Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So far, I hear that they are the best on the market from several reliable sources. I can't get them around here but should be able to order some from the U.S. but I want to make sure it is worth my while to do so.

How often should the bulb be replaced? How often does it burn out? Is it sensitive to bumping during transport, thus resulting in the product not working when it arrives?

As it stands, I'm having a difficult time getting bulbs as it is and if I can get the best for about the same price as these expensive lower quality ones, I'll definitely do it.

Thanks for the help.
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1.1 Mali Uromastyx (Ra, Isis)
1.0 Satanic Leaf-tail Gecko (Diablo)
0.1 Satanic Leaf-tail Gecko (R.I.P. Samael)
2.0 Tabby cats (Cloud, Magus)

The construction of the megaray bulbs(also t-rex, same bulb) is the most sturdy I have seen in MVB's available in the U.S., so it would be the least sensitive to bumping around, as long as it doesn't get completely mishandled and thrashed, it should be fine. They typically don't burn out before it is time to replace them. I have had only one fail,and it was over 18months old and still producing high levels of uvb(that was an EB model and it started flickering and blinking around the same time the uvb output started to decline). I have a meter and have had most megaray bulbs last about a year, as far as uvb output goes,although I would lower the bulb a bit as it ages. 100 watt bulbs seem to decay slower than the higher wattages and the 60 watt EB lasts the longest, generally. With a meter you can get the longest use and be sure they are still beneficial, but they should not need to be replaced any sooner than at least 6months in any case.

Also, they're guaranteed to produce at least 50 uW/cm2 UVB at 12" after a year of average viv use. That's a reasonable amount, and I think all of my many Mega Rays that are that old were still producing more than that. It's best to get a meter, but if you don't have one, you're probably safe to use it for the whole year. And if you DO have any problems, Bob is really great to work with.
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Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.1 Saharan Uros (Joe and Arthur)
3.0 Mali Uros (Spike, Turtle, and Tank)
1.1 Ornate Uros (Scuttlebutt and Shazzbot)
0.1 Collared Lizard (Rorschach)
2.0 Green Anoles (Bowser and Sprocket)
1.1 Chubby Housecats (Roscolux and Jenny)

Where do you live? There might actually be a Megaray distributer near you. I know that there is a UK distributer and an Australian one. If you need info on either of these, let me know, or contact Bob.

You are probably on top of this, but be sure to get a bulb that is compliant with your country's electrical specs. Bob can advise you on that. I have a friend who ordered the Megaray cousin, the T Rex Active UVB, from a US distributer, and the bulb knocked the power in his whole house out and exploded! LOL! I think Bob has bulbs made specifically for overseas specs.

Thanks for the replies. This definitely boosts my confidence in the bulbs and the fact that they are the best thing for my uros.
I live in Canada and you'd be surprised at the lack of distributors around here. All the best products on the market, nobody carries them around here. I've often suggested it but sadly, it has fallen on deaf ears multiple times.

I'm going to order them from Dr. Dix as he has them available and has shipped stuff to me before. I'll try them out first and if they work really well and transport well, I'll order a larger batch next time for storage.
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1.1 Mali Uromastyx (Ra, Isis)
1.0 Satanic Leaf-tail Gecko (Diablo)
0.1 Satanic Leaf-tail Gecko (R.I.P. Samael)
2.0 Tabby cats (Cloud, Magus)

Yeah, that is a problem! Sorry. But a friend of mine did put enough pressure on a reptile supplies distributer in Australia, and he finally got them to carry the megarays. Don't give up!

I think one of the reasons we are having problems is that uros are not a common pet like a leopard gecko or bearded dragon. For those guys, you can find all the products you need. If I could breed some different kinds of uros myself, I'd probably be one of the few breeders in all of Canada to have these different breeds available. There's not enough sun-loving, UVB-requiring lizards in the pet community for distributors to justify the cost of importing in Mega-Ray bulbs. At this point, it's just cheaper for me to buy from Doug. I certainly don't mind giving him my business and hope to be able to buy a few breeding pair of different uro species from him once I get a house and more money.
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1.1 Mali Uromastyx (Ra, Isis)
1.0 Satanic Leaf-tail Gecko (Diablo)
0.1 Satanic Leaf-tail Gecko (R.I.P. Samael)
2.0 Tabby cats (Cloud, Magus)

Actually, Bearded Dragons require high UVB. They are proned to MBD without it and the calcium, and of course D3 unless you are using natural sun or a MVB. In fact, my friend convinced the Australian distributer to stock them using the bearded dragon as an example of a reptile that would benefit.

I know that a lot of people who keep desert and semi desert reptiles in Canada. Most of the ones that I know go with either the T Rex or the Solar Glo, both of which are available there through a few reptile supply outlets. Some people buy these through the US suppliers just across the border, too.

I'm sorry its such a pain for you. I think going with Doug is a good idea. He sells the Megarays at cost, so you are getting as good a deal as you would with Bob.