Habitat - Indoor

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 9:35 am **When should I replace bulbs?**

Heya everyone! I started a new job working for an engineering contracting company for the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant, so I have been pretty busy! (Hence the lack of posts...)

I just realized that it's quickly approaching Mr. Tesla's Gotcha Day (July 28th). I bought him an MVB at that time when I got him (Solar GLo Exo Terra 125W), so I was curious when a good time to replace the bulb is. I heard after a year is the best time to do it. He hasn't stopped basking in his light yet, so I'm assuming it's warm enough, but I want to make sure that he gets adequate UVB rays and whatnot. :mrgreen:

Granted, I probably should just look at the manufacturer's box, but I wanted some input. Thanks.

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 9:43 am **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

I'm not well with MVB bulbs but I heard its good to replace them yearly like you said. It will still give off heat and light bhf the uvb rays might not be there anymoreq

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 9:50 am **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

I'm surprised your exo terra MVB lasted that long. If you search the net, some of the other reptile forums talk about that bulb not having much UVB output after 6 months. Unfortunately the only way to know for certain what your lamp is doing is to measure it with a UVB meter.

You're about due for a lamp change. Check out the zoo med power sun MVB. It's a much better lamp and it even comes with a 1 year warranty.

Congrats on the new job and welcome back to the forum.

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 10:24 am **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

Thanks for the replies!

VeipaCray wrote:I'm surprised your exo terra MVB lasted that long. If you search the net, some of the other reptile forums talk about that bulb not having much UVB output after 6 months. Unfortunately the only way to know for certain what your lamp is doing is to measure it with a UVB meter.

You're about due for a lamp change. Check out the zoo med power sun MVB. It's a much better lamp and it even comes with a 1 year warranty.

Congrats on the new job and welcome back to the forum.

Hey Veipa! Look at you being all moddy and whatnot. And thanks!

Yeah, I've noticed he's taking a while to shed, so I figured maybe the UVB rays were not as good anymore. I had a feeling he was wayyy over due! Should I burn the bulb out in the garage or something before installing it?

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 11:43 am **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

The first day the new bulb can be very intense for a new MVB. Put it in a closet or out in the garage and give it power for 8 hours or so before using it with your turtle.

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 12:10 pm **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

That's what I figured. Do you know about how many watts would be adequate? I'm pretty sure right now I use 125W... (Away from home right, now so can't really check).

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 12:16 pm **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

Yeah the exo terra comes in 125 and 160 I believe. I tried the exo terra MVB once, and my turtle stopped basking within 4-6 months. I switched to the 100W powersun MVB. It's a decent bulb and he's still basking. I'll change this bulb out at the 1 year mark this summer for the exact same bulb.

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 12:21 pm **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

I've always heard every 6 months.

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 12:29 pm **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

@Linus same with the tube lights too. (6 months) so the guidelines for the two lights should be pretty similar.

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 12:40 pm **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

With a normal 5.0/10.0 UVB bulb do you have to do that 8 hours in the closet break in?

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 1:33 pm **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/Entry ... SearchID=1
FAQ:
Q: How often should this lamp be replaced?
A: This lamp will provide optimum levels of UVB for 12 months so it should be replaced once a year

It also has a 1 year warranty. If these bulbs stopped producing UVB and needed to be replaced at 6 months, Zoo Med would lose money as everyone would just exchange them under the 1 year warranty.

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 1:41 pm **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

I went on ahead and bought the 100W Power Sun. I'll consider this Tesla's World Turtle Day gift.

Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 5:34 pm **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

I along with VeipaCray, have been using the Powersun with great success. I have been reading alot on the UVB measurments of the better MVB and have found the powersun puts out the adequate amount of UVB for 6 mos. But unfortunately after that they are not of much use. The sad part is so far this is the best bulb I have been able to find on the market in the U.S. Everything else is way less in durability, if ReptileUV ever gets thier products working consistantly then I will switch to those but till then I will pay 40 bucks every 6 mos., knowing my turtle is getting the adquate amount of UVB without a solarmeter to measure my lamps. VeipaCray, one of us should really invest in the 6.2 UVB meter! I hate being a broke college student:(

Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 9:02 pm **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

My problem with the meter is the price. I don't mind spending money on equipment, but the meter for $200 is the price of three or four MVB bulbs. If I know they need to be replaced I'd rather just spend the $ on the bulbs.

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 11:05 am **Re: When should I replace bulbs?**

I feel the same way. $200 is alot of money for a meter, but I do have to admit it is pretty cool equipment.

Habitat - Indoor :: When should I replace bulbs?

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