Opening a can of worms

[phoenix79]

There is an inordinate amount of information about UVB lighting and reptiles. I've always used flourescent but am considering switching to mercury-vapor bulbs. I am looking for acutal experience with these bulbs (no, "I heard from a friend who has a girlfriend with a cousin that once met some guy who knew a person that had one explode on them." kinda thing). I have heard that they have a tendency to blow out if moved while on, and that they may actually give too much UVB. I have also read one report of chameleons being rendered less fertile by these bulbs. Please tell me of your experiences with these bulbs. I have 3 dragons that need UVB. Thanks!!!

[Rawksan]

Here, a very gook link to the page of a website where you can find precise and experimented informations:

www.uvguide.co.uk/mercuryvapourlamps.htm

I hope this will help you

[phoenix79]

Very interesting read. Thanks

[Pooka]

I use the MegaRayMV bulbs from Reptile UV and would settle for nothing less. While I have not had any chance to successfully breeed yet the bone density x rays of my female dragon where spectacular when compared to other like treated animals brought up under less ideal lights. I have only had 1 issue with 1 ballast box and Reptileuv shipped me an exchange to get it fixed. Now, as a disclaimer, I don't move the lights much because filaments will fry if moved when hot (assumed risk with ANY filament bulb UV or otherwise) and MV lighst have specific distance and ventilation requirements. Wish I could be of more use on the scientific end of things but I think the above link and the uvb meter owners list found on yahoo groups will get the trick done