SOME MORE RESULTS...

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Posted by chikkensht on February 19, 2003 at 14:53:44:

In Reply to: Some results concerning my MVB debate... posted by chikkensht on February 18, 2003 at 19:35:37:

According to Isooco's link, Zoo-med 160w powersun(flood?) put out 60uW/cm^2 at 30 cm. I am assuming that this is UVB considering UVA outputs are usually a lot more. I contacted Big Apple Herp, and they claimed their bulb(160w flood) put out 640uW/cm^2(UVA) and 85uW/cm^2 UVB. They also stated that their bulb is brighter because they have 2 tubes creating light and clear glass that encases everything. They could not confirm the rumor about it running cooler. I was also fortunate enough to talk to John at Herpsupplies, and he had done a little bit of home research with Zoo-Med and T-Rex bulbs. He stated that 2 comparative bulbs both had UVB outputs within vicinity of each other. He also confirmed that Zoo-Med's policy for return is much better(1 year warranty) than T-Rex, who required the customer pay half of the purchase price to be sent a new one. I was also informed by Big Apple herp that these bulbs are handmade, and because of this, they are prone to cut outs, and inconsistent UV outputs. John also agreed that a couple bulbs he tested actually put out more UVB, and some of the same brand and wattage tested produced less.
Please note these these theories were taken from opinion, and home-made research. Only true laboratory analysis can give us a true definition. It is, in my opinion, that Zoo-Med is better in customer service (not to mention they put out a dandy product) than T-rex. Big Apple's warranty only lasted 6 months, and there is still a lot unknown about these bulbs. On one more note, a bulb by the name of HIGH NOON was brought up by B.A.H. He stated that these bulbs were made for security light fixtures, and were not intended for animals. He stated the reason being, these bulbs were made with a lead glass, and that UV rays cannot penetrate(as easily) as clear glass...And for all you who think not one UV ray can pass through glass, I have proof otherwise, but I'm not going to get into it becasue this post is long enough...
Thanx for listening! And thanks to all who replied!

:Well, according to chameleon and basilisk owners, the popular choice seems to be Zoo-Med powersun. They claimed less burn outs, and better service when burn out did occur than T-REX bulbs. A small percentage used Big Apple bulbs, some even stated that they produced less heat, but did actually last longer. Now this analysis is based directly on opinions and not on full trustworthy research-maybe because THERE IS NONE OUT THERE!!!!!!>:{
:Anyways, to throw my vote in, I was very pleased with my powersun. I'm going to try Big Apple because if the 'rumor' about not producing a lot of heat is true, then I have ended my search for the perfect bulb. I don't need a lot of heat(powersun got a test basking spot up to about 115.F at 18" away), and a cooler running bulb means longer life...I've also heard that Big Apple has excellent customer service, and their prices are the lowest I've seen. It will actually be cheaper to buy from them then to go to an expo and buy one there. I will let you all know the results of Big Apple when I get it set up. Thanks for all who assisted me and put up with my annoying curiousity :oP

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