Getting Serious for KyJinn

[NennaMeerkat]

First off I would like to ask for no criticism or harsh words about anything I post here. I am looking for help.

Many of you know about my bearded dragon Kyjinn. Here is a pic of him just because I can (and who doesn't love images).

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/589/kyjinn2.png

Now he is a healthy guy for the most part having clean sheds, a more or less healthy appetite, and plenty of energy most of the time.

But here is my problem (and I am embarrassed of this and have kept it secret from all of you)

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6963/p1030391e.jpg

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/8141/p1030393v.jpg

Now the bedding is lizard alfalfa pellets and the temp where the light is 90-92 degrees. Tank size is 40 gallons long (breeder tank I think they are labeled). I don't keep a food bowl in his tank at all times cause he has a habit of using it as a poo bowl instead and the same goes for his water bowl. I put both food and water in when I feed him (every other day) and within 4 hours remove both.

So yes there are problems, I know there are. And I am looking for help. I have 50 dollars (hopefully) coming to me in a few days for my birthday. With this 50 dollars I need to know what I can do to help his environment.

Keep in mind I cannot afford a larger tank and WILL NOT change the bedding. Other than that help me out guys...but be nice about it please.

I love my dragon KyJinn but hadn't opened my eyes to his home's pitiful state until today. I also realize that I shouldn't give advice (or have no right to) when I have one that isn't living as optimal as possible. I want to change all of that.

[Lankyrob]

In terms of the tank size, $50 here would buy a second hand 4ft x 2ft x 2 ft viv. Obviously i have no idea what the second hand market in the US is like.

I assume the light is a heat+uv bulb? May be worth getting a higher wattage bulb to get the temps up over 105f?

In other terms i like having rocks and wood in my lizards tank, gives roaches and crickets places to run whic hthen gives the lizard a chance to hunt rather than just eat.

[sickvenom]

looks like your issues are decor related. You might look into some kind of platform that will allow him to get closer to the uv bulb. Other than that, I know breeders who keep theirs in cages that look exactly like yours.

[sickvenom]

You might also want to block off most of your screen top. That will help to keep heat in the tank. That could be something as simple as a piece of cardboard.

[stephanbakir]

You can MAKE him a larger terrarium for under 50$ easily

[sickvenom]

That enclosure is just fine for the time being. I would get some nice flat stones and make a basking spot.

[NennaMeerkat]

I am no builder and know no builder. So for now bigger tank is a no go. I will look into a second hand tank on craigslist but what I have seen so far are tanks without lids OR tanks that go for the same if I bought brand new.

Other than that, I know breeders who keep theirs in cages that look exactly like yours.

That does make me feel quite a bit better about his home. I would have thought it was rather sloppy and ill conceived.


That being said...does anyone know the wattage bulb I need to get the temps up? And does he need a UV bulb as well? Is it possible to buy a bulb that provides UV and heat?

[bo2as]

i beleive it is possile to uy a bulb that provides both.. im not surebut i beleive so. as for the tank flat rock are a good idea and maybe a backdrop and a higher branch. HE is GorgEOUse tho :)

[NennaMeerkat]

Thanks bo2as. I want to do him right since he does deserve better. Maybe I can get him to eat more frequently and not be so picky if he is happier with his home.

[Lankyrob]

He MUST have UV as well as heat, it can cause serious disorders if they dont get enough uv. We use Mercury Vapour Bulbs (mvb) as they do provide heat and uv all in one bulb. They are more expensive than having separate bulbs but imo the tank looks neater with just the one light fitting. Mvb also get pretty hot so they dont need such high wattage tho they cant be used on thermostats so there is some playing around to do to get the right temps.

Ours go on at 9am temps get up to about 115f at peak and we turn them off at about 6pm, the lizards get 9 hours of uv and also a day night temp cycle as the viv cools overnight.

[NennaMeerkat]

He MUST have UV as well as heat, it can cause serious disorders if they dont get enough uv. We use Mercury Vapour Bulbs (mvb) as they do provide heat and uv all in one bulb. They are more expensive than having separate bulbs but imo the tank looks neater with just the one light fitting. Mvb also get pretty hot so they dont need such high wattage tho they cant be used on thermostats so there is some playing around to do to get the right temps.

