light influences a reptile’s behaviour and without it they will not be happy or healthy, likely resulting in a shorter life span and unnatural behaviour. UVA light is also important for mediating reproductive behaviour. The quality of some bulbs on the market vary and many of the Chinese made versions use cheap glass that does not distribute the light well and can be extremely dangerous to your reptile’s health, especially their eyesight. Some brands emit far more UV than the sun while others emit only low levels of UVB. My experience with the megaray has been incredibly pleasing with a marked increase in more natural behaviour. I positioned the lamp based on the manufacturer guidelines that the reptile does not come within 12”of the lamp. Self Ballasted Mercury Vapour (SBMV bulbs) bulbs have a filament inside that works as a ballast, which ignites the arc tube, making it a hybrid lamp. This filament is the weak point in the bulb. The obvious advantage to this bulb is that it performs 3 functions, heat, light, and UVB. However the disadvantage is that when the filament fails, all three are gone. External ballasted Mercury Vapour lamps will NOT fail due to tungsten filaments..
The misuse of any UVB emitting bulbs, such as placing the lamp too close to the animal can result in eye and skin conditions..

[Tom]

what is a good make for bearded dragons then?..
reason i ask, is i have a few who i want to make a display out off, but dont want a uv tube in there, any ideas what product would be best suited?.

thanks.

[jaf2212]

Personally I have just changed my 3 beardies over to Mega Rays, one MV and the other 2 have the new Halides. I wouldn't look at anything else after using these bulbs, the light and uv has increased the activity in all 3.

Personally for big vivs/displays then an all in one bulb is far better and looks better in the viv than having the uv tubes having down and are far more cost effective. The new Halides have been showing great results and for the price outlast any other bulb on the market, but then i wouldn't suggest they are used with anything not from the desert.

[jo x]

i would recommend megaray120w Self Ballasted lamp is a top of the range Par-38 Narrow Flood lamp,it produces simular amounts of UVB to that of natural sunlight, combined with the heat output will create a ideal basking spot. But make sure temps are regulary checked important that you check the heat at the basking area and adjust the fixture-to-basking area distance accordingly to maintain a proper heat gradient.

[Tom]

thanks jo, and jaf..

the vivarium is 3ft high, so im sure i can find the right hight, and play around with it.
where is a good place to get these megaray bulbs?

[jo x]

Mega Ray (http://www.kimbosreptileworld.co.uk/mega-ray-c-50.html)

Tom if you give Darren a ring he will put you on the right path and talk through any concerns with you.

[Tom]

thank you jo..

il give him a call later, or tomorrow when i get in, must pop out, car is due an M.O.T....lol

[Tom]

p.s them prices are Bloody Good!

[jaf2212]

Hope you managed to get hold off Darren, taken me all week to get hold of him.

I again spoke to him in length about the bulbs and issues after a few minor problems with the lastest Halide. Again just to state how good the halides are, there is a proto type MH which is putting out 130uw/cm2 at 12 inches after 2 years and i don't know of any other make of bulb which does also does that