Equipment Review and Discussion :: Mega-Ray Light bulbs cause for concern

[Loumeer]

Hello Turtle Lovers,

Yesterday I discovered my turtle has passed away. Upon inspection hes eyes and face were peeling away. I wanted to give everybody a warning about using Mega-Ray bulbs. I have been using Powersin UV bulbs for about 5 years prior to this and on May 21st I installed the new Mega-ray bulb into his basking area. 1 week after, on May 28th I discovered him dead. I am not sure what this light has done but I wanted to warn all you turtle people out there that these lights may be defective.

[steve]

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. How old was he? Was the new bulb in the same fixture and same wattage? How long was the time between you last saw him and when you discovered him?

[Loumeer]

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. How old was he? Was the new bulb in the same fixture and same wattage? How long was the time between you last saw him and when you discovered him?

Same fixture, same wattage nothing changed except the bulb. I was at work on Tuesday, off on Wednesday. Saw him dead on Thursday.

--Ami

[steve]

I'm not sure what the connection could be from those symptoms Ami, that is the first time I have heard such of a thing.

[Kansasslider]

That's the first I have heard anything bad about Megaray bulbs. Are you sure the bulb killed the turtle. How close was it? What wattage? Sorry for your loss

[ljapa]

Loumeer, do you know what the production stamp number is on your bulb? I've ordered 3 MegaRay's. All had the same production run. I want to say it was something like 082013 or something like that.

I wonder if there has been a manufacturing issue?

Did you contact ReptileUV?

[Kansasslider]

Loumeer, do you know what the production stamp number is on your bulb? I've ordered 3 MegaRay's. All had the same production run. I want to say it was something like 082013 or something like that.

I wonder if there has been a manufacturing issue?

Did you contact ReptileUV?

That's a great point! If the bulb caused a death, Megaray needs to be made aware of it so it doesn't happen to anyone else.

[steve]

I checked with the bearded dragon forums when this was first posted but saw no reports of any issues. Most of them use MVBs and UVB meters so they are super aware of Mega Ray. Past issues aside, they seem to be very positive towards their MVBs.

[Loumeer]

I am sorry I didnt get the number of manufactured date or batch. I contacted the company and they gave me a cut and paste answer about how it cannot possibly be his bulb that did this to my turtle and it must be something that I did. Of course I am going to be sure it was the light because I have been keeping this turtle for 6 years and 6 days after I changed the bulb he dies. During that time there was no water changes, no new plants, nothing changed in his aquarium or enviornment.

I am not sure what else I can say, I don't have any readings or levels since I don't own the equipment. I sent the light back to the company I bought it from because they wanted to do tests on it. The cynic in me feels that even if the item was defective they would just sweep it under the carpet because a dead pet would be bad to business. I just wanted to post here for people to know. If there are any more questions about the light I will do my best to answer them.

The only observation I could make is that this light bulb was a lot whiter in color. Like a cool white light vs the Powersuns that I used which were a very warm yellow.

[Loumeer]

Also, the wattage was 100watt just like my 100w Powersun. The distance was 15" from the platform

[ljapa]

Loumeer, thanks for posting. I've been using MegaRays for over a year and a half.

I'm about due for a replacement, so I'm very interested in this. I've been very pleased, but I also know that the designer, reptileUV, has recently started looking for distributors, which likely means either increased production or a different manufacturer. Either could mean some quality control issues. I'm very interested in your post.

Do report back if you hear anything more, and thanks.

[VeipaCray]

Crap just when my supply of powersun bulbs runs out and I need to buy something, this thread pops up. :/

[Kansasslider]

Crap just when my supply of powersun bulbs runs out and I need to buy something, this thread pops up. :/

I'm not sure I would let this post sway my decision either way. I still need to get one myself and will when my cfl is due for replacement.

[ljapa]

Yep, and my MegaRay is due for a replacement soon.

I figure I'll set it up outside of the tank and test with the solar meter. I also figure if the qa issue was that bad, we'd have heard other stories by now.

[steve]

Still no similar posts on UVB Meter groups or beardie forums. Hopefully reptile uv will provide answers soon.