Equipment Review and Discussion :: Alert: T-Rex Mercury Vapor Bulbs **UPDATE**

[SpotsMama]

I just bought a T-Rex 100 watt MVB flood and, while the box says correctly that the safe minimum distance between this bulb and a reptile is 12", the enclosure inside the box says it's safe to put the bulb 6" from the reptile, which is wrong.

I wrote a letter to T-Rex pointing this out and stating that following the instructions in the box would result in harm to a reptile. I hope they do something about it.

This same misinformation was discovered on a website recently - I believe it was ZooMed's wasn't it? It's really hard, once some bad facts get out, to call them back in.

By the way, the T-Rex is markedly larger than the 100 watt Powersun flood. It's supposed to produce a lot more UVB. I'll find out tomorrow if it is also hotter. I've raised it a couple of inches just in case.

**UPDATE** The T-Rex 100 watt MVB flood definitely generates more heat than the comparable Powersun bulb. Where the Powersun generated 90 degrees, the T-Rex generated 95 degrees. I moved it about 2 1/2 inches further away to keep from burning up my turtle! Isn't it odd - you'd think 100 watts would be the same everywhere.

[Kallistos]

The same mis-information came with my 160 watt flood. T-rex's website also has the minimum distance for the 100 watt flood as 6". The link is here

I'm sure if people put the bulb 6 inches away they'll realize something's wrong when the basking platform and tank rim start to melt. Also, the T-rex website hasn't been updated since 2001. Since then the "new and improved" T-rex Active U.V. heat bulbs were introduced to the market.

[steve]

I just checked the box I have. The paper in there does say 12", the box itself is marked from 2005.

The website did have have the error. I think Marisa mentioned way back that the latest bulbs use newer technology... it's possible they are just slow at updating their information.

[Kallistos]

If you go to their "main" page. It says that their new site is coming early 2007. I ASSUME that w/ the launch of their new site that all the information will be updated.

[SpotsMama]

I'm so excited about the new T-Rex bulb! Or, I should say Spot's excited! He's basking like he hasn't basked since he came inside for the winter. The first day he had the bulb he didn't bask. But today he's up there a lot. Right now he's been up there for nearly two hours. He has all four feet and his neck streached out! He's getting a tan!

The temp is a little higher now and I think that helps a lot. I can get the temperature higher even with the bulb further away because the T-Rex is strong than the Powersun.

[marisa]

The newer T-Rex bulbs are supposed to be milky white, the older ones are clear.

[industrial_girl_2000]

That's good to know about the T-rex bulbs! I am glad there are more options out there. I can definitely say that the 100W powersun isn't as warm as I thought it was going to be, although Sheba seems to be really enjoying it (basks daily). T-rex looks like it is worth checking out!

[N4784N R4613]

Just remember to get the flood, and not the spot! I got the 100 watt spot, and nearly hit the ceiling, before I got the basking temp down to 90 F. Right now it is about 30 in. from the basking spot!! T-rex is the most powerful basking bulb out there(or at least the old ones where, they may have toned it down a bit sine I got mine, I am not sure.).

Overall, the T-rex is a awesome bulb. The only problem I have had in over 6 mouths of use is when it shuts its self down for ten minutes, then comes back on? It has only done this twice(that I have seen), but I don't know what it is, maybe overheating? I don't know.

[marisa]

T-Rex bulbs have a better reputation than the Powersuns.

When/if the bulb overheats and goes out (they can, sometimes), you need to shut it off for about 10 minutes to let it cool off, then turn it back on.

[SpotsMama]

The bulb I have is milky white.

What a bulb! Cost me $90 at Petco. Petsmart didn't stock it. Probably could have gotten it cheaper on-line but didn't want to wait.

[marisa]

I sometimes have problems with delayed gratification as well. For next time, know that it's about half that price on-line, depending where you look.

[SpotsMama]

Ouch!

[da sAUCE!]

I've always wondered about using metal halide or high pressure sodium lamps for UVA/UVB/heating needs. can you use these bulbs with reptiles?

[Kallistos]

I'm not too familiar with those bulbs, but I don't think they put out much UVB...

My 160 watt flood is struggling to keep the basking temperature high...Well I guess that's a reprecussion of having it in the coldest part of the house. BUT at 20 inches it's keeping it at 86 degrees and the watere is 72-73.


Oh yea, look at Petsmart.com
The 160 watt flood (the only one they have) is being sold for $45.

[da sAUCE!]

those bulbs can be used for indoor agriculture.