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2 UVB bulbs for $13.99

PostPosted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:17 am
by Vnctan
I found a great deal. Two 100W or 160W UVB bulbs for $13.99.

http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product ... ts_id=1522

PostPosted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 2:32 pm
by BullDog
Hmm... I suspicious about these. They don't actually state "X.x% UVB", and they're a high wattage but certainly don't look like any kind of MVB.
I have a feeling they might just be "full spectrum" bulbs, which don't put out very much UVB.

I wonder if anyone else here has heard of them...

PostPosted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 6:27 pm
by Vnctan
I just recieved mine today and the box says:

Sel-Ballast Mercury Vapor Lamp
Sun Seeker UV
Application:
For large vivarium applications or high-demand UVA/UVB requirements
Great for large zoo-type enclosures housing aquatic turtles, tortoises, large lizards, or large snakes
Use as part of a veterinary treatment for Metabolic Bone Disease

Features:
Nickel plated brass threads
Special UV transmitting hard glass
Luminous flux (lm): 1680
10,000 hour average life

Directions:
Use only with ceramic fixtures with a reflector. Do not use plastic. Plastic will melt. Keep away from flammable materials. Puts out very high heat. Don't place too close to your pet. Please do not use a dimmer with this bulb - the variatiions of temperature will shorten bulb life.

Shutting off your bulb:
If your power goes out while the bulb is on, or the bulb is bumped while on, it may not come back on as soon as you turn it on. This is normal with self ballast bulbs. Wait 15 minutes to 30 minutes and it should restart itself. *I unplugged my bulb and plugged it back in and it came back on after about 5 minutes.

When I bought these bulbs I thought that they were just 2 UVB bulbs for $14 which in itself is a great deal but they're really MVB's for $14 which is a fantastic deal.

PostPosted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 6:55 pm
by jozzep
Those are mercury vapor bulbs, but the ones used for street lighting and lamps in large warehouses.I always asked myself if they would be ok for reptiles, but this is the first time i see them packaged as reptile bulbs.

Those are basically the same as these

http://www.needabulb.com/Mercury-Vapor- ... 5Qod-w7jcg

PostPosted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 7:04 pm
by Vnctan
MVB are very common in the reptile industry. They save money because they double as heat and UVB bulbs. They are usually around $30-$40 each. Here is a link to a site that sells them and they are even mentioned in the basking info on this site.

http://www.petmountain.com/category/465 ... vapor.html

http://www.redearslider.com/basking.html

PostPosted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 8:08 pm
by jozzep
Vnctan wrote:MVB are very common in the reptile industry. They save money because they double as heat and UVB bulbs. They are usually around $30-$40 each. Here is a link to a site that sells them and they are even mentioned in the basking info on this site.

http://www.petmountain.com/category/465 ... vapor.html

http://www.redearslider.com/basking.html


I know what MVB are. Not ALL MVB can be used for reptiles.
I use Mega-Rays that are the best money can buy, and it has been proven with UVB meters.
I was talking about the particular ones you purchased. Never seen them before, and it looks like someone decided to put the face of a reptile on the box and sell them as reptile MVB.
Only a meter would prove me wrong, but i wouldn't use them.

PostPosted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 8:30 pm
by papoopeepoo
I'm very skeptical of those bulbs. They look like a regular construction MVB put in a different box that just says for FOR REPTILES:

With all the money your saving on your bulbs, you should buy a UV meter to be sure it is safe.

Re: 2 UVB bulbs for $13.99

PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 2:37 am
by Vnctan
Well I got the bulbs and my turtle loved them but they only lasted 360-720 hours when they state that they last for 10,000 hours. I'll either go back to buying Exo-Terra Repti-Glo 5.0 bulbs that I know last for a long time or buy a Zoo Med PowerSun UVB bulb that I have read really good reviews about.