Ours go on at 9am temps get up to about 115f at peak and we turn them off at about 6pm, the lizards get 9 hours of uv and also a day night temp cycle as the viv cools overnight.

We give KyJinn about the same amount of hours for his light to be on. And I agree about the lighting I would much rather have one bulb than two for "neatness" purposes. Do you have a ball park figure on wattage I would need? If they are expensive I don't want to have to buy several to find the right range.

I am guessing the light we have been using (or the brand) has been a UV and Heat in one bulb since our guy is quite healthy and has never shown any problems (other than being a finicky eater).

[Lankyrob]

Lack of uv is something that would show after quite a long period, it affects their bone density. Our bulbs are in a 30inch high viv and a 125w bulb is hot enough. The brand we use a solarglo and cost £55, they get replaced yearly (unless they blow for some reason early) - all uv bulbs are rated for a set period, after which the uv given out starts to lessen, this varies with the type of bulb and the manufacturer.

[NennaMeerkat]

Thanks for the info Lanky. We haven't seen a problem with his bones considering how he runs, jumps, and everything else with no problem. So perhaps we have just been lucky enough to get the UV and heat bulbs together.

However I will look for the one you mentioned when I go to my store within the next couple of days. I could care less about the cost especially if it is more or less a yearly buy. That to me is easily done without a problem :) Thanks for your help!

[sickvenom]

Some uv only last 6 months. You can also add a uth pad. Painting or covering the back and sides would also be a good idea. It looks nicer and it will give him more privacy. Sorry, but I thought you already had a uv light. You can get a uv bulb for your reflector for around $15, and they do come in different wattages.

[NennaMeerkat]

Thanks sick I am thinking of getting a background for him though not sure on it wrapping around the sides...possibly maybe. Since this tank will be used in the future I don't want to paint the sides or anything like that.

I guess my biggest fault is not having a UV bulb. That will be the first thing I strive to remedy if nothing else.

[sickvenom]

this would be my checklist:

uvb bulb
under tank heat pad
background
flat rocks or other platform so he can get 6"-8" of the bulb
misc decor

[Little Wise Owl]

I personally believe the first priority should be getting him a UVB/Heat bulb. With the $50 you're getting soon, you should be able to afford one (though they are very pricey).

Next, I'd get a flat basking rock. Then from there once you have more money, add one or two hiding spots or areas where he can get some privacy.

[mistersprinkles]

Some uv only last 6 months. You can also add a uth pad. Painting or covering the back and sides would also be a good idea. It looks nicer and it will give him more privacy. Sorry, but I thought you already had a uv light. You can get a uv bulb for your reflector for around $15, and they do come in different wattages.

You don't use UTH with a dragon.

[NennaMeerkat]

Yeah I know not to use a UTH with my guy :) Even if I didn't know before the way he is so lazy sometimes I would figure it would be dangerous.

[sickvenom]

You don't use UTH with a dragon.

I guess the ground in australia never retains heat?????????????????? These animals are from desert or semi desert areas. Why on earth would you not provide them with some belly heat? It doesn't have to be the main heat source, but to say they don't need it is just plain false and misleading.

[NennaMeerkat]

I guess the ground in australia never retains heat?????????????????? These animals are from desert or semi desert areas. Why on earth would you not provide them with some belly heat? It doesn't have to be the main heat source, but to say they don't need it is just plain false and misleading.

Honestly I have never heard of anyone using an UTH for a dragon. Same reason why you don't use a heat rock. They have problems with burning their bellies. Besides the heat that the ground retains in the desert is nothing like the heat given off from a heat rock or UTH. I would think if I put in some normal flat rocks in there they would absorb plenty of heat from the heating lamp.

