changing lights?

[Mjdeisher]

How often should I change the uvb bulb? It's about 7 months old now. I'm also throwing around the idea of an mvb. It would be easier to move in a few months if I didn't have to worry about a giant light shattering. I've read they are a lot safer now? What's a good wattage to use for a Greek?

 

[Yvonne G]

I don't have experience with all types of UV lighting, but I've heard that you should change them out every 6 months. Maybe you can do a GOOGLE search for your brand of bulb and find out??

 

[Edna]

Powersun MVBs don't seem to shatter. I've been using them for several years without having any shatter. Like other lights, though, they quit working if they get knocked about, so pack carefully when you move.

 

[Yvonne G]

I think the concern is that the UV diminishes over time...appx. 6 months. And, as with any glass object, do like Edna says, and pack carefully.

 

[Edna]

I think the concern is that the UV diminishes over time...appx. 6 months.

Yes, and it's really impossible to know exactly how much UVB is being emitted without a reliable meter. Studies of brands and types of bulbs have produced charts showing the reduction of UVB output over time. The manufacturer's guidelines are based on such studies, so follow those guidelines.

 

[wellington]

The recommended is 6 months for the fluorescent bulbs and one year for the mvb. If your tort gets outside a lot in warmer weather, then you could probably extent those times a little.

 

[jaizei]

I think a meter is a necessary tool if you are relying on an artificial means of UVB. Some bulbs have lasted 2 -3 times longer than the guidelines, meaning you would be saving money by not replacing bulbs unnecessarily. More importantly, you will know if the bulb decays prematurely or if it is putting out excessive amounts of UVB.

 

[Edna]

I think a meter is a necessary tool if you are relying on an artificial means of UVB. Some bulbs have lasted 2 -3 times longer than the guidelines, meaning you would be saving money by not replacing bulbs unnecessarily. More importantly, you will know if the bulb decays prematurely or if it is putting out excessive amounts of UVB.

Great points, Jaizei!

 

[cherylim]

My MVBs last for 16 months, apparently. I replace them every 12, but I replace in September so that they're at their strongest during the winter. In summer it doesn't matter if the UV is wearing down a bit, because more time is spent outdoors.

 

[Alan RF]

My uvb strip light says replace every 12months so I'm replacing at 6months as in the winter this is his only uvb

 

[Mjdeisher]

My MVBs last for 16 months, apparently. I replace them every 12, but I replace in September so that they're at their strongest during the winter. In summer it doesn't matter if the UV is wearing down a bit, because more time is spent outdoors.

That's a really good thought, wish I had thought of that last fall!

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My uvb strip light says replace every 12months so I'm replacing at 6months as in the winter this is his only uvb

That's what I've been thinking also. I've dropped it down a few inches a few months ago already.

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I think a meter is a necessary tool if you are relying on an artificial means of UVB. Some bulbs have lasted 2 -3 times longer than the guidelines, meaning you would be saving money by not replacing bulbs unnecessarily. More importantly, you will know if the bulb decays prematurely or if it is putting out excessive amounts of UVB.

I really do need to invest in a meter. I've used them in my research lab, I just need to get one of my own...