combined UV/ heat bulbs

touie · 27-12-2010, 02:15 PM

How often should these Mercury Vapour bulbs be replaced to keep the UV at the correct levels?

Helen M · 27-12-2010, 02:20 PM

Depends on the bulb I think. They should be replaced probably every 6 months to a year. I have a megaray that is 2 years old which I will be replacing soon. Given my torts get plenty of summer sunshine I don't think it affects them not getting much UV in the winter when they're inside.

Helen xx

touie · 27-12-2010, 02:21 PM

the strip lights need replacing every 6 months but I know the combined bulbs last alot longer, I just can't remember how long! Definately more than a year!

**Alan1** · 27-12-2010, 02:28 PM

it depends what type of bulb you buy. As I reported recently, I tested 2 Solarglo bulbs which were pretty much useless from new. 2 weeks later and they were producing crap amounts of UVB and were more or less worthless. From new, one was producing 39 and the other was producing 50. in 2 weeks it had dropped to 20. on the other hand my 2 arcadia bulbs are producing 182 and 131 from new. without a solarmeter there's no way of telling when your bulb is done, it may even be done when you get it

touie · 27-12-2010, 02:39 PM

It is an Exo Terra lamp (that's all I can see sticking out of the clamp) so assuming it must be a Solar Glo. Are Solarmeters expensive, I havne't heard of them?

27-12-2010, 02:15 PM	#1
touie Member Hatched Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth UK Posts: 426	combined UV/ heat bulbs How often should these Mercury Vapour bulbs be replaced to keep the UV at the correct levels?

27-12-2010, 02:39 PM	#5
touie Member Hatched Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth UK Posts: 426	It is an Exo Terra lamp (that's all I can see sticking out of the clamp) so assuming it must be a Solar Glo. Are Solarmeters expensive, I havne't heard of them? Last edited by touie; 27-12-2010 at 02:58 PM.

27-12-2010, 02:20 PM	#2
Helen M Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2,362	Depends on the bulb I think. They should be replaced probably every 6 months to a year. I have a megaray that is 2 years old which I will be replacing soon. Given my torts get plenty of summer sunshine I don't think it affects them not getting much UV in the winter when they're inside. Helen xx

27-12-2010, 02:21 PM	#3
touie Member Hatched Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Portsmouth UK Posts: 426	the strip lights need replacing every 6 months but I know the combined bulbs last alot longer, I just can't remember how long! Definately more than a year!

27-12-2010, 02:28 PM	#4
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	it depends what type of bulb you buy. As I reported recently, I tested 2 Solarglo bulbs which were pretty much useless from new. 2 weeks later and they were producing crap amounts of UVB and were more or less worthless. From new, one was producing 39 and the other was producing 50. in 2 weeks it had dropped to 20. on the other hand my 2 arcadia bulbs are producing 182 and 131 from new. without a solarmeter there's no way of telling when your bulb is done, it may even be done when you get it

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