Equipment Review and Discussion :: EXO - TERRA SOLAR GLO MERCURY VAPOUR BULB

[xsavingsaturdayx]

I just ran into this a little while ago, has anyone used it? I have never seen it, or heard of it, the price is nice. I might buy one for one of my turtles, the 125 watt version though, i dont need the 160 watt one, and not from this site since they are out of stock.

Should I try it out?

http://www.exoticpetevolution.com/solar ... 5_watt.php

[Kallistos]

I've seen those, yes but they aren't the most popular MVB's out there. Most people on these forums that use MVB's use the T-rex or Zoo-med brands. (at least the last time I checked.) Of course the brand you linked me to isn't popular, I'd assume it still puts out UVA and UVB. But, you can get the popular/proven brand for about $8-$10. Hopefully, someone with experience w/ this brand will respond. Personally, I use the T-rex brand which has worked well.

[DavidY]

Hmmm, very interesting. I'd be interested to see how they stack up in a side-by-side comparison at an independant test lab.

[adam85491]

Well..most of you guys probably know I'm a fan of Exo terra lol..but actually I've never seen this bulb..I have the sun glo and repti glo and think they are awesome so I'de say go for it..it has a great price and I like all the products I have from them..

I think Exo Terra makes the best stuff but didn't you just buy a UVB bulb? Anyway, if your looking at the MVB scenario I'de get it.

This link has a good chart comparing their bulbs

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/lighting_info.php

[SpotsMama]

A UVB bulb can be a tricky thing. Some of them have been know to hurt turtles' eyes and make them not want to bask. I don't think we've seen this recently with an MVB bulb but they are particularly strong bulbs to begin with and I'd be leary of one that wasn't in wide use with a lot of history behind it.

Of course, you can always try it and see what happens. Just watch carefully to see how your turtles react.

[adam85491]

Well, we have seen some bulbs posted on here by brands no one has ever heard of like this bulb http://www.herpsupplies.com/product.cfm?id=PP-SB160W Exo Terra is a proven brand and one of the best brands for reptiles..not much of a risk in my opinion. I wouldn't buy it just to buy it, but if you are going to get an MVB I don't think this would be that bad.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

Well..most of you guys probably know I'm a fan of Exo terra lol..but actually I've never seen this bulb..I have the sun glo and repti glo and think they are awesome so I'de say go for it..it has a great price and I like all the products I have from them..

I think Exo Terra makes the best stuff but didn't you just buy a UVB bulb? Anyway, if your looking at the MVB scenario I'de get it.

This link has a good chart comparing their bulbs

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/lighting_info.php

Yeah I have. But I can afford it, i'm thinking of using it in the 60 gallon rubbermaid with my female, and just saving the reptiglo for an emergency or something, never hurts to have a spare laying around. I dont know though..the compacts are doing okay on my turts I gotta say, but...I've always wanted to try a MVB, a lot of people say their turtles often bask more and a change in behaviour is noticeable.

[adam85491]

Well, I just bought a 20L so I've never used an MVB-I'de be interested to hear about what changes occur in behavior. I'm probably gonna go the rubbermaid route next as a glass tank will be out of my budget and space too. Just curious, how do you brace your rubbermaid and is it clear? Space is most important but I'm just so used to seeing my turtles through the glass..

[SpotsMama]

this is just one turtle's experience - my turtle basked some but not a lot when I used a Powersun, but when I switched to the T-Rex, I saw a big change. He basked much more with the T-Rex.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

Actually I think my turtles enjoy the "privacy" that the rubbermaid provides. The 60 gallon rubbermaid i'm using for my female is a blue-ish color, and the 20 gallon one i'm using for my male is the same, though i'm moving him into something bigger as soon as I have everything set, he and my female didnt hit it off too well..

I actually dont brace the sides, i know i'm just asking for my room to be flooded, but I havent gotten a chance to look into it. I will though, i have a week off, so I might hit home depot tommorow and see what I can round up.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

this is just one turtle's experience - my turtle basked some but not a lot when I used a Powersun, but when I switched to the T-Rex, I saw a big change. He basked much more with the T-Rex.

Yeah I have heard of T-REX being a good brand for MVB. Has anyone heard of the mega ray? Tom C from ATP say's it's THE best MVB on the market..

[steve]

The Solar Glo is very new and currently doesn't have any independent test results. Exo terra is a very good brand (I'm about to get some Repti Glo bulbs), so I'll be interested in these as well. With that said, T-Rex puts a great deal of effort into their product, and worth the extra $10. Remember, the bulb should be good for a whole year... thats less than $1 extra a month

The Solar-Brite has been around for a long time, but didn't earn a good reputation. I don't know if anything has really changed, but there are some good choices out there.

Hey SpotsMama, were the bulbs the same wattage/type (flood or spot)?

[adam85491]

Alright..I know I'll need a rubbermaid eventually just hoping I find one less than 34 inches long and that is pretty tall..I just got a $40 stand for 20L and my Mom bought it..I buy most of the stuff but I knew that just wasn't gonna happen..I don't think she would be happy if I used this tank for less than a year before having the stand become useless..

The Exo Terra MVB might not be proven-I think it is new, but you can't complain about the Repti Glo and neither can I, or about the Sun Glo so if it is cheaper I would get it..the UVB bulbs are cheaper, but I think it is safe to say they are just as good as the reptisuns as well..and haven't caused problems either.

[steve]

Yeah I have heard of T-REX being a good brand for MVB. Has anyone heard of the mega ray? Tom C from ATP say's it's THE best MVB on the market..

Yes, Mega Ray is also a good brand, but TRex is currently more popular.

[steve]

I haven't tried the Sun Glo, but it looks like a normal halogen light to me. In fact, that's what I use, a regular GE outdoor halogen bulb. The Repti Glo is considered weaker than the Reptisun, like a Reptisun 5 = Repti Glo 8.