Equipment Review and Discussion :: Bulb thoughts?

[Kansasslider]

Ok so I now use one repti glo 10.0 compact and have had no problems for 6 months.Life of bulb is probably up (little or no uvb output) So,I am looking into different lights. From the research I have done I'm looking into these Mega ray sb 100w. Power sun 160w. Repti sun 10.0 compact. From what I have read the Mega ray is the best. I do not have a uv meter so I don't know the uva or uvb output of the bulb I'm now using? Couldn't find anything on the internet about their output either? Anyone use Meg rays or have any input.I'm just not sure if the repti glo is putting out enough uva/uvb or if I should use a mega ray? Thanks

[VeipaCray]

Have you seen this thread on MegaRay? viewtopic.php?f=9&t=29490

The company has had their fair share of issues in the past couple of years. I don't know that we have enough info about the current MVB bulb offering to decide on the quality of the current product.

The Power Sun bulb isn't bad. I've been using this bulb (100W version) for the past few years and haven't had any issues with them.

Regarding the Repti Glo, most forum users use the 5.0 instead of a 10.0 for a turtle.

[VeipaCray]

I'm actually due for a new MVB and just ordered another Power Sun from Pet Mountain ($49 free shipping / no tax) right after my previous post.

[Kansasslider]

Yes a seen that thread but that was 5 years ago. Repti glo had problems also but fixed them. I might try the power sun allthough its got bad reviews on amazon. I just wish there was more info about repti glo or repti sun . THANKS

[Kansasslider]

The more I read the more I think I will just stay with the 2 bulb set up. I also read that the repti sun 5.0 tubes are the best for vitamin D? Out of all the tubes tested that is. So many bulbs and so many options it makes it really hard to choose. I just want the light that is best for my turtles. with all the info out there I guess until there is more research its personal choice. I was looking for the best bulb out there from what I read that would be the repti sun 5.0 tube but I'm not sure I want a tube.I will stick with what I have for now. (Reference UK uvb)

[steve]

Mega Ray has destroyed their reputation... not just with their product but with their business practices. They're trying hard to bounce back, but I'll watch from the sidelines first.

I would have to agree that the best/safest UVB source are the Reptisun tubes.

[slider_keeper]

Yeah, Bob at Mega-Ray is struggling with the business and reliable production of bulbs. His bulbs are great but getting one is the problem, if you get a defective bulb (which can happen with all bulbs, nothing is perfect) it is hard to get a replacement. He has designed a Metal Halide bulb that produces UVB. It is about $140 dollars for the external ballasted kit (no self ballasted available), the good thing is this bulb produces better light for our turtles to see. This bulb produces UVB for D3 production for about 18 months but I would lean to the safe side and measure the UVB and change it when readings get low. I also use the PowerSun from ZooMed, it is a good bulb. I have been using these bulbs for about 5 yrs with good results. I did some measurements with my meters and found I was due a new bulb as well. I just ordered a new bulb, so I will be doing measurements on this bulb and be posting the results on this site and on the UVB Meters Group on Yahoo. I get most my info from some very good researchers and forward the info to here for all of you to see and use;)