I like the T-rex bulb over others, as it does put out good heat. Your answer sort of depends where you keep your lizard. If you live in Texas like I do and keep them in the garage or sun room I would recommend the 100 watt. You can always add a smaller lamp if need be but probably won't. Here is the issue. Desert reps are turned on by light and it's intensity, if you use one lamp only in a 40 gal. cage and it is kinda dull and drab, I would say this is not as good as lighting the cage up more, so not even the mercury vapor is your only concern. I also like the zoomed 10.0 screw in flourescent bulb on one end and 100 to 150 watt standard basking bulb on the hot end this combo is cheap and works well. YOu do need to get adequete UVB or your lizard will seriously be effected. But the best way I can describe the ultimate lighting is to make the cage lit up like day. I have mine in a sun room with french doors all the way around so the room is lit up and I only find I need one basking bulb and I use the zoomed 10.0 scew in florenscent, however in my chuck cage I use two bulbs and one is 150watt T-rex. Anyway this is my insight into lighting. You want the hot side of the cage to be 105 degrees and cool side about 85 or so degrees. I leave the cage to room tempreture drop at night. Oh and another thing, I prefer a flood over a spot becuase I am trying to get more light dispearsed than focused heat and light in one spot. Everyone has their own opinions, I do not like the zoo med mercury vapor as it lacks heat unless they have changed them. The T-rex fits nicely in a large lamp holder 10", if you live in the county you can buy a brooder lamp holder and they are cheap and do the same thing as the reptile ones do. Hope this helps and good luck,,,,,,,,,,,,!!
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