Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We are trying to decide whether to change over to Mega Ray bulbs or stay with the Repti-Sun 10.0 combined with a basking bulb? Would like others opinions on both and what other breeders use. These are the only options that we think are the best just trying to decide.

Thanks in advance.

Most of the decision rests on the way your enclosure is set up. MVB's need to be farther away and must face straight down. They would never work in my enclosures because they're only 24" tall.

Ours are 24" tall as well. Similar to your set up just not as many and we make our own enclosures. How high up do they need to be. I have always preferred the strip lights because I can cover most of the enclosure with UV as opposed to just the basking area. Another question is do you leave your UV on all day?

The Mercury vapor bulbs need to be at last 18" above the basking spot...if they are not blocked by screens. Often, the extra needed height may also make them less effective to provide a hot enough basking spot.

These bulbs are better for more arboreal setups than for bearded dragons, or when the lights have to be mounted outside the cage.

The UVB light should be on same amount of time as the basking/main lights. Typically 12-14 hours on during the day, off the rest of the time at night
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PHLdyPayne

At least 18" I think. Yes I leave my UVB lights on all day. 14 hours in the summer.

I think alot depends on your overall setup and what you need to reach desired measurements(basking distance, temps, light intensity, etc). I think you can have great results going both routes.