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Posted by Mr. D on September 27, 2002 at 01:21:50:
In Reply to: Re: Tomorrows the big day.. posted by Linda G on September 26, 2002 at 20:41:32:
Bear in mind as you read this that this is simply my opinion....
The amount of UVB produced by even a 160w spot bulb - which is the strongest bulb that I would recommend using in anything but the largest room sized enclosure - is roughly HALF the amount of UVB produced by the sun. A "spot" bulb will concentrate UV and visible light into a specific area and, yes, it CAN throw UV several feet away from the bulb location. HOWEVER, even with the "flood" type bulbs, the UV exposure is limited to roughly a 1 foot radius around the bulb and unless using a "spot" bulb, the only appreciable UV obtainable is within several feet of the bulb. In other words, you aren't going to be bombarded with UVB radiation from across the room. Assuming that the bulb that you purchased for yoru turtle enclosure isn't a 275w bulb I see no reason not to use it - as long as you keep an eye on the basking and ambient heat temps in the enclosure for the first few days to make sure that it doesnt' get TOO hot. My #1 concern with these bulbs is actually with the amount of heat that they can throw as opposed to the possiblity of "too much" UV. Personally, I have yet to see one of these bulbs produce "too much" UV.
Despite previously expressed opinions on this board as well as other websites, I have personally been using as many as 25 mercury vapor bulbs, both Active UV and PowerSun, in both flood and spot configurations, for over two years now with absolutely zero ill effects or hazardous situations arising to date. After reflecting on a previously made statement of mine I'd like to correct myself and say that the number of merc vapor bulbs that I have used is more in the 55-60 range as opposed to the original figure of 75 that I stated. I've done several rudimentary tests on the bulbs with a handheld Solarmeter brand radiometer and have yet to find any alarming or dangerous issues with the bulbs. About the only complaint that I have with the bulbs is that random bulbs seem to have lower thresholds before they shut off due to overheating. Other than that, I believe that these bulbs are currently one of the greatest tools that any herpetoculturalist can use for animals needing UV exposure. Yes, the bulbs are physically bright - so don't stare at them much like one wouldn't stare at the sun. The eye of a reptile is designed to withstand UV light much more than a human eye. In fact, I believe that Hatfield delves into some scientific evidence that iguanas can actually SEE in the ultraviolet spectrum. If such is the case then I would not think that there is any concern of "over exposure" to a reptile's eyes in general.
For RHP's, I woudn't go with anything smaller than a 12x24 100w if we're talking about Enerjoy's panels. Ive been using an 18x24 150w panel in my 6x6x3 without any problems at all. In fact, I STILL have yet to finish the doors for poor Mel but she doesn't seem to mind at all. So far, after nearly three years of constant operation I haven't had a single problem with either the panel or the ESU temperature controller regulating the ambient temp.
Hope this helps a bit Linda. Feel free to drop me a line directly if you'd rather...
