Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone that knows me here knows that I have been trying to get a UVB research project started on how much UVB certain bulbs emit. I also want to find out how fast the UVB diminishes from the bulbs over time and therefore we will know how soon certain bulbs need to be replaced. I know that small studies have been done on some bulbs in the past, but those studies don't answer half of the questions I have.

Ok, back to the reason I am writing this post. I have found a really reasonably priced UVB meter that meets medical and professional standards. These meters sell for $179 and I haven't been able to find them any cheaper until now. But I have to order at least 6 from the manufacturer to get this lower price. This is where my fellow herpers come in. I need to know who would like one of these meters along with me.

I'm thinking that in order for this to work I will need to pay the manufacturer before they send the 6 meters. And since I don't have that kind of money, I would have to ask for prepayments by Paypal from those that are interested. Then I could pay for the meters as soon as I receive 5 orders (plus mine). And then you would receive your meter shipped from me. By the way, I can get 6 of the Solarmeter Model 6.2's for $144 each, that's $35 off retail. And trust me, I have looked all over, including Ebay, and these meters just aren't available for less than $179 anywhere!

I would appreciate feedback on this idea. And it would be great to know who is interested - no strings attached. I just need to know if this is going to be possible.

Thanks!

Veronica

P.S. The website that has the info on the Solarmeter Model 6.2 is at www.solarmeter.com/model6.html
Beautiful Dragons

I'm not going to give out any names of companies - as promised - but I have just got an e-mail confirmation from a company that is going to donate a mercury vapor UVB bulb to my research! I am so excited! As soon as I get the UVB meter, I will be ready to start testing! I have a bunch of things I plan to test for. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.

I plan to test the "strength" of UVB from the bulb at varying distances. I plan to test the bulb from day one on a weekly basis until the bulb has lost 75% of its UVB and will need to be replaced. I plan to test what materials (mesh, clear acrylic, plexiglass, glass) the UVB will penetrate and at what strength.

If you have any ideas on other tests, please let me know.

If you are interested in getting in on this research - I'd be glad to have a partner or partners! I can only buy a bulb or two at a time and test them. At this rate it will take a year or two to complete this research. If someone else is testing different bulbs or even the same ones, it would be great to share that info. I will be posting this info on my website too!

Thanks!

Veronica
Beautiful Dragons