MV (Mercury Vapor) Bulbs

[cba040608]

I was reading on a website that the MV bulb is the best because it delivers UVA/UVB and heat all in one bulb. I've also read that this particular bulb get VERY hot and shouldn't be set too close to where the Cham can reach, I think at least 12 inches away from the bulb or it will burn. I'm wondering if anyone else has this particular bulb and how they have the bulb set up. Is it sitting right on top of the cage or elevated on some time of stand, or with the clamp? I have 2x2x4 aluminum screen cage. The only thing I know is that it should be set up in the far left corner of the cage, and that I need a 10" dome with a porcelain socket.

 

[JoshCrane1]

ive used these bulbs a few times, and besides short life span and getting the ambient and basking temps right, its a great alternative;my chameleons seemed to love em. i switched away from them because i moved into an apartment and the mv bulb made my room way to hot.

 

[cba040608]

ive used these bulbs a few times, and besides short life span and getting the ambient and basking temps right, its a great alternative;my chameleons seemed to love em. i switched away from them because i moved into an apartment and the mv bulb made my room way to hot.

Do you change the basking and ambient by moving the bulb closer and farther away from the cage, or did you have a dimmer dome?

 

[royden]

I've used one for the last year or so and it works well. I have very limited space above my cage so my bulb does rest on the top of the cage, however my chams have never climbed upside down, or even gotten near the bulb. The heat also dissapates with time. The bulb right now seems to be less then half as hot as it used to be. I think I'll either be replacing it soon, or switching back to 24" uvb's and a heat lamp.

My vet who's a certified herpatologist swears by the mvb's. Just make for dang sure you get the right brand. Some of them are bogus. I think T-Rex is the one I have.

 

[JoshCrane1]

Do you change the basking and ambient by moving the bulb closer and farther away from the cage, or did you have a dimmer dome?

cant use dimmers with hid setups. and yes distance manipulation is a must to achieve correct levels.

 

[millionsofchameleons]

i think you might be asking this from what i wrote about a 100w bulb on your other post, i would just check what temp is under it. im only concerned be cause ive tried 100w bulbs and they burned my cage, i know you have a metal cage but if its hot enough to burn mine then i would just be careful. maybe just raise it up a bit if the temp is pretty high where your cham basks under it.