Mega Ray Bulbs?

[KingsfanJay]

Ordered quite a bit of stock from Kimbos Reptile Store when I was getting my set up sorted but I was wondering if anyone has had any issues with their megaray bulbs?

I got a 120W bulb and after 2 weeks of using it I had already experienced problems with it flickering, and one day turning itself off. Just after the 2 weeks of using the bulb (on my birthday as well), I had taken the tortoises to the vets to get them checked over, when I came home I was surprised to see that the bulb was smoking. I was wondering if this has ever happened to anyone else?

I went to Pets at Home (who I hate as a rule but this was needed urgently for tortoises) I got a bulb which works the same as the megaray, but was actually cheaper. Since the 27th Nov I have had no problems with this other bulb. The problem is I was very happy to keep using the mega ray bulbs when I got my replacement as my guarantee was nowhere near up, as my breeder highly recommends it and I want what’s best for them not what is cheapest. But since having the problem and e-mailing Kimbos 3 times since I have not had a single response from Darren regarding my situation.

Does anyone know anywhere else that does Mega Ray bulbs thats actually reliable? Or should I give up on the mega ray and use an alternative? Any recommendations welcome. Although I must add I am only a student at university so I don't have lots of money to spare which is why this is soo annoying as not only did I pay £50 for a mega ray but then an added £40 on a replacement.

Thanks for your time
Jay

[tortoise lover]

Hi jay, I have got a problem at the moment with my 6 month old megaray,it isnt smoking but it seems to be overheating,the temparature in the basking area is reading with a very accurate thermometer 165f which is way to high,it would prob frizzle my tortoise. I got mine from kimbos as well. I have emailed him but if no reply i will ring direct to his shop. The light i had before i never had any problems with watsoever so might invest in another one instead of the megaray. Hope you get sorted out like me, kim

[Alan1]

I was given this information recently...

The only other lamps that match the MegaRays for UV output, width of beam, and longevity are the "other MegaRays" - lamps also made by Westron, in the same factory as the MegaRay. These are sold under the brand names T-Rex Active UV Heat Flood and Komodo UV-Sun

I think this is them http://www.petzoo.co.uk/product_info...roducts_id=526 but you need to watch where you get them as this site is £21 more http://www.everythingforpets.com/t_r...d.4868.dept.7/

Komodo http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Komodo-uv-sun-...91206165002r20 that's a decent price. You can see from the pic that it is actually just a Megaray, looks identical to mine, pity they didn't sell them in shops so they'd be easy to take back if any problems. The fish supplier I used to deal with can get just about anything so I might have a word with him

Don't email Darren, just phone him

[Alan1]

I wish someone would come up with a lamp that was both reliable and long lasting. Arcadia are bringing a bulb out in the Spring but it's 160w. It has proved to be good in tests though

[Evie]

I have always been lucky with my Megaray bulbs - they do have a tendency to flicker for the first few hours but shouldn't smoke !!!!

Darren has always been very helpful and I am sure there is a good reason he has been unable to answer your e-mails.

I always used Powersun before and had no problems with them - unfortunately they are quite expensive too.

[clairestortoise]

I have to say, my bulb did play up for the first week or two, Just turning itself off and on again but no smoke or anything like that, I emailed Darren and did get a response a day or so later. He was more than happy to exchange if it did continue. Its ok now...Think it has to bed in...My lamp is fine now fingers cross...At £50 a go you want something good!!!

[16 shells]

Komodo have just done a big rep call on a lot of reptile/fish shops in our area, i know of a couple here that are stocking there product range, in your area it might be worth ringing round some

[Jillyp]

My Megaray blew after one day and it did take a while for a replacement. Personally I wouldn't touch them again with a barge pole and am currently using a Hobby UV All-day 160W

[Dazza]

any issues contact me : darren@megaray.co.uk

we did have a very bad batch last year, and of the currant stock we are still getting the odd blinker, but nothing like we were getting.

Its all being resolved..

Darren

[Eire_Ade]

I have had a trex active UV for nearly 3 years now but is starting to play up a bit turning itself on and off, I have a new spare one so lets hope this one lasts as long.

However I did have a problem with my 1st bulb being faulty but that was replaced and also the one I got for Mum's tortoises blew within a few days but both replacements have been ok so far since apart from mine recently going off and on, but I expect this is due to it comming to the end of its good life.

I think these mercury vapour bulbs are the best for our reptiles and like evrything in life, not everything is perfect and the 6 months warranty is good and likewise speak as you find, I have never had a problem with anything I have purchased from Dazza at Kimbos.