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I have spent the last couple of weeks researching the equipment necessary to create a proper habitat for my girlfriend's RES.
The one thing I have found lacking is information on lighting fixtures. There are several different sizes of clamp lamps available but no information on why/when to use one size instead of another (other than appropriate bulb wattage).

I intend to use a 100W Powersun MVB with a stand to hang it approximately 12"-14" above the basking area. But I don't know if I need a 10", 8.5", 5.5", Deep Dome, Mini Dome, etc. style of fixture. Can anybody offer a recommendation?

That's a good question. MVBs are pretty wide. Here is an old T-Rex and a 8.5" Exo Terra dome. I forgot a profile shot, the bulb sticks out about an inch. The bulb measures about 4.5" across. Zoo Med recommends their deep dome (also 8.5") for their PowerSun. Fluker's deep dome is also 8.5" across.

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/ used to have analysis with different CFL/MVBs and different types of fixtures but those sections seem down. If I recall, fixtures with mirrored reflectors were to be avoided.



Also, you might want to consider the MegaRay, as those have been reintroduced to the market.

I would second the MegaRay recommendation.

I had a PowerSun and ultimately switched to the MegaRay after getting a UVB meter and being very unimpressed with the PowerSun output.

I use a ZooMed deep dome.

One thing to be aware of with MVB lamps is the ballast doesn't last long unless the lamp is hanging almost vertical. I have mine suspended from a chain hung from the ceiling.

I agree with Steve and Ijapa, I used to use the powersun, until I finally got my hands on the megaray. I use meters to measure all aspects of the lighting and the megaray is by far the best option on the current market. If you want an idea for a lighting setup check my build thread.