A future thought for Cyrax...

For right now I'm going to be using the light fixtures a friend has supplied to me when Cyrax's new tank arrives...but I would like to get this in the future as it seems extremely useful and convenient for a Uromastyx...any thoughts on this? Has anyone else had experience with this fixture? I was told it it very good to use as it supplies daylight/Nightlight/and the proper UVA light for good bone development and it has a light timer on it which keeps the day/night times in a good schedule...What do you guys think?

Here is the link: http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=1946

That looks cool. Cant see any problems using that as long as you make sure it does not cook the snake

It's a decent little fixture to have around for herps that need different lighting and heat requirements, but I'd recommend against it.

If you do get it, note that the bulbs are sold separately, so make sure that you get the correct ones. You stated in your post that it allows for UVA bulbs so that your Uro can develop proper bones, etc.

Don't confuse UVA with UVB. UVB is what's vital for proper bone growth, as it helps them absorb the calcium (among other things).

Given that the product description says "Full spectrum bulb" raises a warning flag for me. Full spectrums are typically junk. They claim to produce UVA and UVB, and while they do, it's rarely enough of either type for a healthy herp. There ARE a few good full spectrum bulbs out there, but I doubt they'll fit in that fixture.

Go with a specialized bulb(s) -- dedicated heat/UVA bulb and a dedicated UVB bulb. You'll be better off in the long run if you do.

I'm not sure what tank you'll be keeping him in, or anything else for that matter, but if you want some suggestions on different bulbs (or even care for that matter) just let me know. PM me or something, as unfortunately I'll probably forget about this thread given it's a four day weekend. /blush

It seems like a simple solution, but I'm not so sure it is. There are a _million_ UVB bulbs, and they are NOT created equally. So if you wanted to use this, the only UVB bulb that would be acceptable, no matter what petstores/manufacturers, etc. tell you, is the Reptisun 10.0 fluorescent. Then you'd have to use the three Halogen fixtures for, what? Halogen bulbs in decreasing wattages so you have a hot end and a less hot end?

I think the thing I don't like about it is you're stuck with your bulbs in their configuration. Like, you can't aim two bulbs, say an MVB and a ceramic heat emitter, at the same basking spot. I don't know if you can even use an MVB bulb in there at all, if you wanted to do that instead of the fluorescent, (because I think the general UVB concensus is MVB is the longest-lasting and most cost-efficient UVB source available) and you're stuck with keeping all the bulbs at the same height- not being able to vary the height of the bulbs to fine tune your temps.

I know it has a nob that you can control where the light hits..so all the light would say hit the left side of the tank keeping the right side cool...I dunno..It was just a thought..but if it really doesn't sound like such a good idea I won't go through with it..I just figured it would save space and the timer just sounded convenient as well...For now I'll stick with the lighting system I have now...I just can't wait for the new tank to come..I'm actually really excited..and I'm probably going to change from pellets to millet...it sounds like it would be easier to clean, healthier for the uro in the long run..and might look a little more natural...Well thank you everyone for your thoughts....
:0)

I like the idea of using birdseed as the substrate. (Well, I love slate, too...) You just feed it to the birds when you are ready to change it! How cool! I totally blame you for infecting me with uromastyx. Well, my daughter has always been telling me they are as cool as dragons.

You can't believe the sigh of relief I will breathe when the tank arrives safely...

lol same here...I'm so excited for it to come tomorrow! and I'm glad your into Uromastyx...I agree with your daughter 100 percent! They are as cool as dragons :0)