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Post by dominick on Jul 14, 2004 9:24:49 GMT -8
I just received the EB version and set it up. I'm getting a 60 reading at 24" after initial start up. Rex colors look amazing under it. Not that that matters. LOL The external ballast is not much trouble at all, in fact I like the fact that it extends the cord and has an in-line on/off switch! Here's a pic of the temporary set-up. I set this up to test to take some readings and figure out the distance I need to keep. Right now it's at 24". the ballast usually sits on the window sill out of his way. I plan on permenantly mounting the fixture (a new one with a larger dome) on the wall so I can get a good, solid mount to avoid it banging around. But, all in all, so far the UVB is really good and Rex seems to bask on his cage much longer than before with the weaker light. Veronica, have you received yours and taken any readings yet?
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Post by Tesa on Jul 15, 2004 3:47:01 GMT -8
I'm supposed to be getting one soon too. (Thanks to dear ole Dom) so hopefully I will soon be spewing forth praise as well.
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Post by joseph2 on Aug 12, 2004 12:57:00 GMT -8
Hey Dom. I'm a latecomer to this thread, and it just recently caught my eye. This new flood sounds awesome, and before I make the big leap myself, I have couple of questions.
First, you say it mimics the sun without over doing exposure, which can create other health related problems. According to your meter, what kind of output (uW/Cm^2) does the sun produce on a perfectly clear day? The new flood can produce as much as 300 uW/Cm^2. That sounds awful high - it even sounds higher than an unobstructed sun. Of course, I am not really sure of the sun's output, and that’s why I am inquiring about this. I would hope they wouldn't make something that would be hazardous to the iguana. Again, I just want to make sure.
My other question is, what kind of health problems can the iguana develop from prolonged exposure to excessive UVB rays? I'm sure skin cancer would be one, but what about the other health hazards? Like I said before, this new flood sounds like the answer to our iguana's UVB needs prayer. I just want to make sure.
Thanks Bro.
Joe
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Post by dominick on Aug 12, 2004 14:01:36 GMT -8
Hey there Bro-
The sun here in NJ on a clear day will register high 300's on the meter.
This lamp is comparable to that. The method of production for this lamp coupled with good quality assurance procedures makes for an effective lamp that will produce more "good" UVB then most others, in a better focused narrow-beam flood.
Health-related problems from extreme exposure can also effect the eyes. Not sure skin cancer is possible in UV-dependent basking reptiles. Always provide an area for your iguana to go to when it doesn't want to bask anymore, just like in the wild. Also, UVR absorbtion is self-limiting, so over exposure, in the right environment is not possible.
This company provides a unique "UVB-to-Order" process to ensure that you get a bulb with the proper strength for your set-up. Please see the site for details.
I like mine very much!
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Post by prism_wolf on Aug 13, 2004 20:38:01 GMT -8
I've recieved mine Dom... It is set up, but not on Zair. With the last two weeks pulling 12's every day I haven't had time to modify the cage for this light...BUT...I do have it positioned over the birds who also benefit from UVB. My initial readings were awesome! 12" - 280 (though the heat made it to close for this reading) 18" -110 uW/cm^2. I have had it for two weeks now, but only buring consistently for about a week when I set it up on a timer. I talked to BM for a short time over the phone this past week and had a nice conversation with him...hardly UV related...just chit chat about igs in general...and had another bulb order sent to me so I have one for birds AND ig. I haven't checked my readings since the first day, but this weekend I will do my best to take them. It won't take but a few minutes...and curiosity mixed with the need for hard data is starting to nag at me...
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Drako's Mom
Senior
"It's.....it's.......green!"
Posts: 145
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Post by Drako's Mom on Aug 15, 2004 15:45:26 GMT -8
Dom, I think I'm also sold on this light setup - I have a question - I would need to set it up so that it would shine through the screen in the top of Drako's enclosure - Would that significantly reduce the amount of UVB getting to him
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Post by Patrick on Aug 15, 2004 18:56:40 GMT -8
Hey Dominick
Well The Last time I talk to you and Seen you in person you mentions MEGA RAYS lights and you sold me on them I have 3 coming for my Enclosures. After talking to the person that gave me some hints on how to set them up in my one Enclosure He's a very nice Man and gave me a lot of information on this lamp and between you and him (Bobmac) you guys sold me on it! So I really cannot wait for them to come Thanks Dominick and Bobmac for all the GREAT HELP!!!!!!!!!
Your Friend Patrick
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Post by dominick on Aug 15, 2004 20:41:11 GMT -8
Carmen-
Direct exposure is best of course, but through screen the UVB is reduced a bit. Being strong to begin with the UVb is still significant through a screen. If you order the EB, there is NO heat produced and the light is stronger. With SB, you get heat too and you would need to modify the screen top by removing a section and replacing with a heavy hardware mesh to withstand the heat and minimize UV reduction. I'm glad you are considering it.
Patrick-
Thanks for the nice comments. It's no secret that I cannot say enough good things about BobMac, he knows his stuff and has created an incredible product. Thanks for the compliments. I thin you will be very pleased!
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Post by Shaun on Aug 16, 2004 20:26:10 GMT -8
I was surprised by how much the screen blocked, but Orko is getting a solid 150 with his mega ray. He actually sits in his basking spot for extended periods of time on his own. Before he liked to get back to the top of the cage and stay there.
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Post by dominick on Aug 16, 2004 22:04:16 GMT -8
Great to hear that Shaun! It's said that Iguanas "smile" under good UVB. I too believe Rex spends much more time basking than he used too. Tell me Shaun, when you say you are getting a reading of 150, what distance is that. Remember readings are relevant to distance, so I'm wondering how far away in inches you are taking the reading? Aren't UVB Meters cool! It's like getting a whole new perspective on the UVB thing.
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Post by Shaun on Aug 17, 2004 14:39:07 GMT -8
About 6-8 inches or so.
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Drako's Mom
Senior
"It's.....it's.......green!"
Posts: 145
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Post by Drako's Mom on Aug 17, 2004 17:34:50 GMT -8
Thank you, Dom, for the reply. Now I just need to get the $$ together - his new enclosure set me back a little. I'm so glad I have the ability to take him outside daily for now, the "real sun" here in CA sure is nice ;D .
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Post by dominick on Aug 17, 2004 22:48:08 GMT -8
Hi Carmen-
The only good, cheap UVB is the sun! So let them soak it up as much as they can!!
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Post by mar on Aug 22, 2004 14:25:42 GMT -8
I just jumped on the wagon and ordered the UV flood EB and heat emitter. Hope to have them awaiting me when I get to school (I had them shipped to my campus mailbox).
Mark
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