Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok everyone I am in the process of changing my uvb situation. I was wonder what is the best thing to go with? Should I go with florescent tubes, flouresent compacts or mercury vapor? What is the best? Also I only have acess to reptiglo 8.0 (exo-terra), Reptisun compact 10.0 (zoo-med), powersun 100w (zoo-med) are any of these any good, which ones should I get? This is for my Beardie, he's now about 1 year and 7 months old. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Lizard Smoke

Ive been using the t-rex 100 watt mercury vapor spot for about 2 months now, and it seems to be working well you can. With these bulbs they have to be a min distance of 18 inches. You can also use the 8.0 with the spot light and it will work just remember the heat requirments.

I just bought a mercury vapor this morning, but I have it 12" away from my beardie. Will this hurt him or will he be fine? It's not that hot for him, the temps are just right.
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Lizard Smoke

My bulb brought instructions in the box. I think if its a flood it can be 12 inches but if its a spot im pretty sure it has to be 18 inches away because of the intensity of the light. I use a ceramic heat emmiter 150 watt in a 75 gallon tank to reach the proper heat check out my set up the che is on the left and the mercury vapor on the right

Mine came with no instrctions, but it says it's a flood on the box, which is cool then
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Lizard Smoke

Oh ya and do mercury vapor bulbs lose their uvb before they burn out? Or can you use it right until it burns out in 1-2 years? (if your lucky to get it to last that long)
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Lizard Smoke

Nice setup man your dragon is sweet looking. She looks like a good eater and really heathy, I want my guy to pork up like that.
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Lizard Smoke

Thanks. With the mercury vapor bulbs they do lose some uv but they still have more than flourescents. With the floods I think you can put them directly on the screen top. Did you check your temps?

yeah mines on top of the cage, the temp is alittle down from what i recently had so i am useing a 50w heat bulb beside it. I am also battling a lose battle with my 4 year old cham he really hurting. I posted a message on the cham site.
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Lizard Smoke