Zoo Med PowerSun UV is a self-ballasted mercury vapor bulb with two main components. The first is a standard incandescent filament, which is the first to light.
The second is a mercury vapor arc tube, which takes a few minutes to heat up. There will be a noticeable change in hue (or color) when the bulb is completely warm and fully functioning. Because the PowerSun UV is a self- ballasted bulb it can be used in any ceramic socket that is rated to handle the wattage.Zoo Med PowerSun UV has nickel-plated threads to ensure that it will not corrode in humid reptile habitats. This new bulb also incorporates a short neck design, unique among mercury vapor lamps, that allows it to better fit into "clamp lamp" type fixtures. PowerSun UV projects useable UVB radiation a far greater distance (up to 6 feet) than conventional fluorescent tubes.PowerSun UV projects useable UVB radiation a far greater distance (up to 6 feet) than conventional fluorescent tubes. This makes it ideal for large enclosures and reptiles with high UV demands. PowerSun UV has the added benefit of increased intensity (50W/cm2 UVB!!) and heat. UVB radiation has always been the safest, most effective way to ensure proper levels of vitamin D3 in captive reptiles and the PowerSun UV will continue to emit significant levels of UVB for all of its 10,000-hour average life (over 2 years with normal use.)1-year manufacturers warranty.Important: Read and follow all directions to maximize lamp life and keep your pets safe.FAQ:Q: Can I use the rheostat/thermostat with a Reptisun, Avian Sun or Power Sun UVA: These lamps need specific line voltages; they cannot be used with dimmers/rheostats.Q: How can I get the maximum out of a lampA: Minimizing handling: lamps that get moved or vibrated burn out quickly. Make sure that the fixture isnt being moved regularly. It is best to use a quality ceramic socket, not a plastic socket. You can check your fixture by unplugging it and looking at the metal tab in the center - where the bulb screws in. This tab can be pulled slightly forward to ensure that it makes a good contact with the bulb.Q: Does this lamp emit UVBA: Yes! This lamp provides the full visible spectrum as well as UVA and UVB. What is UVB and why does my reptile need itQ: How often should this lamp be replacedA: This lamp will provide optimum levels of UVB for 12 months so it should be replaced once a year.Q: How long should I leave this lamp on each dayA: This lamp should be on for 10 - 12 hours a day to maintain your animals day and night cycle.Q: How should the lamp be mountedA: The PowerSun UV lamp must be mounted in a vertically oriented fixture so the lamp points straight down, not at an angle. Mounting this lamp at an angle will reduce its "burn life" and void any guarantee.Caution:1) These bulbs get EXTREMELY hot and can kill your reptiles if used on enclosures that are too small.2) We do not recommend the use of this bulb with 10 gallon aquariums.3) We strongly recommend the use of a high quality "high range" thermometer when using this light.
