Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted this last night, but would like some more response. I am currently using MVs and haven't had any troubles... of course I didn't have any problems when I was using Vita Lights either. I just happened upon this site and it sorta worried me. What do you guys think about what she has to say??
Link

You can pick out whatever facts you like from any of Mellisa K's stuff, read all the other posts and opinions and then decide for yourself. This is why these forums are so good, you can ask questions and get a bunch of answers but ultimately you must decide for yourself what course to take.
-----

Yes, Ms. Kaplan has some valid points.
BUT... Given the known hazards of over-exposure to natural sunlight, it's a given that any device or bulb that replicates it is going to be just as dangerous if not used properly.
Now, as to whether or not MV is any better or more beneficial than a fluorecent/heat light set-up...who knows? I certainly don't. I've used the fluorecent/ heat combo for a long time, with good results. Doesn't mean there isn't anything better.

However, from reading her article, I personally get the impression that her own medical problems may be causing Ms. Kaplan to be a bit less objective than someone else might be, or to be over-reacting a little. But that's just my opinion and I could very well be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.

The bottom line, for me at least, is that if you "bring the sun into your house", so to speak, it's only common sense that you'll have to take the same precautions that you would outside.
And that's exactly what we're all trying to do with the UVB lights, mercury vapor or otherwise: Bring the sun into the house.

D.A.

It can just get confussing after a while. So many self proclaimed experts. I have been doing this a while myself and still find out new info all the time. I guess you guys are right though... do what works best for you. I am just extra cautious... try to do my homework... and probably should be a little more confident in my own opinion. Thanks for the response!!

I think Melissa Kaplan has some very valid points. If you're going to keep herps in with a mercury vapor bulb, it would be a very good idea to add some shelter.

I've noticed that mine will bask the majority of the time, but when I had paper towels in there, they would crawl underneath and hide for a couple hours.

Now I have a shady place for them and they do use it ocassionally. Besides, some dragons bask less than others.

Herps should have shade or a place to hide whether you're using MV lights or not. It's just plain common sense that they don't spend all of their time out in the open in the wild, and therefore shouldn't be kept that way in captivity.

The only part of Ms. Kaplan's views that I really question is the whole bit about "harmful to humans". Sunlight is harmful to humans.

As I said to begin with, there are precautions that need to be taken with natural sunlight, both for humans and herps.
Seems rather obvious to me that the better any light source mimics natural sunlight, the more likely it is that you'll have to take the same actions to keep yourself or your animals from being harmed by it.

And after all, if the lights are producing the same effects as natural sunlight, both good and bad, then aren't they doing what they were designed to do? It's up to the keepers ( Us herp owners )to do what needs to be done. There's just no way a manufacturer of ANYTHING can prevent people from being injured from mis-use.

Again, just my opinion.
Your milage may vary...
D.A.