Read some information saying mercury vapor bulbs were a good pick for chams, as they provide uva, uvb, and heat -good for cham and live plants. Thoughts?
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Mercury vapor bulbs?
DrHyde
Jun 10, 2008 12:51 PM
Replies (3)
kinyonga
Jun 10, 2008 09:57 PM
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/mercvapourintro.htm
Carlton
Jun 11, 2008 11:49 AM
They produce a LOT of heat and there is some evidence of eye damage from the intense UV. You should carefully adjust the exposure by moving the bulb farther from the cage so you don't cook the cham while its basking. You'll need to treat the bulb carefully. Any water splatters can explode it. If you really need that much heat for a lowland warm climate species such as a veiled they can work. Don't use one for a montane species such as jacksons.
sandrachameleon
Jun 11, 2008 05:49 PM
I agree with Carlton, in that Mercury Vapour bulbs can emit more heat than you might like, a lot of UV, and can be senstive in handling. They wear out faster than the boxes tend to indicate if they are subject to switching on and off alot, as they would be for your day-night cycle. Also you have to ensure the glass of the bulb is the type that let's UVB through, which it would be if it were designed for lizards. But if you have a really big space, MVB can be a good choice.
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Sandra
BC Canada
