General Care Discussion :: RES Light/Heat Bulb Q...

[tonyandlala]

Hi all,
Love the site, so informative, keep up the good work.
We have 2 baby res's and would like some feedback on the proper lighting/basking bulb to use. Research seems to be mercury vapour is the way to go (?) for single bulb. They're in a 15G tank w/@ 3 gallons and basking dock @ 12 inches from top/bulb.
Question is, is mercury vapour the way to go and what wattage? Currently using Exo Terra 60W Sun Glo bulb, but that appears to not emit UVB, but does bring basking temp to @ 88F. Bought a 100W mercury vapour but that sent temp. over 100F.
Thanks in advance.

[steve]

15 gallon tank is too small for a MVB. These bulbs produce a lot of heat and UVB, so it's not really suited for a small tank. You really have to move it further away if you are to keep using it. It also needs a burn in period.

You are right, the Sun Glo does not emit UVB. I would just get a compact fluorescent UVB to go along with it.

[tonyandlala]

Thanks Steve, did exactly that last night.