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.

Also can you safely add the reflective sheilds that go on aquarium lights? A friend has some she will give me but I don't want to take them if I cannot use them.

Thanks In Advance for Your Help

Years ago chameleon keepers used to use the standard mercury vapor bulbs before the reptile specific products were released.

I don't see why they can't still be used, but do understand that the thick glass protective layer on the standard MVB's blocks larger percentages of the ultraviolet light produced by these bulbs.

If you primarily want the intense light then these bulbs will work. If you want UV light then you should probably go with a reptile specific product.

In regards to using shields, the big issue here is heat build up which can be dangerous. I can't say for sure if the bulbs you have in mind would work with a shield.
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Currently keeping a small collection of various Gonyosoma. Both G. janseni and G. oxycephala.