Disappointed with Arcadia D3 160w output

[TillyTortoise]

Thought i'd share this..

I've just tested an Arcadia D3 160w I have had running 12 hours a day since the start of December 2012. It was a replacement bulb for one that had broken previously. I tested the lamp to find out the UVb output when new and it was 173 uW/cm² at 12 inches.. great I thought

Now, just 4 months later it's reading a feeble 17 uW/cm² at 12 inches

I'm quite disappointed in it really, I've got 3 more D3's here all much older than this one and they still produce over 80 uW/cm², the only difference I can see is these are the old type with the Arcadia logo stamped on the face of the lamp as opposed to the side.

[egyptiandan64]

Seems like the older ones Ross are doing a much better job. Maybe they are trying something new to get you to change the bulbs every 4 months just so they can make an extra pound or 2

Danny

[TillyTortoise]

Originally Posted by egyptiandan64

Seems like the older ones Ross are doing a much better job. Maybe they are trying something new to get you to change the bulbs every 4 months just so they can make an extra pound or 2

Danny

I don't know Danny They are guaranteed for 12 months so you'd assume they'd produce a 'good' level of UVb for at least 12.. had this lamp belonged to someone without a meter to test it, they'd have carried on using it unawares of the poor output just 4 months after new.. resulting in a reptile not receiving enough UVb I dread to think what it will giving off in December

[Catwoman63]

Thats really bad, a few posts have come up about the Arcadia D3 lamps that have either broken or not working within a short space of time. I have been using the Zoomed combined mercury vapour bulbs 100 and 150 watt and have never had a problem with them in 4 years (i do replace them every year). Although i dont take UVB output readings, where do i get this piece of equipment, how much are they to purchase? it will be interesting to test my own lamps to see how they are reading x

[TillyTortoise]

Originally Posted by Catwoman63

Thats really bad, a few posts have come up about the Arcadia D3 lamps that have either broken or not working within a short space of time. I have been using the Zoomed combined mercury vapour bulbs 100 and 150 watt and have never had a problem with them in 4 years (i do replace them every year). Although i dont take UVB output readings, where do i get this piece of equipment, how much are they to purchase? it will be interesting to test my own lamps to see how they are reading x

I have the Solarmeter 6.2, I think it was £150? Quite expensive really..

There are other Solarmeters though that give UV index readings.

[Catwoman63]

Blimey that is expensive, will try and shop around, thanks Ross x

[Gordon]

This is why i use tubes Ross once you have got the starter and reflector your there not sure how long the uv lasts but they are a lot cheaper to replace and with a 100w spot bulb a lot cheaper to run imo
Gordon

[Catwoman63]

I have the zoomed combined bulbs in 2 tables and UVB tubes with separate basking bulbs (£3 for a pack of 4 for 60watt and 100 watt) in the shed and a viv, it would be really interesting to test both of these for UVB output when first used to middle to end of use to see how the levels of UVB output compares x

[TillyTortoise]

Originally Posted by turnip

This is why i use tubes Ross once you have got the starter and reflector your there not sure how long the uv lasts but they are a lot cheaper to replace and with a 100w spot bulb a lot cheaper to run imo
Gordon

I switched all of my other setups to tubes.. this was the only D3 I was using.

The UV output of the tubes so far has been good

[Gordon]

Originally Posted by TillyTortoise

I switched all of my other setups to tubes.. this was the only D3 I was using.

The UV output of the tubes so far has been good

Thats good to hear as that all i use now