Well...Define "expensive"..

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Posted by Mr. D on May 16, 2002 at 22:36:13:

In Reply to: Re: Additional basking in new, tall area of habitat. posted by John-Paul on May 16, 2002 at 11:10:09:

Both the Actives and PowerSuns usually run between $50 and $80 depending on where you purchase them. If you're getting them at a retail chain such as PetCompany then they can have as much as a 400% markup on their products and they'll whack you for $80. HerpSupplies.com, on the other hand, gets about $54 each.

Now, depending on where you're purchasing your fluo tubes you're most likely paying anywhere between $19 & $35 per bulb. Fluo tubes have to be replaced every 6 months maximum to be at all effective and only produce 10 microwatts/cm2 at 12" +/-. Merc vapors should last a minimum of 1 year, produce upwards of 50 microwatts/cm2 at 12", and produce significant basking heat as well.

$54 for one mv bulb/ year, more UV exposure, basking heat as well.

2 fluo tubes per year - $38-$70 per year, significantly less UV, no heat production which means greater energy consumption due to multiple sources for uv, heat, and basking.

Lasting effects - we've been running the bulbs here for nearly 2 years now with zero negative side effects on either iguana or human. Contrary to popular belief and certain published works, from my recent personal experience, UV "bleed" is nearly non-existant - at least when using a 160 watt flood bulb. Two feet to either side of a bulb at 12" and UVB readings drop to zero. Which means that the further to any side and the further down you get from a bulb the lesser the amount of UVB. Granted, a 160 spot bulb will generate more UV at greater distances - but that is what the bulb is designed for.

23 mv bulbs, plenty of healthy or recovering animals, zero tumors, cataracts, third arms growing from foreheads. In fact, assuming the application allows, they are all that we use around here.

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Re: Well...Define "expensive".. John-Paul 05/17/02 (0)

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: Both the Actives and PowerSuns usually run between $50 and $80 depending on where you purchase them. If you're getting them at a retail chain such as PetCompany then they can have as much as a 400% markup on their products and they'll whack you for $80. HerpSupplies.com, on the other hand, gets about $54 each. : Now, depending on where you're purchasing your fluo tubes you're most likely paying anywhere between $19 & $35 per bulb. Fluo tubes have to be replaced every 6 months maximum to be at all effective and only produce 10 microwatts/cm2 at 12" +/-. Merc vapors should last a minimum of 1 year, produce upwards of 50 microwatts/cm2 at 12", and produce significant basking heat as well. : $54 for one mv bulb/ year, more UV exposure, basking heat as well. : 2 fluo tubes per year - $38-$70 per year, significantly less UV, no heat production which means greater energy consumption due to multiple sources for uv, heat, and basking. : Lasting effects - we've been running the bulbs here for nearly 2 years now with zero negative side effects on either iguana or human. Contrary to popular belief and certain published works, from my recent personal experience, UV "bleed" is nearly non-existant - at least when using a 160 watt flood bulb. Two feet to either side of a bulb at 12" and UVB readings drop to zero. Which means that the further to any side and the further down you get from a bulb the lesser the amount of UVB. Granted, a 160 spot bulb will generate more UV at greater distances - but that is what the bulb is designed for. : 23 mv bulbs, plenty of healthy or recovering animals, zero tumors, cataracts, third arms growing from foreheads. In fact, assuming the application allows, they are all that we use around here.

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