[ilovemypets1988]

nenna, you could look at those 3d foam backgrounds that will give the crickets or other live food items a chance to climb and encourage your dragon to do even more excercise, i dont know what the american market is like for reptile accessories but im assuming that the market is bigger than that over hear in the uk as the usa has a larger amount of keepers (if regarded with the same amount of area).

if hes a climer, you could get a large log for basking which will also smell quite nice when warmed up aswell, and some plants - albeit fake or real - and the tank should look pretty good.

also after reading that u dont keep your water bowl in the tank, would you be interested in using a gel instead to give him fresh water or even try submerging the veggies for half an hour before feeding, he should get enough water from that process.

i dont know much about the bulbs thas been suggested so i cant help with that but it would depend on the height of the tank i should think.

hope these suggestions help somehow

[NennaMeerkat]

also after reading that u dont keep your water bowl in the tank, would you be interested in using a gel instead to give him fresh water or even try submerging the veggies for half an hour before feeding, he should get enough water from that process.

I actually do that. The soaking the veggies part. But if he feels like he needs more I also supply a small water dish for him.


I also like the idea of this foam background thing, but I have never seen them in any of the stores I shop in...so it may be a custom make only. Thankfully though he is a great hunter and if you look at his tank pictures you will see a long log type thing on the "cold" end and he will often move it around a lot if he knows crickets are hiding inside. Quite fun to watch though he makes a racket LOL

[ilovemypets1988]

I also like the idea of this foam background thing, but I have never seen them in any of the stores I shop in...so it may be a custom make only. Thankfully though he is a great hunter and if you look at his tank pictures you will see a long log type thing on the "cold" end and he will often move it around a lot if he knows crickets are hiding inside. Quite fun to watch though he makes a racket LOL

take a look at this website as they have the backgrounds on it: Reptile terrarium background Reptile Supplies at Bizrate - Buy Pet Supplies Online (http://www.bizrate.com/reptile-supplies/reptile-terrarium-background/)

again i hope it helps

[ilovemypets1988]

also just had a thought but why dont you use a piece of cork bark for a hide and a basking spot, it would do 2 jobs and only cost a small amount, to give you an example, the 2 pieces on this pic only cost me £14 which would be about $20ish:

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k514/Daniel_Barton/my%20new%205ft%20female%20snake/DSCF0114.jpg
(and the tanks 4ft long, so u can compare the size of the bark to the size of the tank)

[red ink]

I guess the ground in australia never retains heat?????????????????? These animals are from desert or semi desert areas. Why on earth would you not provide them with some belly heat? It doesn't have to be the main heat source, but to say they don't need it is just plain false and misleading.

They have less heat receptors on their belly. They do not bask on the rock when they are hot quite the contrary from my observations of them (personal). They will heat up on rocks in the morning once the rock reaches 40C (on avg) they move. I took a tempgun out there and measured the rock temp when they vacated it as a basking spot. They also will not go on terra that is over 35C, once the terra reaches that temp they are no where to be found. They shelter from it. Those that are out are on logs avoiding contact with the terra.

My set up.
4 x 2 x 2.5
Single MVB light for heat and UVB

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn214/Red-Ink-Buldogs/enclosure.jpg

[NennaMeerkat]

Red Ink that is a beautiful setup! What is the size of that tank? I know it is probably custom made but...

[red ink]

Red Ink that is a beautiful setup! What is the size of that tank? I know it is probably custom made but...

It's 4ft long x 2ft wide x 2.5ft high. Yeah it's custom I built it myself.

[NennaMeerkat]

Man that is just beautiful...did you also make the red rock looking things that are on the side?

[red ink]

Man that is just beautiful...did you also make the red rock looking things that are on the side?

Thanks... yes I made the fake rock walls as well.

[NennaMeerkat]

Congrats for being able to work with tools LOL I am horrid at it.

[sickvenom]

Honestly I have never heard of anyone using an UTH for a dragon. Same reason why you don't use a heat rock. They have problems with burning their bellies.

those are two different types of heat sources that operate in two different fashions.

Besides the heat that the ground retains in the desert is nothing like the heat given off from a heat rock or UTH.

it is similar to uth. the heat radiates from the ground.

