Mega-Ray EB vs SB, which to get?
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Hello All, I know most of the differences between the Mega-Ray EB and SB UVB bulbs. I sent in an inquiry to Bob MacCargar regarding his product and availability and all that, but I just would like to hear people’s thoughts on it. I think I’ve seen posts where at least a few of you say you use Mega-Ray so I would be very interested in your opinions. For the most part I know the EB should last much longer than the SB, but for those that do use the SB, how long have your bulbs lasted? Also, on the website (reptileUV.com), the 60W EB bulbs are said to produce very little heat. Do any of you use the EB bulb? And if so, do you find that it produces enough warmth to produce a basking area between 85-90 degrees? Or would I need to get another basking bulb or ceramic heat emitter? I’m trying to cut down on costs by only having one lamp fixture. I know the EB bulb is much more expensive with the Ballast box, but I figure if it gives off enough heat and lasts longer, it would be cheaper than buying an SB bulb every 6-12 months if they burn out. Please don’t let my interest in the Mega-Ray stop you from recommending other bulbs. Unfortunately for me, I can’t readily get the TRex 100W bulb in my area and also I’ve read mixed reviews on ZooMeds Powersun, but please let me know your experiences with these bulbs. Last, if it makes a difference, I plan on using the bulb on a timer, so I don’t know if that will affect the longevity of the SB bulb or interfere with the ballast box of the EB. Please let me know what setups you have using these bulbs. Sorry for the long posts, but thanks again for your comments! -Miguel
I haven’t personally used either of those bulbs. I have used both T-rex and zoo-med bulbs and prefer the zoomed between those 2. However I recently discovered the Exo Terra Solar Glo which is carried by Petsmart and only cost $40 (you can find cheaper on online stores). It is a self ballasted mercury vapor bulb much like the T-rex and Zoomed. I am using it currently with no problems.
Attachments :I used both the Mega Ray EB and the SB, both of which performed very well. I got about a year out of the SB, but had no way to determine if the ___B_ remained adequate.I then switched to the EB 60-watt. I added a heat emitter from Mega Ray, as the heat output from the bulb does not suffice. Doing it this way did cause some headaches with positioning another device. Got a little thermometer thingy that was very handy for taking spot temperatures, and I think you can get a contraption that can tell how much B is left. Anyway, I used most of the bulbs back when I had DBTs, and thought they all seemed just fine. I usually looked for the best deal J. D. From: diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com [mailto:diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of isaacSent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 7:01 PMTo: diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.comSubject: [diamondbackterrapins] Re: Mega-Ray EB vs SB, which to get? I haven’t personally used either of those bulbs. I have used both T-rex and zoo-med bulbs and prefer the zoomed between those 2. However I recently discovered the Exo Terra Solar Glo which is carried by Petsmart and only cost $40 (you can find cheaper on online stores). It is a self ballasted mercury vapor bulb much like the T-rex and Zoomed. I am using it currently with no problems.
Ive spoken to Bob many times and though hes had some rough times in the past, the bulbs he is producing now are the best out there IMO(German). Closest to the real sun. He has extensive charts and the testing results on his site. I use only the SB and it lasts about 14 months. I bought a solarmeter 6.2 to test at the end, for proper output. Using the temp gun is the only way to determine the correct temps easily. DBTs usually like it on the warmer side. (must be at least 10 degrees warmer than the water but my guys wont bask if under 95F)There has been lots of problems reported on some bulbs so be careful and the Mercury Vapor bulbs are for tanks over 40 gals only as they are super strong. always hang above out of the line of sight and secure well (not in a clamp fixture as the butterfly nut always comes loose, only a ceramic socket rated for 250 watts)I also plug into a GFCI safe outlet just in case.Drs Foster SMith sells http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=17878I find the 100 watt SB is fine for the 95F at the site at the recommeded distance of no more than 14″(to top of back) though you may get different reading as it is determined on ambient temps of your room. I also use reptile uv heat projectors vs the heat emitter as they are pretty dangerous in my experience.Mega Ray stands by their product also. They have replaced defective lamps for me in the past ,no questions asked.check here regarding the hazards of other companies bulbs.http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm
Hey thanks for all the great feedback! The cost factor is definitely a plus for me. I was going to with the reptisun 5.0/10 cf at first, but then I’d have two lamps running instead of one and I’d need to replace every six months. That’s what primarily drew me to the SB and EB bulb. It does have a high initial cost but it lasts longer but it works out. Also, I realized that I made a typo, I meant to say 85-95 degrees. My little one does like it just a bit north of 90, but it does sound like I would need a heat emitter or the heat projector mentioned. What’s the difference? If I do go the SB route I will probably go the 100 watt. Will that be okay on a 20 gallon? My turtle is still a juvenile, so I havent found a large tank for her yet, though she is growing fast. I’ve been looking on craigslist for a solid large tank thats not too much but I havent found one yet within my price range. I’m just concerned the 100 Watt SB may be too much for her in a 20 gallon tank. I’ll leave the SB hanging straight down between 12″ and 18″ above her basking dock. With regards to other bulbs, I havent seen the TRex anywhere and the local pet stores (big box pet stores) near me only carry the Powersun for around $50-60! So it would be the same price as the Mega-Ray SB. I havent seen the Exo Terra version yet, but I’ll keep my eye on it and see what reviews I can find. Thanks again! Miguel
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