MegaRay EB and heating

[markt]

I am looking into buying a megaray eb, the 60 watt one that they say does not produce heat. I am wondering if I use a standard 60 watt bulb currently and I switch will the EB will it produce the same amount of heat?

Thanks in advance! Mark

P.S. I was on here a few months ago as "Mark", but forgot my pass word and recently made a new account

[IguanaKing]

Hi Mark,

Welcome to IZ. What they mean by it not producing heat is that you shouldn't use just it in the enclosure because, in the space needed for such a powerful UVB source, it would not provide enough heat to your animal. They recommend that you use a separate heat source. As with any other bulb of that type though, you should take the same precautions as you would with any other lamp of that type. Make sure the fixture it is in is securely mounted and isn't in contact with combustible material. Also, IIRC, your basking area should be no closer than 18" from the bulb surface to avoid possible UV overexposure. However, as long as you have an area in the cage that your ig can find shade and you observe the 18" minimum distance, overexposure really won't be a problem.

Hope this helps.

[markt]

so if I used the megaray over his basking spot and heated the ambient temp of the rest of the cage appropriatley, would the bulb have the potential to make his basking spot at the right temp? Or would this mean that I have to use a seperate heat lamp over the basking area for heat and the mega ray only for UV as you would with a fluro. Im sorry for all the questions, i really just want to be prepared if i decide to buy the mega ray.

Thanks, Mark

[IguanaKing]

Its really best to have your heat and UVB lamps in the same general location, so, together, they can more-closely simulate the sun. This is the best way to attempt to insure that your iguana controls his UVB exposure through his own natural behavior.

[Tesa]

Since I am no longer using a Megaray, I can't give you any temperature readings. I am not positive but I think the safe distance from the megaray for basking will not produce enough heat for your igs basking spot. The website where you purchase that product would be more likely to provide you with a solid answer to your question.
Welcome back

[Marie]

I agree with Tesa about calling them.

You can tell them your setup and needs and they will give you their recommendations. They are really great about helping people there. They really know reptiles too since they are rehabbers. I have gotten plenty of advice for my iguanas from them along with great service.

[MAR]

I use both the EB Megaray flood and the MegaHeat HP. I have them angled such that they are "focused" on the same area to simulate a warm spot in the sun. Over the summer this was enough in my cage but recently I have added an additional 60 W cool white light bulb to bump up the ambs.

Ig-King, where did you hear this 18" min number? Most EB series bulbs are in the 150 to 200 µW range at 12 inches which is proper for these sun loving lizards. I keep my EB 12 to 14 inches from my igs skin in his basking spot.

I run the HP and the light bulb (in the day only) on a thermostat set to about 92 F with the probe near the basking spot and the light and HP turn on/off through the day so I know the spot is at roughly the correct temp.

While this set up works for me I can't say that it will be perfect for you as so many factors work into this. All you can really do is set up the MegaRay and your heating element and put a bunch of calibrated thermometers throughout the cage. Let it sit for a few hours then take it from there on how much needs to be added.


Figure 1: my old lighting setup


Figure 2: my new lighting setup -- still in proto type phase

[IguanaKing]

MAR, I can't remember where I read that 18" figure, but I remember it had something to do with the amount of time the iguana was under the lamp. That distance was apparently recommended if the iguana would be in its rays for 12 hours a day. But, as others have said, in the end its best for markt to just check with the manufacturer based on the individual situation. The MegaRay didn't work out for my situation and cage design so I am no longer using them.

Just out of curiosity, what are the readings you are getting at 12"? When I had mine, I no longer had a functioning UVB meter, so I never was able to get a reading.

[MAR]

I don't have the money to drop on a meter. Mine was back in, hmmm, April I think, but the bulb was not used over the summer.

[IguanaKing]

Yeah, they're kinda pricy, I just bought my second one to replace my old one that ceased to be.

[Marie]

Well my new bulb is getting over 200 at 12". My old bulbs which are about 8 months are getting about 100 and 150 at 12". I don't have to worry about them staying under too long they never have basked 12 hours. That's one reason I changed bulbs. I got my meter through a group buy so it wasn't as bad. And I figure I'll eventually make it up by knowing when to replace my bulbs.

[markt]

Thanks everyone, i will call when i order the bulb to discuss the things i need to know about the bulb.

Thanks, Mark