>>If i went with mercury vapor, do i need a special lamp or will a normal porcilin keyless work? How close do they need to be to stay effective, ect. Should i thake the RHP out? How much heat do the bulds put off? I have only kept UV free species so i'm clueless

Normal porcelain works and you need porcelain sockets with MV.

The UV output is more intense than the tubes. MegaRay recommends starting with a distance of 12" and then adjusting to get the right temps. Personally, I wouldn't get any closer if I could help it and definitely not closer than 10" according to manufacturer recommendations. Each manufacturer may have different guidelines, so I would check with the label on the bulb you use. I like about 15" to prevent eye problems.

Taking out the RHP depends on the size of your enclosure and what type of bulb you use. There are self ballasted bulbs that come in 100watt and 160watt strengths that give off heat equivalent to that size of flood, maybe a little less. There are also externally bulbs made by Mega Ray that produce very little heat.

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