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#1976421

Cold Blooded Kisser
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Message To: Cold Blooded Kisser In reference to Message Id: 1976080

MVB Bulbs info

Bumped up for DragonKeeper86.

03/29/09 06:05am

#1988787

Cold Blooded Kisser
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Message To: Cold Blooded Kisser In reference to Message Id: 1976421

MVB Bulbs info

Bumped up for Tarkah.

04/19/09 01:12pm

#1989274

Cphill58
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Message To: Cphill58 In reference to Message Id: 1988787

MVB Bulbs info

Thanks for keeping this thread alive ... I just re -read the whole thing ....I purchased a SOLAR METER 6.2 on my yahoo group regarding UVB .... it was a bulk purchase ... and the price was just 135.00 delivered to my door. That’s a savings of over 40.00

If anybody is closeby(so cal) I would gladly measure the output of a lamp... currently I am taking measurements outdoors and I am finding some very interesting information about UVB ....naturally .. and how it compares to the lamps we use.

Just touching base ... I will offer my comparisons in a week or so

Chris

04/20/09 10:39am

#1989368

Cold Blooded Kisser
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Message To: Cold Blooded Kisser In reference to Message Id: 1989274

MVB Bulbs info

That is so awesome, Chris. Thank you.

Can’t wait to hear what you have to tell us. I think it’s going to be very interresting...............hope I can understand it.

Holly

04/20/09 01:35pm

#1990171

Cphill58
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Message To: Cphill58 In reference to Message Id: 1989368

MVB Bulbs info

It’s rather simple actually ... just readings from outside ...in bright daylight at various hours and various locations ... for ex: at noon in open sun ... I am getting readings of 320 uw/cm(micro watts)UVB...

In the shade I am getting readings of 75-81 uw/cm..this is where the native western fence lizard prefers to be during the hottest part of the day...somewhat shaded but open ... as they still jump on insects and feed at will ....but always return to the shaded wall. Temps on the shaded wall are 88-90 degrees.... the grass in bright sun is reaching 143F

They will at later hours expose themselves to direct sun light ...the intensity will be lower due to the location of the sun in the sky.

Lets look at what the Mega Ray MVB SB 100 watt puts out @ 12"... and compare the 3 readings...
Of course the MVB needs to be warmed up for at least 5-10 minutes ... and the measurement will be taken at 12" inches away as directed by Mega Ray... mine is rather new ... I have not used it much since I purchased it and my WD passed.

The cover of the box suggests that you will get readings @ 12" between 100-200uw(micro watts)

Indeed I am getting readings of 114uw at the brightest most focused spot under the lamp within 10 -15 minutes ...it seems to be increasing slightly as it warms up...falling off to about 110-100 ...or 96 ...and less as I move the meter slightly. If I move the meter to within 11" or 10 " I get some very high readings approaching 135uw and possibly higher when completely warmed up...maybe I should wait for 30 minutes..

So what does all this mean... First we need to find out what the native habitat for your lizard is , for a beardie, in Australia , when they bask , and what time of day / AM or PM...or mid day..(Red Ink) might be able to provide some info here.
Then assuming the relationship of sunshine and basking needs we can duplicate that inside the enclosure.

This will allow us to actually reproduce the micro climate / photo period...rather than just guess and assume they need to bask all day.

Let me go out on a limb here.... in the wild they will bask for a period of time ...and then retreat I am almost sure of it... during mid day / noon sunshine. They will again re appear to catch the late rays and satisfy their needs for warmth , digestion, and UVB (my assumptions are based on educated guesses)

Most reptiles retreat during the hottest part of the day because the temps get extreme in direct sun as I have indicated earlier on the grass measurement taken( 143F) In So CAL ...no less.

I know from reading labels ...the REPTISUN 10.0 linear florescent produces 40uw when new @ 12"... this falls off after time ...and the others are fairly close to that. So that is why they need to soak up all the UVB they can all day....under this UVB source.

If you wish to see the charts and graphs regarding the tubes ... of primary interest THE 10.0...and the decay rates and performance over months of use ...please find these pages and graphs:

10.0 studies

here is some very interesting charts and studies about 1/3 rd down on the page.

I know this is some serious reading .. and I don’t want to babble on ... but it’s good to know what you are getting for your money ...and how it compares somewhat to real daylight and MVB’s
You might be surprised to know how fast the rate of decay on the 10.0 really is...after just 3 hrs. of use.

Ok class lets take a break ....LOL...I need some lunch....lol

Chris

04/21/09 04:37pm

#1990273

Cold Blooded Kisser
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Message To: Cold Blooded Kisser In reference to Message Id: 1990171

MVB Bulbs info

Wow. That is great info.

I think if I had a meter like that I would probably play with it all day and measure a million different places.

