Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking about trying one of the combined UVB / UVA bulbs. Does anyone have any experience with these? Should I make the switch or are they no good?

Dave

I like the mercury vapors, but I have had issues with premature burnout. Any jostling of the bulb at all while it's on seems to dramatically decrease life (I had one go out in 3 months). I started out using the T-rex brand, but I had a couple really short lived bulbs and switched to the power suns by zoomed. The power suns seem to last longer / be more resiliant, but I haven't tried the newer T-rexes that came out (they did some kind of redesign).

-Alice

I just bought the Super UV Coil-Lamp by ESU. I was hoping it would put off more heat than it actually is. How much heat do you get from the mercury vapor bulbs?

I have had the same experience with Mercury Vapor bulbs. I finally gave up after 6 bulbs and 2 different bulb makers. Yes MV put off the heat. I have switched to heat bulbs with the plant bulbs sold at Home Depot. I have had great success with this combination and no issues yet with chucks. The adults and babies eat and grow with no problems. JME...

Do you get the floresent 24" plant bulbs, or just the heat bulbs made for plants at Home Depot? Thanks!

In truth, you don't need to buy any special bulbs. The chuckwallas will be perfectly fine without any UV supplementation.