Not enuff UVA?

[bb]

I have a Repti 5.0 UVB compact floro and a 150w red nighttime bulb, I run both during the day, none at night.

Should I swap the Night bulb for a ZooMed basking light?

I heard UVA is really easy to provide.

I noticed my baby iguana that I had for about 3 days isn't eating a whole lot. I think he may be eating his own poop, a few of his droppings disappeared.. lol and his mouth area is stained with dark spots , and he generally looks quilty

[Merlin]

You do not want a visible light shining at night.
It isn't UVA that you need to be concerned with but UVB. UVA is simply visible light like you would get from a household light bulb
That compact spiral bulb is not sufficient for an iguana. with flourescents you need a minimum of 2 4ft tubes.

[prism_wolf]

Yup...UVA is as easy as a GE bulb. Forget the ZooMed basking bulb. You need the bright light to keep the eyes from getting damaged by the UVB bulbs that you will need to change too...as Merlin said - two 4' tubes. UVA is important for proper eye function to keep the UVB from damaging the inner eye...as well as the heat from it providing your temps.

[bb]

Oh, so I should buy the Mega Ray fixture?? I dont have the room for florescent tubes. Where can I buy the right light (UVB) at the best price? I know this info must have been posted 2 million times already and I'll probably find the answer before anyone replies but your help is appreciated.

[bb]

I Ok I just ordered a MR EB from everything reptiles.com, I didnt see a hood/reflector for the light, hows does that work?

My aquarium has a wire like mesh screen on top how close should I keep it from the top of the screen.

[prism_wolf]

All you need is a clamp lamp with ceramic socket. Lowe's here carries them. You can also fine them at any farmer's co-op or tractor supply in the brooder lamps.

The Mega Ray EB puts off very little heat. You will also require an additional heat source with that. Because of that you can lay it right on the screen and it not damage it...BUT...you want the UVB at least 12" away from the basking area.

The MR EB is the best UVB source on the market. You should see a marked difference in how much better your ig acts, eats, and gets better color after just a few days. Some notice the change immediately. I hope it works that way with you...:-D

[bb]

So after swithing from the 5.0 to the mega ray my iguana will change its behavior?

I can I use the Zoo med ceramic hood from the pet shop? Do I have to rewire anything?

[prism_wolf]

Going from a 5.0 - yes - you'll notice a behavior change...and possibly getting a bit sassier for a time while it gets used to feeling better... ;D.

No rewiring is needed. Everything is plug-ins ready to use. The MR EB comes with the external ballast. The bulb screws into the fixture you already have and that plugs into the ballast box which plugs into the outlet. Very simple and you'll see what I mean once you get it.

Do not turn the bulb off at the fixture.

Always use the ballast as you on/off source. This will mean using a timer. If you turn the light off at the fixture it damages the filament rendering the bulb useless for UVB. It will still light, but the UVB will not longer emit.

[bb]

wow, thanks I thank you. Sucio thanks you too.

Sucio means leaf in spanish. i think

[prism_wolf]

You're welcome! :-D

Actually - sucio means dirty from the translation site I just used! "Hoja" is leaf.