Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm looking into buying a mercury vapor bulb for a veiled. This would probably hang above some large plants when he is brought out. Any suggestions?

Hi - Can only give you my experience. I bought a 100w PowerSun (ZooMed) and had to have it replaced (one year warranty) about 3 months later. That one died this past Dec., still under warranty (by about a week!) so they upgraded me to a 160w. I think the 160w is too much unless you have it really far away (18" or more). The ballasts are really touchy with these and even though mine sat perfectly flat and never moved (was on a timer) they kept dying. The 160w seems to be more stable but have decided to go back to the reptisun 5.0 and will reserve the MV for calling in moths at night next summer! lol!

I am sure other folks have other suggestions and I know that the PowerSun is not the only one out there

just my 2 cents

lele
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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.5 Mad. Hissers
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (no name yet)
?.? Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula (no name yet)

Thanks for your help. I've heard of other people having the same expierences with that brand. I guess it wouldn't be terrible if it went out, since they are guaranteed but I can see how that would get a little annoying.

Why did you feel the 160w may have been to much? Was it the intensity of the light or the heat?

I have limited space above her cage so with the size of the dome I couldn't get it up high enough - puts out a lot of heat. I also noticed that Luna began to do her eye-bulging a lot when she is under it and was not sure if there was potential damage. When she is gravid I may use it for a few hours a day just for the extra UVB.

The guarantee is good but for the time you are waiting for a replacement (has to be done thru mail with ZooMed) you need to make sure you have backup. ZooMed is great to deal with and their cutomer service guy suggested the upgrade and I just didn't realize how much more intense it would be.

You probably know this, but make sure you get a big dome and a ceramic socket.
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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.5 Mad. Hissers
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (no name yet)
?.? Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula (no name yet)