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Posted by Ig Chick on August 25, 2001 at 06:42:34:
In Reply to: Mr. D........I don't think I said anything about a ....... posted by HD on August 25, 2001 at 05:52:53:
Well since my darling hubby is still snoozing I decided that I would post to this. You know how us, what was the term used, I think it was strange or maybe it was looney, people on this forum get when we are passionate about something.
We didn't jump on any new product. Matter of fact, we've been watching home testing of this bulb since late last year and all we can do now is kick ourselves for waiting so long to buy one. There are several good independent tests on this bulb and UV in general such as the Boston University study, Phillips Lighting report and even some testing by our good friend David Krughoff. The fact remains that while this bulb in no way produces as much UVB as the sun, it's still a better tool than any other bulb out there. We have seen results first hand, both in our own home and at the homes of friends who are using them on a variety of reptiles.
It really kills me when I hear Melissa Kaplan's argument shrouded in other cloth from people over and over again when in reality it's purely a common sense issue should anyone take the time to think for themselves. As humans we are exposed to higher levels of UV every day every time we go outside. We know not to look directly into the sun. We know that looking directly into the sun can cause eye problems. And we know that with ANY UVB product we use for our reptiles, certain safety measures should be followed. Why then, since we know all these things, is their such pandemonium about a product that is not only already more than a few years old but that MANY reptile product companies (T-Rex, ESU, Zoo Med) are already producing versions of? If there was any real safety issues that applied to humans, do you really thing these companies would be willing to risk billions of dollars in lawsuits just to sell these bulbs? If they were that stupid I highly doubt they would still be in business today.
While I certainly would not chastise someone for not switching over to Active bulbs, I do try to make sure they have all the facts before our discussion ends. I send them to www.photobiology.com to do some reading on self-limiting D3 production for themselves, as well as to a few other sites. It is my belief that once the reptile community takes the time to educate itself on UV and the role it plays in keeping captive reptiles healthy, instead of reading someone's half-baked opinions on proper care methods, you will see a major change in the way people think about UV and the bulbs they purchase. Once they realize that the fluorescent tube they are using, even if it is only 12 inches away and replaced every six months, isn't really doing all that much for their iguana (look at the number cases of MBD) they will either add 3 more tubes to their setups or switch to a mercury vapor bulb. As for an argument from someone that they only have 1 tube in their setup and their iguana is fine remember this, while that person may be an excellent caretaker, replace the bulb every 6 months, provide access to natural sun, feed a proper diet and so on, for every one of them there are at least 10 iguana caretakers who do not do those things. It has been proven that liquid D3 given orally can prevent MBD even when no UV is provided proving that moderate amounts of proper care can prevent MBD. I’m certainly not going to advocate the use of oral D3, which can be toxic if overdosed, to the average person but I will stress the importance of proper UV exposure. As it is, it’s difficult enough to get people to replace their 5.0s every six months, at least with a mercury vapor bulb, we’re giving the iguana some kind of fighting chance as they are known to last 12-18 months. I’ve got the time and the data and I have willingly shared it with anyone who has asked, I will not however, keep having the same old tired discussion with people who have obviously never bothered to do any research on their own other than to read Melissa Kaplan's OPINION of a product she has never used let alone done or fostered any independent testing on. What is that Mr. D always says? Ah, yes, “There is no such thing as a stupid question. However, intellectual spoon-feeding is not an option.”
In my opinion, after book researching, reading tests, talking to other more experienced reptile keepers and using the bulbs in my own home, this is the best tool I have to get closer to recreating a natural environment for my iguanas. I live pretty far North and I am not afforded the luxury of being able to take our iguanas outside year round and with currently 10 in-house, I don’t have the time to get all 10 of them outside every day. I have to do the best I can for them with the tools I have at my disposal. I spent the time to understand my options and like with everything else, when people ask, I try to give them the benefit of my many hours of study. If someone chooses to not use these bulbs, that’s fine and if they want to try them even better. I would never presume to make a judgment about them or their personal decision for it.
As far as comparing this to a hot rock -I'll hold my tongue for fear of a public lashing. But I will say this, it's thinking like that that tends to get books burned.
Gee, I wonder what “everyone” said when the first UVB light for reptiles came out?
