General Care Discussion :: UV Lighting, yadda yadda yadda

[MVB]

Hey guys

So I'm thinking of upgrading my lighting situation and I was hoping to get some insight into what would work best.

I had been buying the Zoo Med UVA/UVB combo packs, but those things burn out after about three months.

I have a 55 gallon tank with a Turtle Topper for basking (they're using it now from time to time, whenever they don't think we're watching). Currently I have the heat lamp aimed down into the topper and the UVB bulb trained on the water.

Is there a single duel purpose (UVA/UVB) heat bulb I can switch to that can just be aimed at the dock, and would this be advisable? If so, what brands should I be looking into?

Thanks and best regards,

-MVB

[MVB]

I'm looking at the Solar Glo bulbs. They seem to have heat + UVA + UVB. They're 125w though. I usually use 100w bulbs. Would this be too much for turtles?

Edit; Now I'm looking at 100W Power Sun bulbs. UVA + UVB + Heat. Any good?

[steve]

I think PowerSuns are better than Solar Glo MVBs, however the MegaRays appear to be back and almost as good as the original. The original along with the T-Rex bulbs were the best out there.

[ljapa]

I tried a PowerSun last year. After three monts, I got a UVB meter and it was putting out much less than a cfl UVB. Not enough to be significant.

I purchased a MegeRay in October. I'm still using it. The output has dropped, but it's still strong. I just ordered another to have ready. It took three days for delivery. Both the one I got last year and this one have a manufacture date of 08/13 on them.

That would be my recommendation, if you want heat and UVB in the same bulb.

[VeipaCray]

I think I'm going to switch from the Powersun to the MegaRay too. Thanks ljapa for all of your posts and willingness to try MegaRay after all of the issues they've had.

And yes... SolarGlo bulbs suck. They die very quickly. I went through about 4 of them in a year before I learned my lesson.

[L.West]

I'm new to the turtle scene and am very interested in the different heating/uvb options out there. You guys mention past issues with the MegaRay bulbs - what was that all about.

Also, if I choose to use separate bulbs for UVB and Heating - what do you all recommend. Please tell me the wattage and which UVB to get (5.0 or 10.0) thanks

[MVB]

Thanks for the rec. Where can I get a Megaray?

[steve]

Only through Reptile UV website. This is probably the most common one used: 120 Volt Lamps » Mega-Ray 100 Watt Self-Ballasted Flood UVB Lamp

http://www.reptileuv.com/shop/index.php ... cts_id=181

I would also use a credit card and make sure you get your order within a reasonable timeframe.