Thank you Mr.Chris!

Holly

04/21/09 06:35pm

#1990356

Cphill58
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Message To: Cphill58 In reference to Message Id: 1990273

MVB Bulbs info

Yep ..I am
Quote:
I think if I had a meter like that I would probably play with it all day and measure a million different places.

At 2:00 pm ...give or take ..I measured the sun in the sky again ... first pointing straight up ... with readings in the 70-80uw... then for fun I pointed it at the sun ...right around 115 +/-...then I measured shade areas....in the 30-40 range depending how much light hit in between fauna... temps on the wall were relatively the same...and even though the sun was now directly on the wall, the UVB was much less than at hi noon.

Now it is almost 6 pm ... and pointing straight up in the sky or at the sun has no major effect ...readings are 34-36 uw...the lizards seem to have retired for the day ...I did not think to measure the shade ... as it would fall way below these readings anyway. temps are roughly 86-90 F ... and the wall is screaming at 119 F... no wonder the lizards have sought shelter

Stay tuned for the next adventures of ...( what shall we call it ?)... not Felix the cat...lol

Cp

04/21/09 07:59pm

#1990493

DragonKeeper86
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Message To: DragonKeeper86 In reference to Message Id: 1990356

MVB Bulbs info

Hey guys, just thought I would let you all know... if your looking for a good MVB for CHEAP then here ya go. I found the T-Rex Active UV 100W for $37.00 (or if you have a few animals that need one... 3 for only $99). Here: LINK

04/21/09 10:31pm

#1990557

Cphill58
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Message To: Cphill58 In reference to Message Id: 1990493

MVB Bulbs info

Nice price ... and only 9.95 shipping.....cool

04/22/09 12:37am

#2005128

Newfgal
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Message To: Newfgal In reference to Message Id: 1990557

MVB Bulbs info

Just bumping :)

05/15/09 01:47pm

#2006457

Keeper of Zeek
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Message To: Cphill58 In reference to Message Id: 1784233

MVB Bulbs info

I was actually on my way to buy a power sun MVB. I went through soooo many UVB sources in the last 5 days. my poor beardie got blinded by the first on i bought. It was a coil bulb made by Flukers. Then, while he was getting better, I bought a compact UVB, thinking lower wattage would help. Lucky for me, i never used it. Hes all better now, but i dont trust the bulb hes using now. Is a repti sun 10.0 UVB. although many people have told me repti sun is safe, its not the tube one, its the bulb style "four prong" light. So price aside, is the power sun UVB safe for my little guy?

05/17/09 04:21pm

#2007275

Mk_ms_reptile
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Message To: Mk_ms_reptile In reference to Message Id: 2006457

MVB Bulbs info

This answers a lot of questions I had about the vapor bulbs. Very nice collection of facts. The whole measuring of the natural UV lighting was interesting too. It would be interesting to get someone from Australia to compare to bulbs to natural sunlight. Once I get my updated habitats I will probably go with a MVB.

05/18/09 08:46pm

#2007349

Red Ink AUS
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Message To: Red Ink AUS In reference to Message Id: 2007275

MVB Bulbs info

G’day mate,

mk_ms_retile wrote:
Quote:
It would be interesting to get someone from Australia to compare to bulbs to natural sunlight.

Ask and you shall recieve.

Link

Cheers,

05/18/09 10:54pm

#2007387

DragonKeeper86
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Message To: DragonKeeper86 In reference to Message Id: 2007349

MVB Bulbs info

Keeper of Zeek- The Power Sun is... ok. If you want a really good one... the T-Rex Active UV 100 watt (the one Ive been using for the whole time Ive had dragons) is one of the absolute best MVB’s. If you want THE best (in many peoples opinions), get the Mega Ray 100 watt. I just received mine today in the mail!! Along with a daylight fluorescent (non UVB, just for more light) from the same company which is amazingly bright and well made lol.

Some smaller pet stores will cary the T-Rex bulb, but rarely have I seen them in stores.

Here are the best/cheapest places to buy these 2:

T-Rex Active UV: Link (the price went up a bit... when I ordered one like 3 weeks ago it was only $36! I don’t know what happened)

Mega-Ray: Link (I would get this one, there has been TONS of research done on it. Get it soon though, I had to wait like 6 weeks to order it cause it was on backorder for so long... so get it while its in stock... and CALL to make sure it is in fact in stock)

05/19/09 01:00am

#2007415

Newfgal
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Message To: Newfgal In reference to Message Id: 2007387

MVB Bulbs info

I agree those are the best two bulbs for MVB’s. To bad you guys aren’t from Canada, I know of a site where I get my MegaRays from here, lol....

