MegaRay UV bulb?

[gothra]

After some research, I've decided to use MegaRay as my UVB source. I know a lot of people recommend the Reptisun 10.0, but I don't like how the dragon has to be within 8-10 inches of it to be effective. Someone in our local forum has done a test between ZooMed's Power Sun 100W vs MegaRay 100W SB. At 12 inches, the Power Sun is giving out 35uW/cm2, whereas the MegaRay is giving out 215uW/cm2! That is a big difference. In nature, if the dragon goes out to bask under the sun at the morning, the UV is around 100-200uW/cm2, so that's why I decided on the MegaRay.

I realise there was a problem going on with MegaRay last year, with bulbs producing too much UV causing eye issues. And then the company changed hands and people not receiving their replacements or receiving make-shift temporary bulbs...etc. Just wondering if the problem is completely solved now? I heard they've redesigned these bulbs, are these new ones as good quality as they used to be?

I need to make sure they're good before I press the order button. Thanks.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Bonnie, I got one last year after their issue was resolved. It's a great bulb! My desert horned lizard has done very well with it. He's a ground dweller and I thought the distance was right but I still had to use a screen top to difuse the light, he had started to keep his eyes closed after a couple days, and that fixed it. The previous problem that caused a big stir was a glass coating that began to peel or flake, thus exposing eyes to excessive UVB which in turn caused reported cases of conjunctivitis. They stopped producing the bulbs, and asked that customers return theirs to the store purchased (under a brand name, I forget which one), also replacing bulbs purchased directly from their website when they became available again. I had to wait a couple months to get ours during this time. We've been happy with it, and I'd by another. Just have to follow exact instruction on distance to animal!

 

[gothra]

Ok, thanks for your input!! I think I'll go for the MegaRay EB bulb. I'm still working on the cage, I figured as long as I can provide approx. 18 inches of height allowance (from bulb surface to dragon's back), that should work out ok.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Yes 18" is correct to their highest basking spot. The only way to lay it on a screen top is to use the big deep dome fixture, I think ZooMed makes it. Before I got that dome, it was clamped to a piece of wood so a small screen top could lay across the tank. Tacky, but had to do it for a few weeks, till I could pick up the dome. If you see your dragon closing it's eyes a lot, an adjustment will need to be made.

 

[gothra]

Just as I was going to make the order, I realise the "add to cart" button isn't there...Someone told me they haven't been accepting new orders for 2-3 months now, and is awaiting the new version to come out. I wonder if I could get these in time for my beardie which I will probably get in April. If not, I might have to go with a Powersun instead.

 

[BrilliantEraser]

I just received mine a little under a month ago, and I am THRILLED with it. In that time, my juvenile beardie (Garrus) has gone through two sheds, and has put on 20 grams in body weight. This bulb is absolutely amazing. I would definitely recommend it over any other UVB source.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Bonnie, you might try emailing the company directly, to find out firsthand if they will be available soon. If it's only going to be a short time, it's really worth the wait.

 

[gothra]

Yea, I did emailed them a couple days ago, still waiting for their reply. I hope their new version will come out soon!

 

[tlbowling]

Also you may want to consider the Powersun Mercury Vapor bulb?

PS...The Reptisun 10.0 actually penetrates up to 20" if I remember correctly.