I need a new mercury vapor bulb

[Allthingsterrarium]

My female bearded Dragon, Odahviing, is between 9 and 12 months old and maybe 13/14 inches long with a nice healthy gut and good calcium at almost every meal. Thing is I still think she's a bit smaller than she should be at her age and I've heard UVB lighting is crucial to healthy growth. Sadly I don't think she's getting quite the vitamin C she needs because her mercury vapor bulb went out about 2 or 3 months ago and I've been using a regular plain old reptile heating bulb I swapped out from the vacant habitat of my since deceased chameleon. The bulb does just fine, keeps the habitat well lit and along with the space heater I'm using this time of year it's plenty warm in there. I wouldn't be surprised if it too gives off at least some vitamin C. However I really need to get back to the mercury vapor bulb bearded dragons thrive on. I would have got one sooner but gosh are they expensive, ridiculously so for a glorified light bulb. I've been using the Powersun brand which was recommended to me and I agree is a fantastic one but depending on wattage they run $40-$60 and pretty soon I'm going to get another type of lizard that really needs one so I have to take budget into consideration. I've seen similar good reviews for the Exo Terra Solar Glo bulb and it runs a bit cheaper at between $20 and $30 but I have worries it might be cheaper quality. Has anyone else used both of these brands? Does the Solar glow work as well? Does it last as long? I'm wondering if I don't even have to worry about mercury vapor and the more basic and much cheaper UVB and UV bulbs will give her the necessary vitamins.

 

[dhall79]

Ive never used those brands, but been using the Mega-Ray mercury vapor bulb and highly recommend them.

 

[Allthingsterrarium]

Ive never used those brands, but been using the Mega-Ray mercury vapor bulb and highly recommend them.

Just took a look at it. Little bit up there but not too pricey. Seems very good. How does it last?

 

[PatsyB]

Check out Lightyourreptiles.com they might have a good deal on MVB bulbs.

 

[dhall79]

I think there is a 6 month warranty on the bulbs. Im a bit past that now. I've read that these produce acceptable uvb levels for 18+ months. I noticed an immediate and rather dramatic effect on my bearded dragon upon switching to this bulb, from the standard basking lamp and fluorescent uvb 10.0 bulbs that I was buying. The mega-ray also produces uva, same as the sun. My beardie has always been drawn to windows with enthusiasm. And now he shares the same enthusiasm for his basking spot. His appetite has increased. I also like the fact that these bulbs do not produce as much light as say a same wattage halogen or incandescent bulb. I doubt they appreciated being blinded just to get warmth and uv. Also, a bennefit is that one bulb does it all. Add up how much the basking and uv bulbs cost over a year and I'd bet the mega-ray is a cheaper, more energy efficient, and easier option.

In fact I just purchased another bulb for our larger enclosure last night.

 

[Mom2Dovakiin]

So I have a question about these bulbs. For a 40 Gal breeder tank what wattage would be best choice to ensure basking spot is up at 100-105?

 

[Allthingsterrarium]

I think there is a 6 month warranty on the bulbs. Im a bit past that now. I've read that these produce acceptable uvb levels for 18+ months. I noticed an immediate and rather dramatic effect on my bearded dragon upon switching to this bulb, from the standard basking lamp and fluorescent uvb 10.0 bulbs that I was buying. The mega-ray also produces uva, same as the sun. My beardie has always been drawn to windows with enthusiasm. And now he shares the same enthusiasm for his basking spot. His appetite has increased. I also like the fact that these bulbs do not produce as much light as say a same wattage halogen or incandescent bulb. I doubt they appreciated being blinded just to get warmth and uv. Also, a bennefit is that one bulb does it all. Add up how much the basking and uv bulbs cost over a year and I'd bet the mega-ray is a cheaper, more energy efficient, and easier option.

In fact I just purchased another bulb for our larger enclosure last night.

That does sound exceptionally good. Really worth the cost. I'll probably want to get one for my next lizard too.

 

[dhall79]

So I have a question about these bulbs. For a 40 Gal breeder tank what wattage would be best choice to ensure basking spot is up at 100-105?

Im using a 70w in our 40 gal breeder, but have to get pretty close. I suggest using a 100w. Look on amazon.com. The pictures show the back of the box which has some good info.