Nancy

05/19/09 06:05am

#2007478

Keeper of Zeek
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Message To: Keeper of Zeek In reference to Message Id: 2007415

MVB Bulbs info

Ugh, i was hoping i wouldnt have to order online. But, if its the best for little Zeek, im more than willing to do it. I really do like the set-up you mentioned Dragonkeeper. I think im going to get the MegaRay for heat/UVB, and if thats enough heat just get a tube bulb for some nice lighting :) thanks for all your help and advice guys and gals, people like you make this site worth signing up :)

05/19/09 11:15am

#2007584

Newfgal
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Message To: Newfgal In reference to Message Id: 2007478

MVB Bulbs info

Quote:
thanks for all your help and advice guys and gals, people like you make this site worth signing up :)

Your welcome...thats why we are here :)

Good luck with your MVB...

Nancy

05/19/09 02:39pm

#2007605

Keeper of Zeek
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Message To: Keeper of Zeek In reference to Message Id: 2007584

MVB Bulbs info

good news. I came home from the store with his new tank (40 gallon breeder, as most would suggest) and his eyes were wide open again. now, you said powersun wasnt the best due to the lack of high heat, but its safe. correct? also, i did buy him some repti calcium with NO D3 cuz hes still a baby It says to give it to him once a week, but i have a hard time believing anything the bag/box, or what have you, says on it anymore. so in the opinion of you pro’s, how many times a week (if not, daily) should he be given calcium? if im not mistaken, he will need D3 when hes older, right? And finally, multi-vitamins. Any product suggestions, and if so, how often should it be administered?

05/19/09 03:22pm

#2007690

Newfgal
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Message To: Newfgal In reference to Message Id: 2007605

MVB Bulbs info

You should read up on this about the powersuns...link

As for supliments...

Between the ages of 2-4 months pure calcium thats phosphorus free and D3 free 2 x a day
Multivitiman 2 x a week
D3 once a week only, unless you use a MVB, then no UVB is necessary at all due to the high levels of UVB they emitt which helps them produce enough of it..

Between the ages of 4-8 months, pure calcium once a day
Multivitiman once or twice a week if it contains no D3 (some do)
D3 once a week

Between the ages of 8 months and on, pure calcium 3 x a week
Multivitiman once a week and D3 once a week for life...

Nancy :)

05/19/09 05:50pm

#2007814

DragonKeeper86
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Message To: DragonKeeper86 In reference to Message Id: 2007690

MVB Bulbs info

The thing you really want to look at with MVB’s is the dacay rate and amount of UVB it puts out. The Mega Ray, and T-Rex put out TONS of UVB. The decay rate is the rate at which the UVB goes down over time and use. So... say when you first get your new Mega Ray and turn it on, it puts out roughly 180 uW/cm2 (which is the measurement for the amount of UVB) at 12" away. After using it for say... 100 hours... it puts out 170 uW/cm2. That decline from 180 to 170 over 100 hours of use is the rate of decay.

A brand new Powersun will only put out, on average (roughly) 60-90 uW/cm2 at 12" away. A new Mega Ray can put out up to 200+ uW/cm2 at 12". Same with the T-Rex. Some UVB’s will decay more than 80% in just 3 months... whereas the Mega Ray has been tested and will dacay less than 50% in a YEAR. Most have been tested to maintain up to 70% of their original amount of UVB after a year. So, not only do these 2 lights put out TONS more UVB at the time of purchase, but they will maintain that UVB over the course of time. The only way to measure this UVB output is to buy a UVB meter, which is like $300. I just go with the products that have had the most testing done on them, and test the best... I base my purchase of MVB’s strictly on the basis of research and facts I have read. God... I sound like a sales rep for mega ray lol. Maybe I should see if they will pay me for representing their products all over the web haha.

Check out this website (the same that was mentioned many times in this forum lol) if your interested in reading more about where I got this information. These guy have tested almost EVERY UV bulb out there whether it be fluorescent, compact or MVB, and have tons and tons of great statistics and information on UV, and its use with reptiles. I find this stuff fascinating. Here ya go... read up:

Powersun info/testing: Link

T-Rex/Mega Ray info/testing: Link

By the way... Im LOVING this full spectrum fluorescent I got from reptileuv (mega ray’s website)! It brightens up the whole enclosure SOOO much! I couldn’t tell whether my MVB was on or not cause the color of the entire cage was that same bright, daytime color as the spot where the MVB shines lol.

Disclaimer: Im not 100% sure of the statistics I posted on the bulbs I was talking about. It was strictly based on info I got from the uvguide.co.uk website. I made this post pretty hastily, so I may have wrote some wrong information... but Im pretty sure its correct. I just don’t wanna get bashed by someone saying, "the powersun puts out so and so amounts of UVB... not what you said... blah blah blah!!" lol.

