Re: re: i would wonder (and a nice question for Gina and anyone else who has used these...) rather long....

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Posted by Aaron S. Gorsky on March 31, 2000 at 16:39:36:

In Reply to: re: i would wonder (and a nice question for Gina and anyone else who has used these...) rather long.... posted by Jamie/JBug on March 22, 2000 at 18:08:56:

Hello--

I can confirm that the bulbs are putting out the UV which is claimed in the ads. How do I know? I have tested 5 bulbs in a laboratory dedicated to UV detection. The UV output ranges from 50 microwatts/2cm to several hundred depending on the bulb you use... Compare this to the ReptiSun bulb which only emits 10 and you can see the difference....

Aaron

: As for Bon's comment, the UV Heat bulbs claim to be able to put out UVB from much farther away than our typical ZooMed bulbs. It sounds like a super thing, and maybe it is. But I have some questions about it that I, personally, need to be answered before I would feel comfortable using them. That, and a *lot* more research.
: 1. It has been said that 18 inches is the maximun distance for a UVB source that isn't hazerdous to a herp's or a human's health. I don't have a bibliography to back that statement up, but it is something to question.
: 2. Two things from the website that disturb me a little:
: a. "Avoid staring directly into or working under a bulb in use. (Lizards look at and live under these lights. If there's too much UV to be safe for humans, is it possible that it's too much for lizards? I don't know...remains to be seen.)
: b. "...turn lamps off while working close (3 feet or less) for extended periods of time. (Same question, and what constitutes 'extended periods?"
: Now, like I said, this is my own opinion, and I haven't used them, so I'm not going to give advice about them. I personally believe that it's too soon to know whether or not these bulbs are going to work perfectly, and if they are going to be a viable replacement for ZooMed bulbs and Vitalights. I think it remains to be seen.
: I have nothing against anyone wanting to try them as an experiemnt. If someone didn't, how would we learn more about them? I think that these bulbs would make a better setup for a Zoo or something than they would for the average home keeper.

: As for my question: Gina, (or anyone else who has used these bulbs), what makes you sure (and this isn't a nasty question, or a flame, I'm genuinely interesred, here, ok?) that this product is doing what needs done? Have you seen a change in your iguanas eating habits, colors, attitude? (I'm sure you've posted this before, but please humor me, I was away for a while and probably missed it.) ALso, have you had any blood testing done on the animals who have been under these lights for a signifigant time? Was the calcium levels high, low, perfect? How long have they been under the lights, and what sort of regimine do you use for them? How many hours on/off, stuff like that?

: The first step to learning is experimenting and then sharing the learning. Most of the testimonials on the UV Heat page are vague and a lot are written by peeps in zoos and such. I'm interested in first hand information from another private owner. T

: This isan interesting thread. Thanks for anyone with input!

: Best,
: Jamie/JBug

: : the UV source should be about 12" away from the ig to be effective ... that sounds waaaaaaay too close to be to a *heat* source for safety's sake ...

: : iZ's mom (worrying overtime as always)

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: Hello-- : I can confirm that the bulbs are putting out the UV which is claimed in the ads. How do I know? I have tested 5 bulbs in a laboratory dedicated to UV detection. The UV output ranges from 50 microwatts/2cm to several hundred depending on the bulb you use... Compare this to the ReptiSun bulb which only emits 10 and you can see the difference.... : Aaron : : As for Bon's comment, the UV Heat bulbs claim to be able to put out UVB from much farther away than our typical ZooMed bulbs. It sounds like a super thing, and maybe it is. But I have some questions about it that I, personally, need to be answered before I would feel comfortable using them. That, and a *lot* more research. : : 1. It has been said that 18 inches is the maximun distance for a UVB source that isn't hazerdous to a herp's or a human's health. I don't have a bibliography to back that statement up, but it is something to question. : : 2. Two things from the website that disturb me a little: : : a. "Avoid staring directly into or working under a bulb in use. (Lizards look at and live under these lights. If there's too much UV to be safe for humans, is it possible that it's too much for lizards? I don't know...remains to be seen.) : : b. "...turn lamps off while working close (3 feet or less) for extended periods of time. (Same question, and what constitutes 'extended periods?" : : Now, like I said, this is my own opinion, and I haven't used them, so I'm not going to give advice about them. I personally believe that it's too soon to know whether or not these bulbs are going to work perfectly, and if they are going to be a viable replacement for ZooMed bulbs and Vitalights. I think it remains to be seen. : : I have nothing against anyone wanting to try them as an experiemnt. If someone didn't, how would we learn more about them? I think that these bulbs would make a better setup for a Zoo or something than they would for the average home keeper. : : As for my question: Gina, (or anyone else who has used these bulbs), what makes you sure (and this isn't a nasty question, or a flame, I'm genuinely interesred, here, ok?) that this product is doing what needs done? Have you seen a change in your iguanas eating habits, colors, attitude? (I'm sure you've posted this before, but please humor me, I was away for a while and probably missed it.) ALso, have you had any blood testing done on the animals who have been under these lights for a signifigant time? Was the calcium levels high, low, perfect? How long have they been under the lights, and what sort of regimine do you use for them? How many hours on/off, stuff like that? : : The first step to learning is experimenting and then sharing the learning. Most of the testimonials on the UV Heat page are vague and a lot are written by peeps in zoos and such. I'm interested in first hand information from another private owner. T : : This isan interesting thread. Thanks for anyone with input! : : Best, : : Jamie/JBug : : : the UV source should be about 12" away from the ig to be effective ... that sounds waaaaaaay too close to be to a *heat* source for safety's sake ... : : : iZ's mom (worrying overtime as always)

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