Metal Halide Lights for BD

[jaf2212]

I have been looking at other ways to provide UVB and heat my vivs. I have read loads about the MV bulbs but have also found that Lucky Reptile also make metal halide lights with a very good output.

The 70w spot produces 280uw/cm2 at 20inches which is as good as the MV bulbs with temps around 120F (basking) in a 4ft viv

Has anyone any used these or got any more information on them?

[Bosscat]

I did try looking into these myself, but found a lack of info relating to their use with beardies, my concern was if the beardie would only receive enough UV when they were basking.... still don't know the answer there I'm afraid. hence I stuck with the UV tube....

[jaf2212]

Originally Posted by Bosscat

I did try looking into these myself, but found a lack of info relating to their use with beardies, my concern was if the beardie would only receive enough UV when they were basking.... still don't know the answer there I'm afraid. hence I stuck with the UV tube....

This would be the same with MV bulbs which everyone rates, which is why i'm looking at the MH bulbs esp as the tubes only seem to produce around 20-30uw/cm2.

Surely only a few hours under the MH at 280uw/cm2 is better than using the tubes, just need someone to confirm

[Bosscat]

Are you talking about a mega-ray by the way, as other normal Halide bulbs still need a UVB source, so I thought (with beardies)

I believe the Mega ray is still being tested with regard to beardies.... This is the info I got on Halide:

There have been discussions, in the past regarding metal halide bulbs & whether or not they emitted sufficient enough UVB emissions. They will only emit UVB but negligible amounts however, IF you take off the glass cover which is over the bulb. That is NOT recommended because it is dangerous & the cerium halide if it leaked out of the bulb would be hazardous. So of course that is not recommended. If a metal halide bulb is going to be used for a basking light, then that is fine

That is in use with a beardie, of course....

[jaf2212]

Originally Posted by Bosscat

Are you talking about a mega-ray by the way, as other normal Halide bulbs still need a UVB source, so I thought (with beardies)

I believe the Mega ray is still being tested with regard to beardies....

No, Lucky Reptile also produce them for reptile use, Lucky Reptile - Products, they seem good but with the lack off info on the net its hard to know if they are ok to use

[Bosscat]

Originally Posted by jaf2212

No, Lucky Reptile also produce them for reptile use, Lucky Reptile - Products, they seem good but with the lack off info on the net its hard to know if they are ok to use

Total lack of info on their site! I'll have a look about and see if I can find anything from the sites I visited for you. If anyone uses these with Beardies though, please comment!!!

[jaf2212]

Originally Posted by Bosscat

Total lack of info on their site! I'll have a look about and see if I can find anything from the sites I visited for you. If anyone uses these with Beardies though, please comment!!!

If anyone can read german, gives more deatails here Lucky Reptile - Service

[Bosscat]

here's some tech stuff......

http://www.reptile-food.ch/out/oxbas...n_englisch.pdf

Read ' Are there alternatives to the Bright Sun UV' on page 7

[jaf2212]

Originally Posted by Bosscat

here's some tech stuff......

http://www.reptile-food.ch/out/oxbas...n_englisch.pdf

I got that booklet in the shop, seems to be very helpfully, just can't find anyone who has used them

[Bosscat]

Me neither, there is a (sorry mods) beardie forum where there might be some more info, or people who have used them, might be worth a look...