Solarglo v Arcadia Combi bulb test (latest Arcadia 160w readings page 7 onwards)

[rocio]

I have a Mega-Ray 160w,bought 1 year ago from Inka Products but it doesn't like to be used and frequently turns itself off and flickers when angry and about to turn itself off. It hasn't been used much as it's not needed for much of the year. Inka products have ignored me so am now buying some other brand but haven't decided which yet as I really only need a lamp for heat not UV.

[Ozric Jonathan]

Hi Rocio. If you don't need any uv from your lamp I suggest using halogens. They are excellent for heat, last a long time and are cheap to buy.

[Alan1]

Originally Posted by rocio

I have a Mega-Ray 160w,bought 1 year ago from Inka Products but it doesn't like to be used and frequently turns itself off and flickers when angry and about to turn itself off. It hasn't been used much as it's not needed for much of the year. Inka products have ignored me so am now buying some other brand but haven't decided which yet as I really only need a lamp for heat not UV.

it is possibly not the lamp but the lamp holder not making a good connection with the lamp. try to prise the contact in the holder up a little to make a better contact BUT MAKE SURE IT'S UNPLUGGED FIRST.

BTW you're not using a thermostat are you because they won't work properly with a thermostat

[yuna1971]

I found it was the holder when my Arcadia suddenly went off. I think they also cut out if too hot...noticed that a couple of times as well. They do come back on though..xx

[Alan1]

Forgot to add.. if it isn't making contact the electricity will jump the gap and cause the problem

[Alan1]

Originally Posted by Alan1

UPDATE 22nd AUGUST 2012

1st Arcadia 160w 102 uw/cm2 22-8-2012
2nd Arcadia 160w 86 uw/cm2 22-8-2012

Previous readings from 30th March 2012 and original readings listed below. The bulbs have been running almost every day for 23 and 20 months respectively

(1st 160w Arcadia 106 uW/cm2 March 2012)
(2nd 160w Arcadia 88 uW/cm2 March 2012)


(1st bulb originally 182, 25/9/10)
(2nd bulb originally 131, 23/12/10)

There may be a new UVB bulb on the go (the T5) but they don't suit everyone since they don't produce heat. These Arcadia 160w are the best combi heat+UVB bulbs that I have ever had, after 23 and 20 months almost continuous use apart from about 14 days, they are still producing more UVB than many brand new bulbs and certainly better than any other bulb I have ever tested for UVB deterioration.

All readings are taken at 12"

UPDATE 7TH DECEMBER 2012 - PREVIOUS TWO READINGS ARE IN THE QUOTE ABOVE

1st Arcadia 160w 97 uw/cm2 7-12-2012
2nd Arcadia 160w 80 uw/cm2 7-12-2012

(1st bulb originally 182, 25/9/10)
(2nd bulb originally 131, 23/12/10)
Both bulbs have been running almost every day except for about 14 days

[egyptiandan64]

Remind us again Alan as to what the minimum output should be for a UVB to help in the manufacture of vitamin D3 in the body.

Danny

[Alan1]

Originally Posted by egyptiandan64

Remind us again Alan as to what the minimum output should be for a UVB to help in the manufacture of vitamin D3 in the body.

Danny

I don't know Dan but Frances Baines told me once that when the bulb gets down to about 50 uw/cm2 (at 12") then it's time to start thinking about replacing it, so a while to go yet

I reckon the bulbs will go long before the UVB gets down to 50. No wonder Arcadiajohn is trying to get us onto other lighting, there's no money in bulbs that last forever

[Anita Sayles]

Fantastic...

[Alan1]

I could do to get this updated