Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Muttley_109 · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:25 pm Post subject: Mercury vapour bulbs

Could someone please clarify something for me??

Can mercury vapour bulbs (powers sun etc) be used with a thermostat?

I keep hearing that you cant, but then i've also read about a fiji iguana breeder who has powersuns set up with thermostats.

Im completely confused now and i want to know how im going to set up my beardys new 6ft viv when it arrives.

Thanks

Ben

Peter Parrot · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 9:15 pm Post subject:

I would have thought that if you did then a dimmer stat would be the one to use so as you dont get the light going on and off all the time making the lizards think they were in a disco. Smile

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Muttley_109 · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 11:24 pm Post subject:

A dimmer stat is what i currently have with a 150w exo terra sun glow bulb.

This works fine in the 4ft tank.

We are going to buy a 6ftL X 2ft D X 3ftH tank and get a male to go with our beardy.

Would a 100w power sun bulb heat this size tank up to much? I mean would it be ok to use that bulb with out a thermostat?

I dont want to waste £50+ on a bulb that is unsuitable.

The other option I have is to fit more sun glow bulbs.

Any opinions would be great.

and if anyone has any experience with power sun bulbs please let me know before I spend my money Very Happy

Thanks

Ben

peterf · Key Member Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Posts: 251 Location: UK

Any of the Mercury vapour, Power Sun type bulbs cannot be controlled with any thermostats. They need 230 volt to ignite and work and cannot be dimmed nor turned on and off regularly.
This is why their use is limited to enclosures that cannot be overheated by using these lamps uncontrolled- namely big cages!

GetCoiled · I've settled in... Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 28

Do the Osram Ultra-vitalux 300W work the same?
Thanks
Cheers
GetCoiled

johne.ev · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 6:23 pm Post subject:

Hi.
i currently use the t-rex active uv 100 watt in a 6' x 2' x 18". i think it would be fine, you may have to raise basking spot to get ideal temp in that height viv or maybe go for the 160 watt. i have mine set on a timer 12 on 12 off. i think they are excellent and well worth the money(shop around norwich reptiles are doing the power suns for £43).

Jas · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:34 pm Post subject:

You could allways run a 100watt Mercury off a timer and install another dimmable spot off a dimmer stat, say a 60 or 100watt, this will take care of the viv temps.
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