Metal Halide Bulbs

[Ed_r]

I have heard that the "active UV bulbs on the market, are basiclly Mercury Vapor lamps. Are they the same? I know Metal Halide bulbs are used in salt water reef aquariums to promote coral growth. Would they Provide enough UVB for reptiles?

[Ed_r]

Anyone?

[Sean Day]

Hi Ed
Don't quote me on this but I remember a discussion on a mailing list that there is a difference. I will see if I can find the info for you.

Sean

[Ed_r]

If you could find out I would really apreciate it. The T-Rex Active UV bulbs say they are self ballasted, so it seems they are some kind of HID lamps, like Mercury Vapor and Metal halide lamps are.

[Sean Day]

I am still looking but think it is said they are MV changed to produce more UVB in some way.

[Trace]

They are self-ballasted and similar to the MV and MH bulbs. It's my understanding though, that some of the cheaper no-name MV lamps have glass that effectively blocks the UVB output though, so I don't use those. I am using the Active UV bulbs on some of my chameleon cages and I love them. Well worth the extra cost for me to ensure I get the proper lighting for my animals. Until I hear of proof that the cheaper ones will work, I'm avoiding them.

Like Sean Day has said... I know I've seen discussions on some of the other lists I belong to and I'll try and find that information for you.

Hope this helps in some way.

Trace

[Ed_r]

It all helps, Thanks for the replies. If anyone has any more info it would be greatly appreciated.

[jwsporty]

Hey Ed.

MH, MV and HPS bulbs all require an ignitor and ballast to run. None of which are all that great for UV. MH bulbs will give you more blue spectrum lighting, MV is more yeloow and HPS (High Pressure sodium) is more in the Red Spectrum. There are 4' flourscents that are cheaper then the Reptile version that will work for reps and are used alot in Saltwater aquariums. Don't quote me on this but I believe they are called Aquanetic Bulbs. You can get these at a specialty light bulb supply shop. Just ask for the bulbs used in Saltwater aquariums. They are normally cheaper then the pet world equivalent. MH and HPS are normally used for indoor gardening and MV is what you see in a street lamp. All of them are heavy power consumers normally 150, 400, 600 and 1000 watts and the ballasts in all cases will produce a lot of heat. Only the HPS bulbs can be had in lower wattages, normally labelled as "Security Lights" at places like Rona and Home Depot..and they normally sell for around 90.00 CAD. Best to stay away from the ballast based lights, too expensive for the initial setup and too expensive to run, unless you are planning to do indoor gardening..;) Hope this clears things up.

Jim

BTW, controlling the heat (which of course is important for all herps) can not be done with a ballast based light, you can do damage to the ballast itself.