Mercury Vapor Lamps

[mrx]

whats your opinion on Mercury Vapor Lamps from what i have been reading about them the sound pretty good, I know they shouldnt be used in small cages but my is 6x4x2so i think its big enough . If anyone has one in there set up how do you like it and was it worth it

 

[Jordan]

They seem okay. For the size you are talking about it would probably be better to go with a MVB light then any other set-up. You will have to provide your chameleon with plenty of deep folliage as these bulbs put out a lot of uv light and will penetrate deep. Their are very serious concerns with one of these bulbs breaking. Pay close attention to the water and make sure it does not hit the bulb.

 

[Dave Weldon]

Howdy,

If you are really serious about MV, your best bet is to call Bob MacCargar at Reptile UV. http://www.reptileuv.com/ There are many issues with picking and using the right MV. Having a Solarmeter 6.2 UVB meter can be important in positioning it to make sure that you aren't overdoing it. It is issues like these that has most of us using Reptisun 5.0 tubes. If you critter can get within 6-12" of a 5.0 then things are usually ok. With MV, depending on which make/model, you can end-up literally frying a critter if not set up correctly. Iguanas and critters like that greatly benefit from the doses received from MV sources while chameleons may not.

As many have posted before, here's a great site for UVB info:
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/

UVB_Meter_Owners Group (I'm a contributing member):
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/UVB_Meter_Owners/

P.S. I have a Solarmeter 6.2 and use it to check the aging of my Reptisun tubes.

 

[mrx]

thanks for the help dont know if i m going to get one yet still have to do a little more reading about them there are a few thing that worry me about them i have to Reptisun 10.0 in there now

 

[hilohi]

I am definitely no expert, but I've been using Powersun lamps for a couple years. I use 160 watt bulbs on the adult cages and 100 watt bulbs on the juvenile cages.

The two complaints I have are that they are very expensive ($40 to $50 a bulb) and they sometimes burn out within 3 to 4 months. But I believe that my chams love the light/heat source so I continue to use them. All my adult chams show very nice color whether indoors or outdoors and I attribute that in part to the lighting.

 

[kinyonga]

Here's an article that you might be interested in..
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/mercuryvapourlamps.htm

 

[Will Hayward]

The two complaints I have are that they are very expensive ($40 to $50 a bulb) and they sometimes burn out within 3 to 4 months.

The TRex Powersun Bulb brand have a 1 year manufactures warranty, or at least they did last time I bought one.

 

[mrx]

for all you guyz with them would you recommend them i have 2 18" Reptisun 10.0 in there now or should i stick with them i want what ever is best for him if he will be happier with the mv i get the zoo med powersun 100watt

 

[Dave Weldon]

for all you guyz with them would you recommend them i have 2 18" Reptisun 10.0 in there now or should i stick with them i want what ever is best for him if he will be happier with the mv i get the zoo med powersun 100watt

Howdy,

If by "them" you mean chameleons )), I vote for you to stick with 1 or 2 Reptisun tube(s). Either 5.0 or if you are worried about the "reach" of the UVB then the 10.0 tube(s).