Hey guys, I'm thinking about switching my beardies to MVB lighting and wondering what kind of experience you've had with them. I've read that they're much better than fluorescent lighting. But I've also read that Powersuns may cause the same eye problems as compact fluorescents. Is there any truth to this? And if so, it is just Powersun or the other brands as well?

Any input is appreciated!

I used them for about 3 years with ours, I like them and never noticed anything off with the beardies or any strange growths on them or me (years back I was told to much exposure could cause cancer, don't know how much truth there is to that then or now)....but any light that provides an all in one shot of heat and the uv rays was good in my book.

Thanks for the input Jeff! Was there a specific brand you used?

Thanks for the input Jeff! Was there a specific brand you used?

Honestly I don't remember :dunno:

Honestly I don't remember :dunno:

Haha! I probably wouldn't remember either if I were you!

Haha! I probably wouldn't remember either if I were you!

I haven't had any beardies in the house for at least 3 years...lol

I know I got almost all my lights online if that helps... :yes::rolleyes:

I haven't had any beardies in the house for at least 3 years...lol

I know I got almost all my lights online if that helps... :yes::rolleyes:

OMG- We looked at MVBs in the store and it was $80 for a 100w. Compared to $30-50 online depending on what brand and what supplier you go to. We're definitely gonna go the online route on this one!

OMG- We looked at MVBs in the store and it was $80 for a 100w. Compared to $30-50 online depending on what brand and what supplier you go to. We're definitely gonna go the online route on this one!

Night and day in price, I never got a broken bulb either with those....those tube lights sometimes never worked which was one of the main reasons I made the switch. :cheers:

Night and day in price, I never got a broken bulb either with those....those tube lights sometimes never worked which was one of the main reasons I made the switch. :cheers:

The main reason I'm looking into it is because I've read that it really makes their colors pop. Thorn looks good but he could look GREAT! lol

I use a MVB for my tortoise...a powersun...guess thats no help with beardies though!

I use a MVB for my tortoise...a powersun...guess thats no help with beardies though!

I put the inquiry in this section because it shouldn't really make a difference what type of basking reptile it's being used for. Should work as well/suck as much for any of em! lol

The big apple ones are pretty good Mel.Not as expensive either.

I used Active Uvheat bulbs with several reptiles with great success, never lizards though.

Melanie, the SolarGlo's from Exo-t are a lot less expensive... And I have never had a problem with them!

I have used the Trex Active Heat MVB up to just a few weeks ago. Problem with them is that running 6 at one time produces an extreme heat effect in the room as well. to the point of becoming overpowering unless you are able to setup seperate cooling (i have a portable ac in my reptile room). But honestly other than only needing one fixture I dont see the difference. I have used the tube UV lights in the past and saw no health difference between the two.

I have used the Trex Active Heat MVB up to just a few weeks ago. Problem with them is that running 6 at one time produces an extreme heat effect in the room as well. to the point of becoming overpowering unless you are able to setup seperate cooling (i have a portable ac in my reptile room). But honestly other than only needing one fixture I dont see the difference. I have used the tube UV lights in the past and saw no health difference between the two.

I use the tube lights and halogen bulbs and with two tanks in the same room...I have noticed the heat they produce....So I can understand running 6 of those MVB bulbs and what heat they must produce :eek: But here recently I moved both my tanks next to windows that get a good deal of sun and I have noticed my dragons color improved quite a bit after doing so.....not that they were a dull color before...:lol:

Thanks for all the input you guys! What kind of wattage do you think I'll need for subadult beardies?

Thanks for all the input you guys! What kind of wattage do you think I'll need for subadult beardies?

Well, that varies. Would need the size of the enclosure, the average temp of the room that they are in, and also if it's drafty or anything like that. Also what wattage you're using now..

I'm not sure that MVB bulbs are available in wattage below 100. Anybody know of one?

I'm not sure that MVB bulbs are available in wattage below 100. Anybody know of one?

70 watts at big apple....
Reason i am using them is because of over heating....

http://www.bigappleherp.com/Sun-Force-Mercury-Vapor-Bulbs?sc=2&category=20

Well, that varies. Would need the size of the enclosure, the average temp of the room that they are in, and also if it's drafty or anything like that. Also what wattage you're using now..

Well, at the moment she's in a 20L and he's in a 40L (they'll be upgraded to 40 and 75 as soon as my truck is fixed) in a non-drafty room that is kept around 78 degrees. I'm not even sure what wattage we're using at the moment. Oops. lol

Well, at the moment she's in a 20L and he's in a 40L (they'll be upgraded to 40 and 75 as soon as my truck is fixed) in a non-drafty room that is kept around 78 degrees. I'm not even sure what wattage we're using at the moment. Oops. lol

Save your time and build a custom cage....
save on room and you can use lower wattage bulbs...:yes:

Save your time and build a custom cage....
save on room and you can use lower wattage bulbs...:yes:

Maybe eventually. But that would depend on Jason. I'm not very handy! lol

In a 20L I wouldn't use a MVB, it'll get too hot. The 40 you could probably run a 100 wt, but may have to slightly elevate it from the top of the cage if it's too hot.:cheers:

Build a cage? I don't own any power tools but a cordless drill. lol

If we go with cages for them it will be Animal Plastics.