Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So firstly - I've been hearing on this board that regular Incandescent bulbs have UVA and there's no need to get specail reptile bulbs. is this correct, or is it only those floodlights (and not normal rounded bulbs)??

Also - it sounds like the Mercury Vapor are the best solution, since they emit both UVA and UVB from the same source and strongly, meaning when they bask it hits them well. Isn't this true? Is there some disadvantage to them that causes them not to be the most recommended? (becuase I've mostly seen reptisun 5.0 etc recommended). If it is cost, it's not that much more for somethign that works so much better (and lasts longer - dont' they?)

Finally - if the Mercs are the best, can someone send me a link to a tried and true Merc bulb.

Thanks

Well mercury vapors do emit heat,uva, and uvb(larger amounts than reptisun 5.0)but they tend to burn out easily.They have a 1 year guarantee on them so you can send the broken ones in for a new bulb.Mine blew out in only 3 months and I stopped buying because I wasn't going to send it in for replacements 4 times a year.In my opinion I like the fluorescents.You can get them 15-20$ online and they last for six months.If you do get a fluorescent uvb bulb then get repti sun 5.0 and if you get a mercury vapor bulb then by either t-rex flood or power sun flood.

Regular bulbs don't transmit UVA that I know of, but since UVB bulbs transmit both, you can use a regular bulb for the basking bulb(if you are going with a flourescent tube). I use mercury vapor bulbs, and I really like the ZooMed Powersun. The other bulbs have a pro-rated warrentee, which means they count the time since you bought the bulb and subtract that from the money they give back to you. ZooMed is the only company that will just send you a brand new bulb for free. I haven't had a problem with mine lasting a full year. I did try Big Apple's new bulbs, and they burned out in two weeks.
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A mans got to do what a mans got to do. A woman has to do what he can't.

Mom to:

1 little boy born 7/19/04
2 male RES, born 1999
1 ribbon snake, age unknown
3 FBT, ages unknown
1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04

I tried the Mercury Vapor bulbs and found them very unsatisfactory. As well as the fluorescent tubes. I have settled on the UVB fluorescent coils, which seem to last longest and emit the best UVB. I have just received 4 of them from Deer Fern Farms (Doug Dix - uromastyx breeder), who has tested them and uses them for his own animals. These are supposed to last one year. That way I can use regular bulbs for basking lights, much cheaper!
Beth