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Post by Tesa on Dec 20, 2003 7:14:02 GMT -8
it could become the next big craze!! ;D
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Post by Tesa on Dec 19, 2003 5:27:31 GMT -8
Hi Mark Glad you joined us. Some reptile lights are potentially harmful to humans. Mercury vapor lights in particular--due to the increased intensity. Here's a link where you can read a bit more. www.anapsid.org/mercuryvapor2.htmlTanning bulbs emit both UVA and UVB. The UVB % is in the same range as the ones we use for our igs. (5%-7%) The fluorescent tubes used for our igs are basically the same as tanning bed bulbs, exept in size. Also, in a tanning bed there are about 300 tubes (yeah so I exaggerate ;D) rather than the one or two that we use for igs. Our human eyeballs are safe unless we bask under the light with our igs and stare at the "sun". ;D
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Post by Tesa on Nov 12, 2003 5:22:05 GMT -8
ya know.....I dont thin it said anything about heat emmission......I'm gonna have to check the article again now. He did recommend 2 Reptisuns 5.0's.....that's what I'm going for.
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Post by Tesa on Nov 11, 2003 7:21:05 GMT -8
I just read a wonderful (and mind boggling) article by Bob MacCargar referencing 1) minimum and maximum ultraviolet B exposure levels by natural sunlight 2) What range is necessary for an iguana 3) which bulbs peform best in terms of meeting these specific requirements. Some quotes:
"The USDA recently did a study with an Ultraviolet Pyranometer and found readings of UV-B in Florida on June 1st that reached 450 microwatts per square inch" "Although iguanas may not be exposed to as much as 450 microwatts per square inch on a continuous basis, they will spend several hours a day exposed to relatively high numbers. My studies, as well as those of others, have found that, even in the shade, global UV-B readings reach 30–50 microwatts per square inch . These numbers give us an idea of the minimum and maximum ultraviolet B exposure levels in nature."
The recommended exposure is "30–50 microwatts per square inch from a distance of 12" for 8–12 hours per day.(comparable to natural exposures in the wild) "
The best florescent tubes tested (Reptisun 5.0) emitted 12–15 microwatts per square inch at 12” The author has done extensive testing. His article states "The ZooMed 5.0 fluorescent lamps are at the top of the ladder in terms of meeting these specific requirements (i.e., the best “usable” UV-B). Use at least two of these lamps to achieve the desired exposure levels."
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Post by Tesa on Feb 8, 2004 9:02:52 GMT -8
Good Point! I'm ashamed that I didn't mention it. I'd love to have a meter....but..funds are too low. You buying?? ;D
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Post by Tesa on Nov 6, 2003 11:54:03 GMT -8
You're very welcome!
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Post by Tesa on Nov 5, 2003 8:14:30 GMT -8
Full spectrum lights are designed for better visibility, enhanced color perception..... (makes me mad that pet shops sell them in a way that makes it look like they are ALL the reptile needs.)
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Post by Tesa on Mar 9, 2004 8:17:51 GMT -8
I'm sorry Ursula. I'm not familiar with that brand.
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Post by Tesa on Dec 15, 2003 6:37:48 GMT -8
James, Here's a link to a group of people that have the meters. I can't afford one, so I've been watching thier posts. Try joining that and then you can make your own informed decision. groups.yahoo.com/group/UVB_Meter_Owners/
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Post by Tesa on Oct 20, 2003 4:26:59 GMT -8
UVB Lighting If you live in an area where temperatures do not allow you to expose your iguana to natural sunlight, he will also need a special bulb that produces UVB rays (fake sunlight). UVB is necessary for iguanas to absorb calcium. There are several types of bulbs that emit UVB rays. At present, the most esteemed is the Mega-Ray mercury vapor floodlight. The initial cost is around $85.00 (after shipping), replacement bulbs are only about half that price. These bulbs are guaranteed to produce more UVB for a much longer time period than any other bulb currently on the market. Mega-Rays can be purchased at www.reptileuv.com. Until the release of the Mega-Ray floodlight, the most widely recommended UVB light was the Reptisun 5.0. These are fluorescent tubes that can be found at pet stores or ordered via internet. A word of caution: Many people are misled by bulbs labeled as "Full Spectrum". These bulbs do not emit UVB. HEAT: Since iguanas are cold-blooded, they need to be able to move into warmer and cooler areas of their enclosures to regulate body temperature. This process is call thermo regulation. They need a basking spot with an optimal temperature in the mid 90's, along with cooler places ranging down to around 75 degrees. Heat can be provided using common household bulbs and should come from an overhead direction. In order to protect your animal, be sure it cannot come into direct contact with the heat source. Just a quick note to re-emphasize why NOT to use heat rocks. These things are known to malfunction, causing temperatures to soar without your knowledge. Cold blooded animals do not sense heat in the same way that we are accustomed to thinking about. They recognize heat with a sort of "internal" thermometer (the temperature of their blood). By the time the heat travels through the iguanas bloodstream and alerts it to move away, severe damage may have already occured to skin and muscle tissue. Fresh BurnsScarsThrasher's previous owners had a heat rock. After a year with me and numerous sheds, the evidence is still quite clear. She still has the scarring on the bottom of her foot. (not to mention the dirty looking color she has on her entire underside.)
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Post by Tesa on Dec 8, 2005 8:42:19 GMT -8
I have no clue whether they are nutritionally equal to the rest of the leaf. Even chopped up so small it will be more difficult for them to be digested. I guess just try it and watch the poop.
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Post by Tesa on Nov 15, 2005 5:03:05 GMT -8
This week we have......
Greens: collard, mustard, turnip, cilantro
Veggies: Acorn squash, green beans, butternut squash, green bell peppers
fruit: mango and banana
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Post by Tesa on Jul 12, 2005 5:55:09 GMT -8
This thread has been locked by admin and the member has been sent a personal message with a warning.
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Post by Tesa on Jun 30, 2005 7:05:00 GMT -8
Hey Nance? Did I read wrong or did Sean?? lol I read it that some items you were cutting to the size of lima beans and tangerine slices....or did you mean those specific foods?? I have a headache this morning and no coffee yet.......prolly me. lol
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Post by Tesa on May 6, 2005 5:11:55 GMT -8
Viva.... I have 3 igs ....and STILL get amazed at how much they eat. My oldest one eats salads WAY bigger than I do. ;D And yes, they know...you can't overfeed him.
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