I would think if I put in some normal flat rocks in there they would absorb plenty of heat from the heating lamp.

that would work if the rocks were directly under the heat lamp. but it's still not the same as having heat come from the ground/substrate.

i don't understand why more people don't use belly heat with dragons. especially when these people supposedly want to 'mimic' their natural habitat?????

[NennaMeerkat]

So today I went out and bought one of those expensive (80 bucks) dual heat and UV light in one...got home and it isn't working. On top of that I don't have my reciepts to take it back to exchange. So 80 bucks wasted. Good news is my hoggie had a UV light (just so her tank is brighter during the day) so I swiped that and am using KyJinn's old heat bulb and this UV bulb until I can afford to snag another dual bulb. Man ya'll weren't kidding about the expensive part...more than the 20 gallon tank I bought today.

Oh and I bought a small set of about 5 natural flat rocks for his basking spot...but I need to raise them up a bit. But at least it is starting somewhere. Just buy some more rocks or more substrate to pile in that area.

Anyways...now husband is saying he wants to get different substrate besides the alfalfa pellets since it makes the tank look "tacky". So I am wondering if I mix the alfalfa with crushed walnut OR reptile sand will it be safe enough for my dragon? I read somewhere that older dragons aren't as "clumsy" when they eat crickets and are thus less likely to become impacted than babies/juveniles.

[ilovemypets1988]

So today I went out and bought one of those expensive (80 bucks) dual heat and UV light in one...got home and it isn't working. On top of that I don't have my reciepts to take it back to exchange. So 80 bucks wasted. Good news is my hoggie had a UV light (just so her tank is brighter during the day) so I swiped that and am using KyJinn's old heat bulb and this UV bulb until I can afford to snag another dual bulb. Man ya'll weren't kidding about the expensive part...more than the 20 gallon tank I bought today.

Oh and I bought a small set of about 5 natural flat rocks for his basking spot...but I need to raise them up a bit. But at least it is starting somewhere. Just buy some more rocks or more substrate to pile in that area.

Anyways...now husband is saying he wants to get different substrate besides the alfalfa pellets since it makes the tank look "tacky". So I am wondering if I mix the alfalfa with crushed walnut OR reptile sand will it be safe enough for my dragon? I read somewhere that older dragons aren't as "clumsy" when they eat crickets and are thus less likely to become impacted than babies/juveniles.

i dunno if this will help but i use repti sand for my gecko and she seems alright with it so im sure it would be fine with a beardie and bad luck with the bulb

[sickvenom]

So today I went out and bought one of those expensive (80 bucks) dual heat and UV light in one...got home and it isn't working. On top of that I don't have my reciepts to take it back to exchange.

uh... what happened to the receipt from the time you bought it, to the time you got home?

Anyways...now husband is saying he wants to get different substrate besides the alfalfa pellets since it makes the tank look "tacky". So I am wondering if I mix the alfalfa with crushed walnut OR reptile sand will it be safe enough for my dragon? I read somewhere that older dragons aren't as "clumsy" when they eat crickets and are thus less likely to become impacted than babies/juveniles.

i wouldn't use sand. remember, you will need to fully change the substrate once a month.

[NennaMeerkat]

uh... what happened to the receipt from the time you bought it, to the time you got home?

Exactly what I was wondering. For all I know it wasn't fully in the bag when I was carrying everything out (had more than just the lamp) and the wind caught it.

i wouldn't use sand. remember, you will need to fully change the substrate once a month.

Eh true. What about the crushed walnut?

[ilovemypets1988]

i wouldn't use sand. remember, you will need to fully change the substrate once a month.

thas easy to change, use the pan part of a dust pan and brush, works a treat with me and if any sand is left, use the brush to sweep it on the pan, well thas what i do anyway and it works

[sickvenom]

[i]

Eh true. What about the crushed walnut?

Not very easy for a beardie to digest if accidently swallowed. It looks decent enough though.

[NennaMeerkat]

Not very easy for a beardie to digest if accidently swallowed. It looks decent enough though.

What if mix it with the alfalfa I already have? I was considering doing that with the sand as well. Whatever I do get will more than likely be mixed with the alfalfa to try and bring the risk factor down.

