Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been thinking about getting some mercury vapor bulbs for my chameleon and my other lizards. Do they produce uva and uvb or just one of them? How long do these generally last, longer than flouresents right? I have been thinking about getting the solar birte ones from aaa reptiles becasue they are like $10 cheaper than anywhere else, but does that mean they are not as good, or that they are just cheaper? I have thought about getting them off of ebay, but I dont know. Oh, I also wanted to ask about ceramic heating elements. I have one I bought a couple years ago, but I have never used. It is a 150watt pearlco cse conical infrared ceramic heating element. I heard the heat can go down like 48 inches, but I dont know how far it should be from my chameleons basking spot. I dont want my lizard to get cooked. Would this keep my chameleons whole cage warmer? I would really appreciate any help. Thank you, jrbl

I dont know about the heating elements but heres what i learned about the mercury vapor bulbs. If you get a certain brand they should be the same everywhere no matter which is cheaper. a $65 powersun 100w bulb is the same as the $55 powersun 100w bulb. they produce HEAT and UVA/UVB. I heard they can last 8 months to a year.

I haven't heard of anyone using the solar bright from AAA( not taking anything away from them). I use powersun (heard only good things about them). I paid 60.00 each for 3 and have been very satisfied.
If you want to save money try the Big Apple brand. They stand behind their products and it cost the same i believe 34.99.

I wouldn't get one off of ebay unless you know FOR SURE that it's new. The uv dissipates over time even if the light still works, and after a year it's not worth using for herps.