Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm currently using a 8.0 fluorescent, and it's time to replace the bulb. I've been really tempted to switch to an MV bulb to increase the UV intensity - I have a 75 gal tank. The fluorescent strip is about 10" from the favoured basking site but he spends a lot of time in other areas of the tank.

The only thing stopping me from buying a 100W flood MVB, apart from the price (!), is the question of relability. It seems everybody here posts that the bulbs fail after 2 months or so, and even with a warrantly thats got to be a real pain, plus isn't the warranty pro-rated so you have to pay more?

Sorry for the rant, but my simple question is - Should I stick with a fluorescent bulb and two basking heat lamps, or switch one out to an MVB, and if so, which brand is best?

Thanks in advance for your help guys.
-----
Ross

1.0 Bearded Dragon (Fuego)
2.1 Roommates (require more cleaning up after than the dragon)

All the info that I have seen points to the Westron external ballist bulbs as the best with fewest falures. you can get a lot more info from the UV users group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UVB_Meter_Owners/
you can get Westron bulbs from
http://westronlighting.com/Specialty.ivnu
http://www.uvheat.com/
there is one other from the UVB forum but I cant put my finger on the link at the moment. If you check the site i am sure you'll find it.
-----
Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

The ZooMed PowerSuns are not pro-rated...you get a full year warrentee and they will send you a new bulb if the old one fails even a day before the year is up. Just make sure you keep the box and the receipt. I haven't had to much trouble with them, just read the directions they don't work like normal bulbs. They take awhile to warm up, and if they get shut off they don't come right back on. Make sure you have a good fixture too, plastic fixtures will mellt from the heat.
-----