05/19/09 09:17pm

#2007818

DragonKeeper86
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Message To: DragonKeeper86 In reference to Message Id: 2007814

MVB Bulbs info

Oh, and... what Nancy said! Your very welcome! We love to help people out... its why were here. NEVER hesitate to ask ANY questions... whether you think it sounds dumb or not. There is always something to learn in this hobby, and thats what makes it so much fun. No one does everything perfect, and there is ALWAYS room for improvements... as I have learned by the never-ending flood of money Im constantly putting into my reptiles beardies... there is ALWAYS something else to get or make! lol.

05/19/09 09:20pm

#2008051

Keeper of Zeek
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Message To: Keeper of Zeek In reference to Message Id: 2007818

MVB Bulbs info

Its just nice to be part of a help/information forum site where the members are actually helpful, and NOT addicted to this snobby attitude. It also such a relief knowing i can ask a question, and am not gonna get chewed out, lol. Ive had some bad experiences with other hobby sites, if you couldnt tell.

05/20/09 10:16am

#2008236

DragonKeeper86
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Message To: DragonKeeper86 In reference to Message Id: 2008051

MVB Bulbs info

The only reason people will chew you out... that Ive seen... is when people come on here for help, and when we tell them what they need to do, they get all defensive about it and say they are not gonna change anything lol. There have been a few people like that. There are also new members that come here and claim to know everything, and are really rude and snobby, and then after they get an ear full (or eye full I guess lol) from us and they never come back.

05/20/09 04:20pm

#2008723

Keeper of Zeek
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Message To: Keeper of Zeek In reference to Message Id: 2008236

MVB Bulbs info

So far, i know a lot more now then i did when i joined. I mean, i did my research before buying Zeek, but I never would have guessed that the very same bulbs that most of the sites i visited and the employees of pet stores suggested would be the problem to Zeeks temporary eye damage. Thankfully, hes doing good now :) still, i cant help but get just a little paranoid when he decides to close his eyes mid day for whatever reason. And im more than willing to make changes when they are highly suggested. Till this day, whenever someone suggests i do something different, i go right out and buy the suggested products. well, with the exception of things ordered online, its a bit difficult for me to do that.

05/21/09 12:02pm

#2008808

DragonKeeper86
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Message To: DragonKeeper86 In reference to Message Id: 2008723

MVB Bulbs info

I know what you mean. I would order ANYTHING that I thought would help out my guy when it was recommended lol. I have worked at 2 pet stores. Petco, and a small family owned one. Petco... BAD advice all over. There is NO training, it is just live and learn. I remember someone was buying a baby beardie and one of the guys working there was like "uhhh... I don’t think they need a UV bulb.... no, they don’t, just put their tank by the window and it will be fine." He was also telling them they could put it in a 10 gallon tank, and that it would last 2 of them a couple of years... just a bunch of BS to make it sound like he knew what he was doing instead of grabbing someone who did. I finally stepped in after listening to all this for like 10 min and just told him to go away lol. The lady was PISSED when I finally told her all the stuff she ACTUALLY needed to get it set up... when she found out she couldn’t just buy a 10 gallon tank, a heat bulb, a bag of sand, and some crickets, she got fed up and left haha. Now, the small pet store had mostly reptiles and ALL the employees were reptile owners, and knew what they were talking about. I had been going there for about a year buying all my reptile stuff... the owner would give me items at wholesale price cause I would recommend his store to TONS of customers when I worked at Petco and got him a lot of business lol.

Why can’t you order online? You don’t have a credit/debit card? Just take your moms debit card and put cash in her purse lol. I used to do that when I was younger... and as long as I gave her exactly the amount that I used she wouldn’t care lol.

05/21/09 03:13pm

#2008970

Cphill58
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Message To: Cphill58 In reference to Message Id: 2008808

MVB Bulbs info

Lance , buddy ...I wanted to bash you for posting inaccurate info ....LOL

Quote:
The only way to measure this UVB output is to buy a UVB meter, which is like $300.

They are 179.00 ...but you can get in on a group purchase and get them in the neighborhood of 135.00

Just PM me and I will hook you up with .....MY SOURCE.....

LMAO

Cp

05/21/09 07:42pm

#2008991

DragonKeeper86
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Message To: DragonKeeper86 In reference to Message Id: 2008970

MVB Bulbs info

Oh, no way! Dang it! Im such an idiot... Im gonna go cry now in embarrassment, and never show my face around these parts again lol. I thought they were $299 for some reason... maybe that was the UV Index meter. I don’t wanna spend half my pay check on one just yet, but Im gonna put like $40-50 away each week for a few weeks to get one, Ive been wanting one for a while now! Thanks Chris!

05/21/09 08:00pm