Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Today my mercury vapor bulb burnt out. It is a Uv Active Heat.I think its made by T-Rex. It is the second one that has burnt out on me in three months. My first one lasted 2 months and my second lasted a month. I was wondering if anyone has had trouble with this brand before?

Yeah mine just burnt out after 8 months and since stupid butt T-Rex has a "pro-rated warrenty" (they can kiss my butt) where I have to pay a butt load to replace it so I'm just switching to Zoomed's Powersun they have a full warrenty so you dont have to pay, and ReptileDirect.com has them for butt cheap right now only 38 bucks. Sorry for my half way venting/being in a good mood.
Kyle

What fixture (brand style/?) are you using for it??

also are you wiping the bulb down (vinegar preferred) to remove any oily residue fromfingers etc. Then only holding it with a towel (paper or what ever??)

Today my mom called T-Rex and told them what had happened to the two bulbs. The person she talked to said that shouldn't have happened with two bulbs. All I have to do is send the bulbs back to them and they are going to send me two new ones with no cost.They said that the bulbs were probably damaged at the store. Knowing the store I got them from it would be very possible. Also, what does wiping them down with vinegar do?

some times certain bulbs can have a not so good reaction to oils from your hands... just like bulbs for your car lights. hope this helps

Metal halid bulbs (Those powersuns etc) should NOT ever bet ouched by your hand. It's a big thing. IN fact with higher powered Metal halids it can lead to the bulb BURSTING (yep i've seen it happend and got a few cuts off of it). By wipping it with vinegar you remove any residue from others handling the bulb.