Re: Vitalites

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Posted by cwatbay on July 08, 2002 at 11:29:59:

In Reply to: Vitalites posted by Wendy on July 07, 2002 at 21:12:11:

I had the experience of watching various UVB bulbs tested in front of me with the results at variuous distances. Of all the bulbs,the Repti Sun 5.0 came out the best, the Vita Lite came out the worst - in fact the Vita Lite was at 6 inches from the bulbs was next to worthless - which is probably why they are always on sale or so cheap.

At 3 months the ReptiSun was still ok at 12 and 18 inches, while the Vita Lite was worthless with little or no UVB at any distance.

However,

I spent about 2 years deciding on whether to go with the UVB/Heat bulbs over the flourescent ReptiSuns. Basically, after 4 to 6 months the ReptiSuns are worthless as far as UVB output goes. The reptile vets in the area recommend replacing the bulbs after 3 mos.

So, assuming that you replace the flourescents every 4 months, at a price of $ 18.95 each, that is %56.85 per year per bulb.

I bought PowerSun 160 watt flood UVB/Heat bulbs at $48.95 each - which put out much more UVB at distances up to 4-6 ft ( rather than 12 to 18 inches ). These bulbs has a life expectancy of 2 years, while still putting out the same level of UVB.

In essence I am saving at least $ 8.00 per bulb over the course of a year and getting much better UVB coverage and levels. For me that was 8 bulbs times $ 8.00 which equals a savings of $ 64.00 per year. I did not factor in electricity savings.

I did choose PowerSun over Active UV because Active UV had a spotty history of customer service and delivery. And, I was concerned about their ability to continue in business due to customer complaints and lack of service. Also, the Active bulbs I needed were not in stock at the time regarless of whether they came from Active UV direct or via T-Rex.

I would recommend a UVB/Heat over flouresents if you want to save money over the long term( year ) and if you want your animals to get the max UVB from a light source( other than the sun).

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: I had the experience of watching various UVB bulbs tested in front of me with the results at variuous distances. Of all the bulbs,the Repti Sun 5.0 came out the best, the Vita Lite came out the worst - in fact the Vita Lite was at 6 inches from the bulbs was next to worthless - which is probably why they are always on sale or so cheap. : At 3 months the ReptiSun was still ok at 12 and 18 inches, while the Vita Lite was worthless with little or no UVB at any distance. : However, : I spent about 2 years deciding on whether to go with the UVB/Heat bulbs over the flourescent ReptiSuns. Basically, after 4 to 6 months the ReptiSuns are worthless as far as UVB output goes. The reptile vets in the area recommend replacing the bulbs after 3 mos. : So, assuming that you replace the flourescents every 4 months, at a price of $ 18.95 each, that is %56.85 per year per bulb. : I bought PowerSun 160 watt flood UVB/Heat bulbs at $48.95 each - which put out much more UVB at distances up to 4-6 ft ( rather than 12 to 18 inches ). These bulbs has a life expectancy of 2 years, while still putting out the same level of UVB. : In essence I am saving at least $ 8.00 per bulb over the course of a year and getting much better UVB coverage and levels. For me that was 8 bulbs times $ 8.00 which equals a savings of $ 64.00 per year. I did not factor in electricity savings. : I did choose PowerSun over Active UV because Active UV had a spotty history of customer service and delivery. And, I was concerned about their ability to continue in business due to customer complaints and lack of service. Also, the Active bulbs I needed were not in stock at the time regarless of whether they came from Active UV direct or via T-Rex. : I would recommend a UVB/Heat over flouresents if you want to save money over the long term( year ) and if you want your animals to get the max UVB from a light source( other than the sun). : CW

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