Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When I first got my Uromastyx, I was advised by the herp store owner to use Powersun UV lamps rather than separate UV and heat lamps as I had previoulsy used for my iguana. He pointed out that in the event that they malfunctioned, I could send them back to the company for a replacement. I have had my Uro for less than a year, and have already send back four malfunctioning lamps. The color of the light gradually becomes yellowish, followed by a complete burnout within a few days. The lamps are guaranteed for one year, but last on average only two months. Has anyone else had this problem? What am I doing wrong? The lamp is left on for 12-14 hours per day, is this too much?

I was about to buy one of those UVB heat bulbs. I'm glad you started the discussion. Have you looked at these websites below? I know there is more than one manufacturer and another might have a longer lasting product. I sure hope they are good products because it sounds like a dream come true. One bulb that does it all!

http://www.uvheat.com/
http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/UVheat.htm
http://www.bigappleherp.com/Pages/Product/261800.html

Hi.
I had a similar problem. Mine lasted a little longer (4 months). When I returned it they said keep the bulb in a ceramic fixture, put the light on a timer with a power serg, don't move the fixture and don't keep the fixture on an angle if you want it to last 1 yr. I did all those things and it didn't work. Oh well! If you find a better bulb let me know I am willing to try something else.
-----
~*~ Nikki ~*~

Huntington (Long Island), New York

Hey Nikki, you're in Huntington? That's where I work, in Caumsett Park.

Anyway... the brand I'm using is a ZooMed Powersun UV lamp, "self-ballasted mercury vapor flood lamp."

Just-n, of the links you posted, the first one is a UV-B/heat lamp, no UV-A. I don't know how much of a difference it would make, but in any case it seems to be a different type of lamp. The second link mentions a three-month warranty, the third link doesn't mention one at all... but I'll look into it further. The third link did have some useful information about their bulbs which may apply to the kind I have as well... in addition to the ceramic base, it says the lamp should not be placed directly on the tank top; it should be suspended above the surface. I'll try this with the bulb I have now, and see if it makes any difference.

Bluemoon, I appreciate your help but I must point out the first link I posted was not a bad link to a site with only UVB bulbs. I was only hoping to get some feedback from people about their opinions or experiences with these sellers.

Below you will see links to pages on the UV Heat site that claim measurements of UVA & UVB and I know we are at the mercy of their research. I can see where someone might think the bulbs only produce UVB because they are pushing it so much on that site for the D3 reasons. They do cost a little. Look at this link for their measurements and the next one for their 1 year warranty.

http://www.uvheat.com/measure.html

http://www.uvheat.com/UVHeat_Warranty.htm

The second link I admit only has a 30 day warranty and is most likely from a smaller company but it is a cheaper option. If you buy 2 you get free shipping. Just throwing it out there

http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/UVheat.htm

It’s too bad the third link didn’t have any warranty with it but if the price is right and there are plenty of good testimonies such as from pgross8245 I would buy a couple.

Pgross8245 wrote:
I have switched to the bulbs from Big Apple Herp called Capture the Sun. They are priced at $34.95 each with a 10% discount for purchasing 2 or more. I have been very happy with them.

http://www.bigappleherp.com/Pages/Product/261800.html

If anyone has any more links please post them! Warranty or not, I like to see tons of options.

Kind regards,
Justin

Thanks for clearing that up, Justin... I'll check them out again more thoroughly.

"in addition to the ceramic base, it says the lamp should not be placed directly on the tank top; it should be suspended above the surface. I'll try this with the bulb I have now, and see if it makes any difference."

This may indeed be your problem. I have my bulb free-hanging in a 6x2x2 cage I built and I just had to replace it after 2 years.

-----
The Voices have won!

jeff pfeifer

I had problems with the Powersuns also. The latest batch I purchased seem to have improved, but I have switched to the bulbs from Big Apple Herp called Capture the Sun. They are priced at $34.95 each with a 10% discount for purchasing 2 or more. I have been very happy with them. I had the worst luck with the T-Rex bulbs, with the bulb acutally coming loose from the socket. It is a great concept, but I also use auxillary lights for long cages otherwise they are too dark.

Pam