[sickvenom]

What if mix it with the alfalfa I already have? I was considering doing that with the sand as well. Whatever I do get will more than likely be mixed with the alfalfa to try and bring the risk factor down.

honestly, i have a real hard time recommending walnut for any herp. i have seen so many horrible cases of impaction, it's not even funny. plus, it develops mold easily. the easiest substrate for beardies is no substrate at all. use cage carpet.

[NennaMeerkat]

Yeah I know that it is the safest but KyJinn was on walnut for almost 2 years and in the last year and a half he was on reptile safe Millet (wish they still made it) and now the Alfalfa. I enjoy giving loose substrate to him because he enjoys digging into it and making a ditch for him to sleep in.

After 3 years of various loose substrates I would hate to change it now and deny him something he likes to do. And he is such a careful and finicky eater if something gets in his mouth and he doesn't like it, he will eject it and whatever might be there he wants to eat before he swallows. At this point I am not worried on impaction as I would be if he was still a young inexperienced dragon.

[sickvenom]

Yeah I know that it is the safest but KyJinn was on walnut for almost 2 years and in the last year and a half he was on reptile safe Millet (wish they still made it) and now the Alfalfa. I enjoy giving loose substrate to him because he enjoys digging into it and making a ditch for him to sleep in.

After 3 years of various loose substrates I would hate to change it now and deny him something he likes to do. And he is such a careful and finicky eater if something gets in his mouth and he doesn't like it, he will eject it and whatever might be there he wants to eat before he swallows. At this point I am not worried on impaction as I would be if he was still a young inexperienced dragon.

i understand what you are thinking. but impaction can happen at any age. lizards can get frantic and careless during feeding and before you know it - something bad when down the pipe. now, like i mentioned in the other thread - lizards are good at recognizing foreign objects, but even the smallest piece of walnut could cause problems. of course the downside to pellets is that your cage will smell like a barn. most of the reptile store owners i know refuse to stock walnut because of the potential problems. ultimately it's your decision and i don't believe anyone will think badly of you if you choose walnut mixed with pellet. it's not like you're keeping it on a bed of nails. just be aware of the potential health risks.

[NennaMeerkat]

Oh yeah trust me sick I am aware of the risks which is why I wish they would provide the millet again. It didn't cause impaction, didn't smell, and generally didn't mold as long as you kept the cage clean and "sifted" through it to stir is up a bit. Unfortunately because of the increase in millet price they discontinued it. Probably look into some sand instead of walnut and mix it with my alfalfa just to buffer the smell of it some. It doesn't bother me but apparently my husband can't stand it.

[mrherpdotca]

Why not tile? Every home store has a clearance section of tile for less than a buck a foot. 6-8 tiles is all you need. Last forever, hygienic, Looks nice, no chance of impaction and helps keep their nails short.

C

[sickvenom]

Why not tile? Every home store has a clearance section of tile for less than a buck a foot. 6-8 tiles is all you need. Last forever, hygienic, Looks nice, no chance of impaction and helps keep their nails short.

C

i have used ceramic tile but not vinyl. a beardie would tear up vinyl.

[NennaMeerkat]

Why not tile? Every home store has a clearance section of tile for less than a buck a foot. 6-8 tiles is all you need. Last forever, hygienic, Looks nice, no chance of impaction and helps keep their nails short.

C

Because my dragon loves loves loves to dig! Every night he digs himself a comfy ditch and snuggles up in it. I also enjoy a more natural looking environment. If it were 100% safe I would use just sand or walnut but because it is not..alfalfa pellets. Apparently the smell bothers my husband.

I could shift to Sani Chips since I use it with my snake and soon to be Leo...well up in the air on the Sani Chips or repti bark (might mix them together). Point is since I already have Sani Chips and have to get them could just do a full shift to them all across the board. Maybe just mix the Sani Chips and Alfalfa together...that might cut down the smell.

