Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i`v read that some people use combination uv and heat bulbs and some use seperate and both say the others are rubbish so i just wondered what is acutualy better? thanks in adv

Mercury vapor bulbs put out considerably more UVB than fluorescent tubes, and are more effective at greater distances.

On the other hand, tubes are WAYYYY more reliable and durable, and less expensive. Although if you replace them twice a year and you use long ones, it gets expensive that way too.

There are now MVBs that don't have internal ballasting, don't put out much heat, and have a much better lifespan (alledgedly) that the combination lights. I'm trying one more brand of internally ballasted mvb before I switch to the EB (external ballast) type because that style fits my enclosure better.

Tubes are less hassle, self-ballasted mvbs put out more uvb plus heat. Your choice.