Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The ZooMed Powersun bulb that I purchased Nov. 1 failed to come on this morning; if I shake it, it tinkles so much it sounds like a bell. Luckily, I just got the new Capture the Sun bulb to replace the one that died at the end of October (after a month).

So far, I really, really like the way the torts react to the mercury vapor bulbs, but I really, really don't like the way they (don't) last. The worst part is, you kind of need a backup bulb in case they die on you, but if you have a bulb sitting around, you're using up the warranty time you have to return it. I'm trying the ActiveUV bulbs next.
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.2 Hermann's Tortoises
plus my kids' herps:
0.0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

All I can say is, that I share your frustration. I spent CAN$400.- on T-Rex bulbs over a bit more than a year (3 of them lasted only 4-5 weeks each, one of which was replaced by the store, lasted another 5 weeks, and thus was then not replaced by the store anymore, the 'record one' lasted 6 months).
I received my CAN$200 .- order of 2 'Capture the Sun' and 1 Zoomed 'Powersun' bulbs from Big Apple this week (minimum order for Canadian customers is US$100.-, plus shipping, customs, tax and broker) and hope for the best.
But eventhough I really like the idea of what these bulbs are doing, I will have to look for alternatives, if this batch is not going to last anywhere near to the promised one year mark.
I simply cannot afford spending $100.- every month to three months for one single light fixture.
I do not know, what is wrong with these lamps, but reading your post and the answers I got for my recent post on brand comparison, it seems to me, that lots of these bulbs, not matter which brand, give in after a very short time.
It is sad and frustrating, as we want to do the very best for our animals. But at one point there are budget limits...

Regards, Gaby

My T-Rex actually melted the metal parts after two weeks. Considering the cost I'm back to the 5.0 florecent.

Given the early "deaths" of these bulbs, I wonder whether some aspect of their use increases the chance of failure.
How have you all suspended the lamp and bulb? Straight down or angled?
Anyone else have any thoughts on prolonging these bulbs?

Mine were all supended in the appropriate lamp fixtures with ceramic socket, straight down. The lamp fixture is suspended from a lamp stand, that allows for height adjustment without ever knocking or shaking the bulb.
I never screwed / unscrewed them except to change for a new one.
Believe me, I am treating these luxury bulbs like a raw egg!

Regards, Gaby

np
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.2 Hermann's Tortoises
plus my kids' herps:
0.0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko