Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anybody taking temps with this bulb? I have a digital thermometer I placed under the light at different heights and it seemed like the bulb needed to be within 8 or 9 inches to get temps at 120. Is my thermo broken? I have it about 8 inches away right now and my ornate hangs out under it all day so it seems right I was just curious as I havent used this bulb before and it doesn't seem as hot as other mercury/vapors I've used. Thanks,

I've just started using a 160w powersun. I can't compare to other MV bulbs, as this is my first one. But it definitely doesn't produce as much heat as a regular incandescent. Plus it starts cooler and warms up gradually. So I added another 100w incandescent right next to it to supplement the heat.
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Torey
1.1 Uromastyx Geyri (Joe and Arthur)
1.1 Anolis Carolinensis (Bowser and Leeloo)
1.0 Betta Splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.1 Felis Domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)

>>Has anybody taking temps with this bulb? I have a digital thermometer I placed under the light at different heights and it seemed like the bulb needed to be within 8 or 9 inches to get temps at 120. Is my thermo broken? I have it about 8 inches away right now and my ornate hangs out under it all day so it seems right I was just curious as I havent used this bulb before and it doesn't seem as hot as other mercury/vapors I've used. Thanks,

My apologies for the previous message. Just a little too quick on the draw....so to speak. I would say your digital thermometer is working correctly. I have had the same results with the bulb. The bulbs are bit pricey, but I gave them a try and will not be purchasing them anymore.

in my experience, reptile specific bulbs give off very poor heating compared to regular and inexpensive bulbs like Halogen floods.

with any bulb though, for a heating/basking situation, the temps drop off very quickly as you move away from the bulb. that is why it is best to go with an elevated basking spot, bringing the spot right up to the bulb for your peak temps, and let it drop in temp as you get further away.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

I am setting up a new cage and have searched all over for the best lighting setup. I know Robyn recommends the Halogen, but I was under the opinion that they are dangerous for humans, they tell you not to look into the bulb. What are you doing to your animals if you force them to be under them full time?
Or am I wrong? Am willing to be corrected!
Beth

i don't know that looking into any bright bulb is a great idea, but are you sure you are talking about the same bulbs?

we use GE/Sylvania/Phillips outdoor halogen flood lights, mostly 45 watts, a few 90 watts, the kind you can buy at Home Depot fro $3-$5, and we have used them for quite some time with great success.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

would it be possible for you to post a pic of the halogen flood and the box so I've got a better idea what I'm searching for?

Thanks
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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra

just regular ole' flood bulbs...

if you have to use more than 45 or 90 watt bulbs, your setup is wrong, there is no need for 150, much less 250 watt monsters that eat up energy, and heat up bases and fixtures to a serious degree.

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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

n/p
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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra

You are not supposed to look at the mercury vapor bulbs (such as powersun) because they will damage your eyes. It's compared to looking into the sun, just not quite as intense. Besides, reptiles don't stare into the sun all day, so I would think they would know better than to look into a light bulb. If halogens do give off such a bright light (never tried them yet), the reptile has to look directly at the bulb for it to damage their eyesight.

I wouldn't worry about, seeing that there haven't been any claims of mercury vapor bulbs causing eyesight problems in reptiles. It really does hurt to look into those powersun bulbs though.

later