Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I was wondering if you could use the Mercury Vapor bulbs that you find in hardware stores and Walmart, for your reptiles???

Are they the same? Are the MVB that are for reptile (like Powersun) made differently?

The reason I am asking is b/c I found one at Walmart and it is shatter proof and alot cheaper. This would come in hany for me as I have kids and when it is time to replace the bulb and it should break I wouldn't have to worry about the mercury.

Thanks In Advance for Your Help

I've heard of MVB's burning out, but not shattering. They seem pretty resiliant to me. I honestly don't know if the ones from Walmart offer similiar radiation, but would think they do NOT provide the UVB need for reptiles. This is a pretty specific requirement for a bulb.

I could be wrong though, and anyone with a UVB meter would be able to tell me so. It would be great if a cheaper source for such a bulb would come into the light

Ian

>>I was wondering if you could use the Mercury Vapor bulbs that you find in hardware stores and Walmart, for your reptiles???

The difference is in the sleeve or outer glass. The bulbs made for reptile use are designed to emit the UVB. I think the outer sleeve may be quartz. Bulbs for general lighting are designed to block the UVB that MVB bulbs naturally produce.

T.B

Thanks! Although I was hoping I had found a cheaper source. lol