Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I saw where these bulbs are advertised on Big Apple Herp. Has anyone tried them? It says it provides both UVA and UVB. It doesn't say anything about distance. I know the Reptisun tube type bulbs have to be 12 inches and the PowerSun has to be at 18 inches. I was just wondering if I should start getting these?

The question about the distance, in which this bulb is achieving appreciable UVB output, is exactly what I asked the customer service manager, who until now has always answered any questions I had speedily.
Well,- in this case he said, that the values were good, but that they can't release real numbers about their tests.
As this is a fluorescent though, I am afraid, that the 12" distance, that is recommended for other fluorescents, would be what is needed. Which means, that it is not useful for my setup, as it is a big one, with larger distance from lamp to animal.
What the guy from Big Apple told me though is, that they are going to have their own brand of compact fluorescent very soon. And this one apparently beats the Zoomed one and the data in question will be available to the customer. I am checking their site every few days to see, if it is there yet, as I am desperate about mercury vapor bulbs, that last between 2 to 7 months and cost me hundreds of dollars a year that way.

Hope that helps,
Gaby

I have had very bad luck with the Mercury Vapor bulbs. If they make it through the shipping, they usually only last a few days. Out of 4, I have one that is still kind of working. It tends to flicker on and off. It doesn't seem to be off for more than 15 minutes. I thought they were supposed to last for a year.

When I first got mercury vapor bulbs I found that they turned off when they were knocked, when the electricity was interupted, or if the electricity was overloaded. After they turn off, it takes 10-15min for them to cool off before they turn back on. Many also display the turning off problem right before they burn out.

At first I had them on the same circut braker as a large dehumidifier. When the dehumidifier kicked on, the UV lights went off. I ended up puting all my tortoise lights on their own circuit braker and havn't had any problems since. I also don't mount the lights to anything touching the animal enclosures so they won't be disturbed when tortoises move around. I think zero vibration helps them last longer than the avg six months.

I've used three types:
1. A few Capture the Sun bulbs from Big Apple Herps. One came broke and they shiped a replacment no questions asked. Another went out after a few months and they had me mail it to them and they sent a replacement prorating the cost so I paid for the three months of use. The third bulb has been working for around a year with no problems.
2. A handful of the T-Rex UVHeat bulbs. Worked for at least 6 months.
3. 6 months ago I got around 30 of 100W Flood Zoo Med PowerSuns. They have worked without any major problems so far. Only one has burned out so far.

I use these in combination with Reptisun 5.0 bulbs.

Which kind/s do you have?

jbly

At first I used the T-Rex brand bulbs, as they are the only brand available to me here from Canadian pet stores.
I had about 6 or 7 of them (one after the other), which lasted anywhere between less than a months to 3 months. One made it to 7 months.
In my despair I started ordering mercury vapor bulbs from Big Apple, even though customs and shipping make them similarily expensive than the T-Rex ones here. I tried the Zoomed Powersun and Big Apple 'Capture the Sun' side by side. The first set lasted 7 months, with the 'Capture the Sun' shutting off frequently, whereas the Powersun didn't do that.
The second set (both kinds from same shipment) made it only 2 months. So the way they are treated during shipping is definitely critical. I am into about 3 months now with my third set.
The T-Rex brand definitely worked the least for me. If I had to chose between the Big Apple 'Capture the Sun' and the Zoomed 'Powersun' I think I would go with the latter. At first I thought, that that turning off mechanism in the 'Capture the Sun' bulbs would be an advantage, as it is supposed to prevent overheating. But as some of you experienced as well,- it tends to be off a lot. In terms of visible light though, the 'Capture the Sun' seems brighter and more 'sun-like' to me.
My lamps are installed in a way, that they are theoretically not exposed to any vibration and plugged in a way, that no inferences should occur.

As I live in Canada, none of the warranties people from the States have on these lamps, apply to me. So the situation is very frustrating and the money I spend on these lamps is more than I ever thought, that my tortoises would cost me.
I am really hoping, that these new compact fluorescents will be an alternative, but as they are fluorescents I am afraid, that their active reach will not be further than any regular fluorescent tubes.

Wish somebody had a solution to this topic,
Gaby

Gaby,

I too have been buying the Capture the Sun bulbs from Big Apple because they have good pricing. I have had terrible results however. Similar to you, I've had many burn out as early as 1 month and on average about 3 months. I've had one that has surpassed the 6 month mark but like your experience it is subject to the blinky blinks. I had two from my last shipment last 1-2weeks a piece.

jbly, I saw your suggestions which I applaud for finding a workable solution however, it's far too much maintenance for me especially when I'm buying $250 worth of bulbs a pop. The bulb should just work like good expensive bulb!

I've decided to stop purchasing them and I will be going to a more economical and dependable lighting solution - just can't throw money away here anymore. I'll keep you in the loop on what I decide - will likely be UV lamps mounted lower and utilizing heat panels or infrared bulbs.

Don't mean to dis Big Apple because I really like them as a supplier but I just can't keep going through the 'return bulb cycle'. I am seriously beginning to think there is a fundamental flaw in how these bulbs are designed.

Paying $70 dollars for one at Petco (and yes they cost that much there) is ludacris!

Paul

What do you think about the Mega-Ray externally ballasted bulbs? They are suppossedly more stable....
Troya

The Mega-Ray externally ballasted bulbs are made by Westron, and in my experience so far, are superior to the others (with which, like most of the other posters, I have had VERY poor luck.)
ReptileUV.com has an association with Westron and sells their products. The guy who owns ReptileUV.com, Bobmac, is first class, and very knowledgeable. Should also mention that if you're running any type of UV producing light for reptiles, you should consider purchasing a UV meter. There is NO OTHER WAY (with a new or aging bulb or tube) to know what you are or aren't getting. Many hobbyists, myself included, use the Solartech 6.2 (manufacturer: solarmeter.com) which is manufactured and calibrated specifically for reptile husbandry. ReptileUV, as well as other sources, sells this meter. This is just my 2 cents: I have no connection with Westron, ReptileUV, or Solartech, other than being a customer. This stuff works well for me.

I was having tons of problems w/ 150W MV's, no matter the brand. On a whim, I decided to try the 100w version of the CTS bulb, and have had zero issues with it. It's like a night and day difference. The 150's would usually start flaking out within a month, but the 100 has given me zero issues after using it for 3 months straight. I just run the 100W closer to the substrate to get the heat level I need.

The power where I live is dicey (extremely old house), so the lower power drain of the 100W may have been the difference maker for me. Your mileage may vary of course.

I admit that I must be lucky but I have never had a problem with the mercury vapor bulbs. I have 6, four T-Rex and 2 PowerSuns. They are still going at a year (although rarely used in the summer). They have been moved, are clamped to the sides of the pens and kids run thru the house pretty much constantly. I don't know why...
Troya

...and here's some brain juice for those who couldn't face the true living daylight:

,,,with all that heating $$$ over the years, you guys should be able to buy/make your own heat room by now:

1) throw in a few freestanding $40 OIL HEATERS (600-1500w /your choice) set your temp for the WHOLE WINTER: it has build in thermostats.

2) hook up your fake uvbs for DAY TIME should you fancy and that's just about it.