? about the PowerSun

gieseygirly

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Do you really have to change these bulbs out after using for 12 months? I mean - does it really stop putting out UVB after 12 months of continuous use?

My Russian's Powersun reached a ripe old age of 14 months of use this month. I haven't changed it because my Russian is really lazy in the winter, but with spring coming, I figured I better find out the answer to this question because he's gonna want to do a lot more basking.
 

TortieLuver

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Do you have a UV checker meter? The Powersun has a recommended lifespan, as do others, but depends on use and brand.
 

Tom

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The manufacturers have their recommendations, BUT I recently got a couple of UV meters and tested an old 100 watt powersun MVB. This bulb has been in and out of use for about four years. I have no idea why it still works. I have just been using it for indoor heat, since my reptiles all get real sunshine all year, and I assumed that it would be putting out little to no usable UV. To my surprise, it was giving me a UV index of 5-7 as I moved the meter around under it. Distance was about 11" and it was through a metal screen on top of a lizard cage. I was astonished.

Mind you, this is just one bulb, and I have no idea if they are all this way, but I will be testing them as I find them. If I were you, I would get a Solarmeter 6.5 and test YOUR bulb in YOUR enclosure to see if you are getting adequate UV for your situation or not.
 

gieseygirly

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Tom said:
The manufacturers have their recommendations, BUT I recently got a couple of UV meters and tested an old 100 watt powersun MVB. This bulb has been in and out of use for about four years. I have no idea why it still works. I have just been using it for indoor heat, since my reptiles all get real sunshine all year, and I assumed that it would be putting out little to no usable UV. To my surprise, it was giving me a UV index of 5-7 as I moved the meter around under it. Distance was about 11" and it was through a metal screen on top of a lizard cage. I was astonished.

Mind you, this is just one bulb, and I have no idea if they are all this way, but I will be testing them as I find them. If I were you, I would get a Solarmeter 6.5 and test YOUR bulb in YOUR enclosure to see if you are getting adequate UV for your situation or not.

Thanks for the reply, Tom. I wondered what a UVB measuring tool was called. I'll be ordering a "Solarmeter" tonight!


TortieLuver said:
Do you have a UV checker meter? The Powersun has a recommended lifespan, as do others, but depends on use and brand.

Thanks for your response - looks like I'll be ordering one tonight because I'm very curious what the output still is on my bulbs.


I looked solarmeters, and HOLY COW, these are not cheap. Anyone know where I can land one of these at a decent price?!?
 

Tom

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No. They cost what they cost. But consider that against the cost of a new MBV every 6-12 months. If you are still getting good UV, you won't have to replace your bulbs all the time. You can switch to regular flood bulbs over the warmer months of the year when your tortoise gets lots of sunshine, and save your expensive MVBs for when they must be indoors all winter. The UV meter will confirm for sure that your tortoise is getting what it needs. Plus they are just darn fun to play with! :)
 

TortsNTurtles

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Tom said:
No. They cost what they cost. But consider that against the cost of a new MBV every 6-12 months. If you are still getting good UV, you won't have to replace your bulbs all the time. You can switch to regular flood bulbs over the warmer months of the year when your tortoise gets lots of sunshine, and save your expensive MVBs for when they must be indoors all winter. The UV meter will confirm for sure that your tortoise is getting what it needs. Plus they are just darn fun to play with! :)

That is great to know! If they are out for at least an hour a day lets say in the spring fall when temps might be safe for an hour or so is that enough natural sun. Thanks
 
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