Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am hearing alot about the mercury vapour lamps. I don't mean to be naive but are they for the UVB and heat requirements for beardies? Are they any good?

Thanks,
Michelle

I can't speak for all MVB, but for Capture the Sun and PowerSun, they provide UVA, UVB and heat. Although heat seems to be secondary, they have to be considerably closer to maintain the same temps as a regular heat bulbs. I use PowerSuns but I have a UV flourescent and heat bulb as a backup for one one of the MVB's burn out. I find that if I have the MVB say 10" to get a temp in the 110 area and I switch to the heat bulb, I have to raise the light several inches or I have temps in the 130-140 area. Now, I only use the MVBs but depending on your specific setting you may also need to supplement heat, it depends on tank size and how your basking area is setup. It is very nice to just have one bulb to worry about though.

I was unable to get enough heat out of the Powersun 100W MVB without getting the basking spot within 10 inches of the bulb. I added a 40W Halogen next to the MVB and now get enough heat. Both bulbs are about 14" above the basking spot.
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0.1.0 Pony "Wee Winsome Whinny"
1.0.0 Weimaraner "Jasper"
1.0.0 Mini Dachshound "Simpson"
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0.0.2 Gold Fish
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