My enclosure (screen top glass) is 24in high and I have always struggled to get the basking temp right. I have tried to get the basking spot up higher, but I can't find stuff that is tall, sturdy and wide enough for my big boy (21 1/2in). I'm also worried about the UVB reaching down far enough. I'm considering a mercury vapor bulb...there is a sale on a combo. bulb and extra deep dome ($44-$49). I would then lower his basking site. Please let me know what you think...also alternatives if you don't like my plan. Thanks in advance.
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Heating/UVB
2doxies
Jun 17, 2007 06:18 PM
Replies (6)
BDlvr
Jun 17, 2007 06:42 PM
You will definately have to supplement the heat when using an MVB bulb. They just don't put out enough heat. I tried hanging one in my family room so the dragons could warm up when they are around the house. But it didn't work. I have the Powersun 100 and 160 Watt.
As far as basking spot. Why don't you just make a little box out of wood and put a piece of slate tile on it. That way you can make it any height you want and can have a built in hide underneath.
2doxies
Jun 17, 2007 07:02 PM
I guess I have been mis-informed - I was told they put out more heat. So it is not going to reduce the number of bulbs I would need to use. I think I will buy the deeper dome so that I can use a 150 watt bulb instead of the 100 watt I currently have. Then I will build something like you have. What material did you use to build it? Thanks.
BDlvr
Jun 17, 2007 07:46 PM
It's Melamine which you can buy in sheets or small pieces at home depot.
2doxies
Jun 17, 2007 09:11 PM
Thanks - I will give it a try...actually, I will have to find someone that knows how to build things since I'm clueless there!!
eminart
Jun 18, 2007 01:34 AM
They do put out more heat than a normal incandescent bulb. I have a MVB on my tortoise table and it heats up the whole room if the door is closed. I think one MVB would heat an entire enclosure as long as you didn't have the whole top open. I'm sure there are some people here using them for beardies that could give you better info.
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NomadOfTheHills
Jun 19, 2007 10:10 PM
They are much hotter than regular incandescents. I agree, just make a basking spot.
