Equipment Review and Discussion :: Heaters and UVB

[KeithBT]

well this month I was planing to buy some water heaters and someone said something about UVB lights and I was wondering if I should buy some and just use them or use both UVB and UVA or what?

[BullDog]

Both heaters and uvb lights are a must.
There are 3 main types of UVB lights you can get: There is compact fluorescent which fit in a regular light socket. Then there is the tube fluorescent, which fit into aquarium hoods. These two types of UVB bulbs DO NOT provide heat. A cheap and easy source of heat and UVA light are regular incandescent household bulbs. You'll want a wattage that keeps the basking area about 10 degrees higher than the water temperature.
The final type of bulb that provides UVB light are Mercury Vapour Bulbs (MVBs). These are combo bulbs that provide both the UVB and heat. However, these are not recommended for tanks under 55 gal as they get too hot.

As for the water heater, a highly recommended brand is Stealth, however any aquarium heater will work. Do NOT use under-tank heaters.

[KeithBT]

but should I use Both UVB and UVA bulbs both at the same time or get a Mercury Vapour Bulb

[BullDog]

Yes, you will need both UVB and UVA bulbs if you don't have a MVB. However, you don't need to buy a special bulb to provide UVA, a regular 75 watt bulb will do.
Whether you go for the two bulbs or the MVB is personal preference, as well as availability. MVBs cost more, but last longer, and many members stand by them.

[KeithBT]

thanks alot bulldog I think I'll go for the MVB bulbs because useing both would mean buying 2 more lamps lol so I'll rather buy an expensive bulb then get lamps, umm but do u know where to get them and how much they cost?

[BullDog]

I think some petstores carry them. Also, I think several people here buy theirs online from reptilesupply.com.

[KeithBT]

would Petsmart have them?

[octpusgirl8]

Petsmart seels them sometimes, check online and if they have them print out the page and bring it to the store with you. If it's cheaper online than at the store they will sell it to you for the online price. they're usually $40-$50. One thing to keep in mind about MVBs is that they are pretty powerful, and have the capability to overheat the water on a smaller tank. It's generally recomended to use them on tanks 50 gallons or larger. You also need to make sure the lamp you get has a ceramic socket and is rated for enough watts (MVBs usually come in 100 and 160 watts).

[marisa]

Conventional UVB lights also give off UVA rays, but if you were not using a MVB, you'd need a heat source in addition to the UVB light; the heat source can be a regular incandescent light bulb.

MVB lights are really good, but if you've got a tank much smaller than 50 gallons, it would be better to go with the two bulbs (UVB and heat source).

[KeithBT]

well I went to petsmart and they didn't have that MVB so I dicited it just get the two more lamps and the UVB bulbs, I think it would of cost the same thing as buying the two MVBs anyway so thank u all with the advice

[amsude]

I have a question. How much is to much UVB? Can i have one bulb on one side of the tank with the basking light and another on the otherside of the tank with no basking light?

[steve]

You can't measure UVB without an expensive UV meter. With UV bulbs, even a low rated one - like a 5.0 - can be dangerous if it is too close. They quickly drop in power when further away, so it will not be effective on the other side of the tank. Follow the package's instructions and if it is a new bulb, let it burn in before you use it.