We will be purchasing new cages soon. I have previously used external MVB lights, placed on a light stand, as the extra distance has been needed to keep the basking temps in the proper range. These do provide both basking and UV, but set ups require extra vertical space between the cages for stacking. I see lots of pictures of stacked cages on websites, and they seem to be using internal light fixtures, non-UV basking bulbs in combination with short fluorescent tubes (and I assume these are the 10.0 variety for desert critters.
My question is whether the internal short UV 10.0 tubes will provide adequate and healthy lighting for the beardies long term?
Are the MVB's really better. I have reviewed the web info on actual UV measurements with distance, etc and the different style lights. What do you experts use?
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internal vs external cage lighting
Replies (2)
Internal lighting using the fluorescent tubes allows me to change temperature seasonally by using a different wattage basking bulb.
While a 4x2x2 cage can use a MVB with out overheating the cage I find my 18" high cages get too hot.
24" reptisuns are 21.00 each
incandescent bulb for basking 1.00
vs
MVB 45.00
Aside form the temperature adjusting reason, the cost stands out as an even bigger reason. Even when considering the cost of the fixtures.
Jeff Crider
Internal lighting is more energy efficient. I use either (2) full depth tubes (3') in my larger cages or (1) full length tube (4')
