Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I know Ingo knows tons about Basilisk, but anyone else who has info would be appreciated.

I have 2 male Basilisk of almost 2 years now and have a 5x5x6 setup.

My question is about Metal Halides.

I was thinking of purchasing 2 for each of their basking spots.
-What type of bulb would be best, the Bulby ones or the Tubular ones?

And also, I was looking at prices, which seem pretty expensive.
-What are some decently cheap ones that would work much better than my 10.0s? (Specifics help on a website or whatever)

-How long do they last compared to the 10.0 that last 4-6months (or should be replaced by then)?

I also need to know where to get the Ballast and special fixtures for them, thanks in advance (I know it's a lot).

I have never used halide light but i'm also curious how many microwatts UVB/ sq. inch the halides produce. I had a bad experience with an R zilla T-5 bulb(that was later recalled due to excessive UV output) that turned my day gecko black! I have had success with 10.0 bulbs and spot basking lights but if there is something more ideal that doesnt over or under do the lighting requirements of my basilisks then i feel they deserve it. My other concern is temperature. I keep a variety of animals and i need to keep my house at about 75 degrees. Are there low wattage bulbs that are effective at localizing a hot spot or ones that can be run on proportional thermostats? Thanks for any responses

Still looking for any info on Metal halide lamps and which ones to use that are relatively cheap.

Hi,

since I do live in Germany, the availability of differetn brands may differ from the situation in the US. In principle, metal halides are still the only way to provide basking spots at absolute natural light intensities. Spectra are typically very sun lie, UVB output is anyhow not too strong (with exception of some chinese brand and the german lucky reptile bright sun UV). You need a safety glass to be sure not to get any UVC. Also quite important is the reflector type. For tall tanls alway go for spot like types. With respect to bulbs, fixture type does not matter much. But go for light temp between 4000 and 5500 k and a caramic based technology like HCI, CDM-R or CDM-T.
For my adult basilisk tank I do have installed a couple of T5 fluorescents plus 2 x 70 W HCI and 1 x 150 W CDM-T.

Hope that helps

Ingo

Sorry for the typos...no time

the quartz based ones last about a year, the ceramic based once about twice as long (and they are brighter and loose less output over their lifetime)

Thanks Ingo I have been going bonkers waiting for someone to reply.

So what you are saying is:

1. Get ceramic, they last longer
2. Get ones that say "UV Protection"
3. Spot reflector
4. 70-150watt with 4,000-5,500K

Couple of questions.

1. When you said "Make sure you use safety glass to prevent UVC" what did you mean? Most bulbs I looked at said they had UV protection etc, is that what you mean?

2. Your T5 flourescents are for UVB I am assuming?

3. The Metal halides you use do not give UVB correct?

4. In regards to a Ballast. I just have to match my wattage and bulb type (Mogul vs Medium bases)?
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Needing info on Metal Halides. I have 2 Green Basilisk.

E-mail: inevitable_7@yahoo.com thanks!