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Post by joseph2 on Mar 12, 2004 7:27:21 GMT -8
Hey all. I have been hearing all about the zoomed's reptisun 5.0 and iguanalight 5.0 and yet I have many concerns about these UVs for some time now. For one, the rays are ineffective if the light is more than 12 inches from your iguana. Another concern I have, is that iguanas in the wild bask in direct sunlight giving them much more UVB exposure than what the 5.0s give. I personally use a 24 inch and an 18 inch reptiglo 8.0 for my iguana. The lights are approximatly 14 inches from Zilla, and that way I know for sure that he/she is definitly getting the UV rays needed for vitamen d production and calcium absorption. Maybe I'm on the wrong track here, and if I am please let me know, but I believe that simulating wild conditions the best we can is the best for our green friends. Iguanas just do not hang out in the shade all day, so are 5.0 really that effective? Food for thought.
Joe
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Post by Tesa on Mar 12, 2004 7:32:30 GMT -8
No Joseph, you are NOT on the wrong path. It is actually recommended that 2 tubes be used.
The 5.0's are promoted because at present they appear to be the most reliable.
Also, now that we are learning more about the output of these tubes, the recommendation seems to be leaning toward placing them within 6-8 inches of the iguana.
The only way possible to give them what they have in the wild is to get them outside in the real sun.
I'll be really glad when warmer weather arrives!
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Post by dominick on Mar 12, 2004 7:39:19 GMT -8
Hi Joseph- You are correct about the importance of UVB and the fact that we simply can't simulate the sun atrifically to any great extent. Now, in all the testing that is going on with UVB, as Tesa pointed out, the bulb should be no more than 10" from the Iguana. Any further and the UVB is significantly dimished and is no longer strong enough to benefit the Iguana. There's a great site you should check out. It's a Yahoo! e-group dedicated to Iguana owners and UVB testing and reading. It's located here: groups.yahoo.com/group/UVB_Meter_Owners/Hope this helps. |
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Post by joseph2 on Mar 12, 2004 7:49:09 GMT -8
Thanks Tesa. Now my concern is do I have my 8.0s close enough? When I built my habitat, I believed that 12-14 inches was adequate, especially with the high output of the reptiglo. I guess with the height of Zilla, he/she is closer than my measurement to the shelf, yet I want to make sure Zilla is getting enough UVB. Zilla definitly sees the real sun whenever I can get him/her out, but living in the crappy state of Michigan where the sun shines only 2 days of the year (OK, so I'm exaggerating a little LOL) and we only have 3 months of summer weather, I really need to be aware of the UVB my lizard is getting. Any further suggestions? Am I meeting my iguanas needs? Thanks again.
Joe
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Post by Tesa on Mar 12, 2004 7:56:46 GMT -8
Unfortunately I'm no expert. I would suggest doing what Dom said. That group will be able to answer this type of question better than I can.  |
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Post by joseph2 on Mar 13, 2004 6:33:25 GMT -8
Well, I tried the site Dominick suggested and basically got mixed reviews. So now I'm back to square one. I realize the only way to tell is to actually purchase a meter, BUT from what I hear they are somewhat expensive. Since Zilla is almost 3 and has not shown any signs of MBD, my guess is that he is getting what he needs. Yet, like every other loving iguana owner, I want to make sure nothing will go wrong in the future. I may need to modify his habitat a bit, even though it seems to be a perfect set-up as far as room, temperature, and humidity go. If I drop his lights through the screen another2-4 inches, I'm afraid his basking temperature will greatly exceed the 95 degree temperature that I've achieved.  Are there any suggestions of what any of you guys would do in this situation? Zilla's health is my number 1 concern, and I would love to see him live a happy, long life. Thanks. Joe |
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Post by Tesa on Mar 13, 2004 7:04:42 GMT -8
There's no way to drop the UVB without dropping the heat light??
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Post by joseph2 on Mar 13, 2004 7:18:43 GMT -8
No. The fixture is set up for 1 flourescent and two heat bulbs. To take the bulbs out would greatly affect the whole setup because I have it located in his favorite basking area. It would also diminish the lighting in the habitat. If I can find the room on top, maybe I'll have to add a new fixture for just flourescent bulbs. I don't know, what do you think?
Joe
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Post by Tesa on Mar 13, 2004 7:21:08 GMT -8
well, you would also have to option of using lower watt bulbs for heat.....it would take some playing around to get the temps stable again....
If the heat bulbs are in with the UVB tube....how are you keeping him from touching them and getting burned?
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Post by joseph2 on Mar 13, 2004 7:25:55 GMT -8
There is a screen separating Zilla from the fixture. This is where I'm considering modifying that area and maybe just drop a regular fixture in.
Joe
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Post by Tesa on Mar 13, 2004 7:28:07 GMT -8
Sounds like a plan to me!
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Post by joseph2 on Mar 13, 2004 7:32:54 GMT -8
Thanks Tesa. Guess I just needed to talk that one out. Ever think of adding a chat room on this site?  Joe |
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Post by Tesa on Mar 13, 2004 7:34:45 GMT -8
yes, but ........I'm not smart enough to figure out how! lol If we have enough members and it looks like it might actually be used, I'll look into it further.  |
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Post by Yoda on Mar 13, 2004 7:55:14 GMT -8
Ah...the never ending lighting thingy... It will drive a Ig owner to drink... I struggled with this issue for months..and read and read and read...tile I had blisters on my eyeballs...  This is what I found out... #1 You will never replace Direct unfiltered Sunlight.. The only way to know forsure is to get yourself a UVB meter and test your set up... I am getting Yoda a Meter for my birthday.. ;D In the mean time ...this is what I have provided... 1- Zoomed Powersun UV (merc vaper) 160 w spot 2- 18" Reptisun 5.0 1- 100 watt " full spectrum Grow light" 1- infer red night time heat light (seldom used) The grow light is just as a back up ,as I had read about the Powersun's track record of early failure so I wanted a decent basking light in case the powersun failed.. ( been good so far...no problems) and Guess what....... I still dont reall know for sure what kind of actuall UVB I am providing....  If I read alll the boxes and claims...I shoud have UVB out the Ying Yang...  However without a actuall reading.....who knows..?? Here is my set -up .... ![]() www.photobucket.com/albums/1003/jmillard/Picture_172.jpg[/img] I cant wait for Summer....That is the only sure thing. Ya just cant beat mother Nature... ;D |
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Post by dominick on Mar 13, 2004 8:19:30 GMT -8
Hi James- Sorry, just can't say it enough: I LOVE that enclosure you designed and built. It looks better and better everytime I see it. |
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Are there any suggestions of what any of you guys would do in this situation? Zilla's health is my number 1 concern, and I would love to see him live a happy, long life. Thanks.