[nikkik85]

Dont be so hard on yourself. We are all here to help... And Im glad you were able to post that :)

[NennaMeerkat]

Thanks Nikkik :)

[red ink]

Alfalfa pellets when ingested are actually more dangeous than sand. They expand when wet. Washed playsand is actually your safest option, or better yet a half and half enclosure, half sand half tile just simply feed on the tile side and you minimise ingestion.

[NennaMeerkat]

Alfalfa pellets when ingested are actually more dangeous than sand. They expand when wet. Washed playsand is actually your safest option, or better yet a half and half enclosure, half sand half tile just simply feed on the tile side and you minimise ingestion.

Actually these are supposed to break apart when getting wet instead of expanding. Did a test with water and they pretty much disintegrated. Keep in mind these aren't the same alfalfa pellets you feed to animals, they are made differently I believe.

Also for adult dragons they are considered safe but for babies it can be dangerous. BUT the pellets are so large they are not easily eaten by the little guys. By the time they are big enough to eat them they are of no danger.

[sickvenom]

Actually these are supposed to break apart when getting wet instead of expanding. Did a test with water and they pretty much disintegrated.

correct. they do expand, but they also turn to mush, as you found out.

Keep in mind these aren't the same alfalfa pellets you feed to animals, they are made differently I believe.

the ones i've used are regular feed pellets. not sure what brand you got.

[NennaMeerkat]

I bought Zilla brand alfalfa pellets. I would be to nervous to simply buy generic animal alfalfa pellets. I don't know the process that goes into making them vs. what I bought.

[sickvenom]

I bought Zilla brand alfalfa pellets. I would be to nervous to simply buy generic animal alfalfa pellets. I don't know the process that goes into making them vs. what I bought.

always good to err on the side of caution. when can we see photos of the new setup?

[NennaMeerkat]

always good to err on the side of caution. when can we see photos of the new setup?

I am not 100% done with it yet. I need to replace the bulb that broke and pick up some more rocks. Also gotta replace the Alfalfa in his tank. Probably be next month before everything is done the way I want. KyJinn is enjoying his temporary dual light and low rocks setting but it just isn't there yet.

[NennaMeerkat]

Okay got some unexpected money in and so went and bought some more rocks and some more substrate. They didn't have my alfalfa pellets so I grabbed more Sani Chips. Oh and I got the light replaced but found out that it wasn't the bulb but something about the lamp didn't like the bulb. So yeah gonna have to replace the lamp soon so I don't have to balance it on rocks like it is now.

And yes I know there is a TON of substrate in there LOL I wanted him to be closer to the lamp without having to buy a ton of rocks. He will have fun digging himself a ditch to sleep in tonight!!

Will reduce as I get more rocks maybe. What do ya'll think?

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1766/p1030464m.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4537/p1030465g.jpg

http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/411/p1030466n.jpg

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/5239/p1030467a.jpg

[Fliehigh]

I know you probably asked this already but what is the make and model of the bulb you have for him?

Is it a MVB?

[NennaMeerkat]

I know you probably asked this already but what is the make and model of the bulb you have for him?

Is it a MVB?

Oh well his new bulb is a UV and Heat Bulb in one. PowerSun 100 watt was what our store carried that was a two in one.

[Fliehigh]

Oh well his new bulb is a UV and Heat Bulb in one. PowerSun 100 watt was what our store carried that was a two in one.


Keep an eye on your little guy, there has been some issues with the Power Suns lately. All of the MVB (Mercury Vapour Bulbs, which give off heat and UV) started having their glass blown in Asia and the bulbs either don't give off enough UV or too much UV. The Mega Ray and the Power Sun are the two best MVB's on the market but both are having issues. Even the Solar Glo (which use to be an ok bulb) is having issues.

Watch for a change in appitite and watch his eyes. If either one changes replace the bulb.

Fliehigh

[NennaMeerkat]

Keep an eye on your little guy, there has been some issues with the Power Suns lately. All of the MVB (Mercury Vapour Bulbs, which give off heat and UV) started having their glass blown in Asia and the bulbs either don't give off enough UV or too much UV. The Mega Ray and the Power Sun are the two best MVB's on the market but both are having issues. Even the Solar Glo (which use to be an ok bulb) is having issues.

