UVB and UVA

[crm2000]

HI! I'm new to the forum and getting a BTS soon and understand everything accept the heat lamps I would really very much apperciate it if someone would explain or recomend a brand or heat lamp. Thanks!!!

[AnnaMonroe]

Everyone is different and likes to use different methods! :}
Personally, I recommend getting the ReptiSun Mercury Vapor Bulb (MVB) from ZooMed.
There are many other choices, so I suggest waiting for replies from more experienced members(:

[LarissaLurid]

Personally I have a red infrared heat bulb so that it can be kept on at all times in case it's cold during the night. I have a separate 10.0 UVB light to provide UVB and use calcium w/ d-3 supplementation as one of the ones I use.

A full spectrum bulb is a good source for UVA and UVB and provides heat, but just make sure it's not too cold in the cage at night when it has to be off. You can get night heating though like a CHE or infrared heat bulb.

[crm2000]

Thank you!! This helps me so much one more question (sorry!) should i keep any heat lamp on at night at all???

[justyna.ewa]

It's important that the temperature not drop beneath 60F during the night, but the heat lamp should only be on 12 hours per day.

[crm2000]

Thank you!!!! This really helped me and I'll be sure to make sure of that when i get my BTS.

[justyna.ewa]

c: Read the caresheet, or at least the FAQ section, of this website - they are extremely useful.

[Spindown]

c: Read the caresheet, or at least the FAQ section, of this website - they are extremely useful.

What they said. The caresheet is EXTREMELY comprehensive. I'd suggest bookmarking it, as there is a LOT of information in it, and you will undoubtedly need to re-read it, probably several times. I even refer back to it, and I've had BTS for over 2 years now

[crm2000]

Thank you I have read the care sheet several times but didnt understand it and I was wondering if the rep cal reptisun 5.0 sounds like a good one to buy??
THANKS FOR ALL THE RESPONSES!!!

[AnnaMonroe]

Crm2000, your comment made me realize I made a mistake in my previous comment lol.
What I meant to say was the PowerSun MVB, not ReptiSun. My fault lol -.-

[crm2000]

AnnaMonroe,lol well thanks for correcting it:) and I'll look into to it Thanks for the help!!!:)

[AnnaMonroe]

Anytime! One last thing I feel like I should say before I go to bed is that petmountain.com has like, insanely low prices for almost anything!! Be sure to check it out whenever you have time for reptile stuffssss(;

[crm2000]

Oh my gosh you just made my life like ten times easier thank you!!!!

[crm2000]

Ok i found the PowerSun UV Mercury Vapor UVB Lamp is that the one i should get?

[AnnaMonroe]

No problem! I was also very relieved when I finally found that website. It is the absolute best.
I just purchased almost 20 different things, and it was only like 180 something dollars AND free shipping with no tax!
FedEx ships it from Southern California so the wait is kind of long if you live where I live but it's so worth it!

As for the PowerSun, it is completely up to you if you want to get a mercury vapor bulb..
A lot of other people recommend using something else, like a regular heat bulb and having a UVB light separately instead of just a full spectrum, but to me a MVB is awesome lol. And pet mountain is selling their powersuns for 48$ (and free shipping for the bulb as well) !!!!!
I recently got extremely lucky and won a brand new one on eBay for 26$! Haha(:
Also, MVBs don't go with regular clamps, you would need to purchase a deep some lamp fixture (and the lamp stand but that's optional), and you need to make sure the bulb will be well ventilated when it is inside the deep dome because MVBs are self ballasted and turn off when they overheat (which can damage the bulb and give it a shorter life).
I hope whatever you choose, you will be most happy with.

[crm2000]

Thank you I think I'm going to get one with a clamp just in case our cat ever gets in the same room as th little guy don't want it tipping!:)

[AnnaMonroe]

Most definitely! Also, the lamp stand from zoomed would make it easier for you to control the height of the bulb.
Many have said they have reached desired basking temperatures from holding the MVB 15 inches above the basking platform :}

[crm2000]

Ok thank you sooooo much you've really helped me with this:)

[AnnaMonroe]

Aww, I'm very glad I could!!! :}
I may not have a bluey just yet but I'm very good with purchases lmao.

[crm2000]

Lol well you will be an amazing owner!!:)