Cheapest method?

PMQ

Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2014
Messages
95
Is it cheaper to buy and use one mercury vapor bulb, or to have a tube UV light and a basking light?
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
68,419
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
About the same. Do you wish to include the price of fixtures in this calculation, or leave that out since its a one time expense?
 

PMQ

Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2014
Messages
95
About the same. Do you wish to include the price of fixtures in this calculation, or leave that out since its a one time expense?
Well I'm not sure if I need to buy new fixtures or not. My brother used to have a bearded dragon and I used to have a leopard gecko so I have light fixtures. The problem is, one is a 75W and the other is a huge 250W capable dome. Would the 75 be too small? Would a 100W bulb work fine in the large dome or would the light be too widespread?
 

PMQ

Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2014
Messages
95
Whatever you do, don't use that coil bulb that's in the pic. They cause eye problems.
I know not to use the coil bulb, it's just the bulb that was left in there from when my brother had his bearded dragon
 

WillTort2

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2011
Messages
1,247
I think I'm seeing the back end of a ceramic fixture; if so, then that fixture will be fine for the 100 watt.
 

PMQ

Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2014
Messages
95
I think I'm seeing the back end of a ceramic fixture; if so, then that fixture will be fine for the 100 watt.
ImageUploadedByTortoise Forum1408990387.697027.jpg

These are the two I have from previous reptiles. I'm just not sure if the large one would work right.
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 9, 2010
Messages
68,419
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
The larger one will be ideal. You want to create a large warmer basking "area" or "zone", not just a super hot small spot. It is better for your tortoises carapace that way. Spread the heat out over a larger area when possible, but still leave one end of the enclosure cooler for your Testudo sp.
 

Yellow Turtle01

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2013
Messages
7,691
Location (City and/or State)
OH, USA
The 100w could easily fit a 100w MVB. For a tube light, you'd need to buy a different fixture. I do have tube light, and would suggest you get one of those, but MVBs have many pluses.
 

New Posts

Top