Watch for a change in appitite and watch his eyes. If either one changes replace the bulb.

Fliehigh

Thanks much for that. His appetite has actually increased and I haven't noticed any changes in his eyes. I was aware of the possibility of the problem and if it does arrive I have extra lamps and heat bulbs and UV bulbs that are separate that I can use instead. Since this is our first time using a UV bulb at all since we got him years ago I am being cautious of throwing to much of it at him. The only thing I have noticed is him having a nice "tan" where his coloring has darkened dramatically and thus him not looking so pale.

[Lankyrob]

Not sure about other reptiles shops but the one i use sells Solarglo bulbs and if the bulb blows (not shatters just stops working) within six months of point of sale they replace for free as solarglo refunds them. Have had two so far that blew within 24 hours but no problems with the current ones at all.

[NennaMeerkat]

Not sure about other reptiles shops but the one i use sells Solarglo bulbs and if the bulb blows (not shatters just stops working) within six months of point of sale they replace for free as solarglo refunds them. Have had two so far that blew within 24 hours but no problems with the current ones at all.

Yeah I had to replace a bulb already from the get go. Came home and didn't work right out of the box. Had to take it back. Also found out that if the bulb gets the lamp to hot it will auto shut off until it cools down. Had to up the size of my lamp to up the size of the wattage it could hold. Hopefully now my lamp won't be auto shutting off as often. It couldn't be good for the bulb to be constantly turning off and on during the day.

[infernalis]

Keep an eye on your little guy, there has been some issues with the Power Suns lately. All of the MVB (Mercury Vapour Bulbs, which give off heat and UV) started having their glass blown in Asia and the bulbs either don't give off enough UV or too much UV. The Mega Ray and the Power Sun are the two best MVB's on the market but both are having issues. Even the Solar Glo (which use to be an ok bulb) is having issues.

Watch for a change in appetite and watch his eyes. If either one changes replace the bulb.

Fliehigh


Sadly, even Phillips lighting (a Dutch company) obtains the glass from Asia.

I used to be a "fire setter" (calibration of the torches that fuse the glass) and I can honestly say that when the company got their glass from Corning, the bulbs were far sturdier.

Once the import glass came in, the glass was more fragile and had a lower quartz content, so the bulbs would occasionally be brittle and fall apart in the machines.

Compounding insult to injury, the finished product would sometimes explode in the socket during seasoning (Initial burn in)

The company lost a lot of vendor orders including a contract with home depot to carry the Phillips lamps, because the factory was producing rubbish.

[NennaMeerkat]

Sadly, even Phillips lighting (a Dutch company) obtains the glass from Asia.

I used to be a "fire setter" (calibration of the torches that fuse the glass) and I can honestly say that when the company got their glass from Corning, the bulbs were far sturdier.

Once the import glass came in, the glass was more fragile and had a lower quartz content, so the bulbs would occasionally be brittle and fall apart in the machines.

Compounding insult to injury, the finished product would sometimes explode in the socket during seasoning (Initial burn in)

The company lost a lot of vendor orders including a contract with home depot to carry the Phillips lamps, because the factory was producing rubbish.

Gotta love the Asians making stuff cheaply and pricey at the same time right? If it ain't dangerous in one way they can make it dangerous if 50 other ways you wouldn't have thought of.

No real insult meant BTW.

[Fliehigh]

What most people don't realize about the MVB bulbs is that they are supposed to be burnt in for at 10 hours prior to using them over your VIV as well. This is for two reasons:1) to burn off any residue from the manufacturing process and 2) to stabalize the UVB output.

The greatest chance for the bulb to have a break or small explosion is during the first few hours and of course if you touch or move the light while it has been powered.

With the bulb shutting down on you, it is usually due to either the dome not being rated for the AMP's your bulb draws or the MVB heating up. all the MVB bulbs have saftey switches built in to them that shuts them down when they are too hot. To test this if you turn it off, and then switch it back on, the bulb shoud take a minimum of 5 mintues before it re-lights.

Fliehigh