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Post by dominick on Oct 27, 2003 19:45:10 GMT -8
I was in a very large, independent pet store today looking for a UVB bulb for Rex. Not the tube kind but a "bulb" kind.
There where shelves 5-high with every kind of light for reptiles you couild imagine. And in all of that only maybe 6 were UVB emmiting.
As I carefully read each package, because now my curiosity was piqued, They were either basking, night, strange colors for night, or, my personal favorite: Coated to show your reptiles TRUE color! LOL Now why the heck would I want a light to do that, if my IG was gonna die from lack of UVB anyway!
So finally, after searching through dozens of rows, I found them, all the way at the far end. Maybe 6-8 bulbs in all, UVB emitting bulbs, yeah!
I read carefully, UVB emitting, everything was right. Now, if I could just find the price, hmmmm, no where to be found. Why? you might ask. Because they are tired of reviving customers in that isle! $64.99 or $79.99 were my choices. Now I was sure I found the right thing! ;D
So, you'll know when you get the RIGHT bulb, it will be 2-3 times more expensive than the rest. And ordering on-line can save you a LOT of money too, provided you can balnce out the shipping costs.
Be very careful to get UVB emitting bulbs. "UVA" and "Full-spectrum" are not adequate for Iguana health. Unless your Ig gets at LEAST 30 mins of full sun each day, the UVB bulb is necessary for them.
Just thought I'd share my pet store moment with you all.
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Post by Tesa on Oct 28, 2003 5:41:50 GMT -8
Isn't that just aggravating?!?!  |
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Post by SurvivorSteph on Nov 16, 2003 0:00:23 GMT -8
I have a Dr. Fosters & Smith catalog that has Active UV Heat blubs for only $44.99. Which I thought was GREAT! The Catalog says it provides heat, UVA & UVB from 1 to 6 feet. I just bought a 2' and a 4' Iguana Light (Zoo Med) from Fosters & Smith for $23.49 and $23.99. My shipping for both of these bulbs only came to about $9.00. My local store sells a 3' Reptisun Light (basically the same as the Iguana Light) for almost $40.00! OUCH  It's too bad that our pet stores feel they have to do this. |
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Post by Yoda on Dec 14, 2003 8:13:02 GMT -8
Dom, $99.95 plus tax for the 160watt Powersun Uv merc vapor flood by Zoo-med add 15% TAX $115.00 Only good thing is a 1 year warranty.. Yada and James .
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Post by Yoda on Dec 14, 2003 8:31:51 GMT -8
 When I built the Lair i was really himming and hawing about lighting and decided that the addition of the POWERSUN in combination with the REPTISUN 5.0(TUBE) would best suit Yoda and the Lair and provide enough usable UV through the winter months ... It was hard to swallow the price ...and these lights also known to suffer damage in shipping and have a high failure rate. However, I have a regular spot (basic 100whouse light ) and the Powersun set up in opisite corners and Yoda will actualy move to the basking area with the POWERSUN as if he knows the differance..and prefers it.Combined with the increased humidity the new Lair has maintained ,Yoda seems extremly happy. Yoda and James
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Post by dominick on Dec 14, 2003 15:48:07 GMT -8
Hi James-
Nice job on the lighting system. Of course Yoda knows the difference. He feels his belly digesting the food under the UVB. LOL
One thing to keep in mind, UVB rays fade out long before the light actually goes out. A light meter is best to keep track of this, but barring that, record the date of install and remind yourself when the recommended time has elapsed.
Tesa can speak volumes about UVB and mega-watt things. As for her knowledge. Then sit back in a comfortable chair and read the reply. ;D
Regards,
Dominick
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Post by Yoda on Dec 14, 2003 17:09:52 GMT -8
 Thanks dom ... I have read some reply's on the lighting thing and I agree Tesa has done allot of homework in this area. and originally I was going to go with just the 5.0 Tubes. Once I read a little (actually allot) I was convinced that for the size of the Lair that the addition of the MV POWERSUN UV was the way to go. The Idea being that the main basking light is actually also producing usable UVA and B. I would be interested on what the output actually will be once the break in period is over and it has leveled out. How much does a meter cost...any Idea or a link..? Thanks James and Yoda
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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 Yoda on Dec 15, 2003 17:22:30 GMT -8
Thanks Tesa , actually I have visited there a few times and found that the ratings on the POWERSUN (WHEN THEY ARE WORKING) to be good. I was also looking into a external ballasted MV Bulb that Bob Mac is promoting. (Westron Lighting60 WATT ) however being in Canada with the exchange /shipping ect I decided to take my chances on the POWERSUN. It would seem that if you get a good one(WHICH I WILL REALLY NEED A METER TO FIND OUT) the POWERSUN is a decent bulb...I am also using REPTISUN 5.0 TUBES . I am starting to think the invesment in a meter could pay for itself.. If you could test in the store ...before ya buy it Thanks James and Yoda
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Post by dominick on Dec 15, 2003 17:25:34 GMT -8
Hi James-
Reptilsun 5.0 seems to be the one that most of those "Ig-scientists" recommend for UVB output and UVB duration. So I think you made a wise choice.
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Post by SurvivorSteph on Dec 16, 2003 23:30:33 GMT -8
James, You can get a MV bulb from any electrical supply store. My husband is an electrician and uses MV bulbs in various settings. I think the only things you'd have to be careful of would be the wattage and whether the bulb was coated with anything that would inhibit the UVB output. If you get one this way, it would need a ballast.
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Post by URSULA on Mar 9, 2004 7:45:03 GMT -8
It s anyone familiar with "Sera" product s?They sell lights, dezinfectors for terrarium, cures, .....all for reptiles.
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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 Lyn on Mar 9, 2004 9:25:04 GMT -8
I personally ordered my Powersun UVs online and only paid 33.99 each plus shipping not bad I'd say...I need 4 at a whack so $100 each is not in my budget...Lyn
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Post by dominick on Mar 9, 2004 11:48:56 GMT -8
Hey Folks-
Two thoughts here:
Mercury Vapor bulbs are extremely sensitive to movement. They fail very easily. Be sure you read up on the pros and cons before you spend that kind of money on them. Also, keep your receipt, you may need to return it if it fails.
Second, when buying a UVB at the pet store, be sure you open the package and ensure that the correct bulb is inside. I've heard that people often switch out the bulbs for the less expensive package and you may get stuck with the wrong bulb!
Good luck in whatever you decide.
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