T-Rex Active UVHeat Lamps?

[Moose1960]

Has anyone done any tests on these lamps?

After going to my pet store to purchase flouresent uv bulbs. I noticed the cost was going to be 40+ bucks every 6 months to replace. The T-rex bulb was 80 bucks and claimed to last longer also no heat lamp required. They claim lots of zoo's are now using them.

Thanks

[JoeBradley]

I purchased one of these bulbs also. I have not done any "testing" but the reptiles that I use it on are all doing fine. This bulb also has a one year warrenty on it.

[foman]

go for the t-rex.

[LISA127]

has anyone noticed that the lighting isn't bright enough with these bulbs? that has been my only complaint with them. flourescent lights give brighter lighting for diurnal reptiles.

[PortCreditPets]

With the higher UVB output the actual light illumination is less. Thus the reason when purchase fluroescents it is recommended to purchase a low UVB and a high UVB bulb. With the mercury vapor bulbs you would really need to go with a higher wattage bulb to achieve the brilliantly bright illumination.

Grant

[Moose1960]

I did go out and purchase The T-rex, and Did I ever notice a color change in Zircon and his activity level went up. For some reason tho the bulb only lasted a month, But i took it back to where i purchased it and got a new one no questions asked. I have kept his flouresents also since it is attached to the lid anyways, but will not change them until they burn out. I got the 100 watt flood and have it aprox 10 inches from the highest rock he baskes on.
He seems to enjoy it.

[LISA127]

so if i use one of these, i should also use a low UV flourescent for extra illumination?

[Moose1960]

Now I am wondering what I got into. I did purchase one 2 months ago. Within a month it stopped working, got it replaced no problem. Then this one started a few days ago of clicking (you could here a sound) off and on. Unplugged it a while, plugged it back in and it would work again untill the next day. Same thing clicking off and on, then finally it crapped out also. Again took it back and again no problem to exchange. What I did notice is that this time the 100 watt flood lamp has changed design. Instead of a smooth glass bulb it is now checkered glass and clear also instead of frosted. Wonder if it was just an old batch or bad batch. Shall see if this lasts longer. Anyone else having problems? I am using a ceramic holder also.

[Yanis]

Many of my friend test this UVB in the terrarium of their beardis and my friens find them very good.They don't have to buy a UVB fluorescent bulb like reptisun and change them every year.This lamps can last up to five years.

[eyespy]

All the mercury vapor bulbs seem to have a high defective rate but they have good warranties to make up for it. Seems like everything in life's a tradeoff. Better UVB output but it's important to have backup lighting on hand.

Using a fixture with a thick appliance-quality cord rather than a conventional thin one seems to be some help in getting these bulbs to last, as does using a reflector dome with lots of ventilation holes to prevent overheating. Even so, these bulbs do suffer premature burnouts a lot more often than regular incandescents do.

[Bighead]

I agree with the previous post and would like to add that they definitely ARE WORTH IT! They do have a higher defective rate but who cares when they a better warranty. UVB lasts at least 4 times as long if they don't burn out and if you want more illumination (which they don't need) buy a $2 flourescent. It is way cheaper and healthier in the long run than any other option. I don't know why they haven't caught on faster. I have heard nothing negative other than them burning out more often. They have also been scientifically proven to be effective where flourecsents have not.

[doenoe]

ok, i got some questions now to. I was planning on buying flourescent, but this sounds much better. But how far away do the lights have to be from the basking spot and can you put them on a dimmer? Or are they more likely to burn out then?
Thnx for any answers
Greetz Daan

[Bighead]

Could be wrong about this, but I don't think you can use a dimmer. The distance you put the bulb from the basking spot depends on what species you have and what temperature you are trying to achieve. They put out lots of heat so they're usually recommended for large enclosures, but there are always exceptions.
P.S. My last one burnt out and I lost my receipt so I couldn't return it. Smart move, eh?

[doenoe]

Well. its gonna be a rather big enclosure and there will be 2 beardies housed in it (females). The dimentions will be 39 x 39 x 27.5.
So, if you cant use a dimmer, you will have to fiddle around with the distance to the basking-spot it self. Or with the wattage of the lamp offcourse. Hmmm, using a dimmer would be alot easier, but it can be done, the fiddling i mean :)
btw, this is the latest pic of my enclosure

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/713Enclosure011-med.jpg

Note to self: do not lose reciept :p

[K1LOS]

I remember reading somewhere that MVB's were only supposed to run for a few hours a day, significantly less then your full light cycle. Also, the distance between the basking spot and the bulb is intended to be a decent distance aswell, i think it was a few feet.

I don't remember any real numbers though, anybody else hear these things?

Geoff

[Moose1960]

I am on my 3rd one now. It seems T-rex has changed the glass to a different design and thicker from the other two I had. It has been running now for aprox 4 months with no problems.
Remember to watch when misting as it can ruin the lamp also. I have mine on full day cycle and at aprox 12 inches away from the basking site. The lamps tell you the minimum distance it should be and it is giving me 104 degress at the basking site. My bearded moves back and forth as he pleases.
Note to DOENOE: keep the box and tape reciept to box...lol

[doenoe]

hehehe note taken :D
And thnx for the replies