Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone.

We use zoo meds 160w UV powersuns for our viv. These bulbs rarely last me more than 3 or 4 months. They are really, really bad. I have changed the bases in hopes of fixing the problem but it has not helped.

Is anyone having the same problem? Any recommendations on other brands?

thanks

Do they blowout or lose effectiveness? I hope you are taking them back if they are the mercury vapor bulbs I think they are suppose to last 5 years. Also many manufacturers suggest a 10 inch dome. If what you are saying is true then I might be in trouble. I purchased a t-rex mercury vapor 100 watt spot so far its been working well but Ive only had it for going on 2 months . Maybe if you got them at the same spot its a bad batch check the lot numbers. PLease post your results. I went to mercury vapor because its so much more convenient but if its going to be that much of a headache ill go back to flourecents.

3-4 months for self-ballasted MV bulbs is about all you can expect even though the warranty is for a longer time frame. Zoomed figures you won't send them back (and most people don't). Their life can be extended by mounting them only vertically, in a stable fixture (firmly attached to a wall or shelf). Vibration when the filament is hot is fatal. Grandchildren jumping near the herp cages is taboo at this grandma's house. If you don't need the heat, switching to an externally-ballasted MV bulb provides a much more long-lived source of UVB but they emit no discernible heat and must be used with an additional heat source such as a ceramic emitter or additional incandescent high wattage bulb.
Diane
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dianedfisher@yahoo.com

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