Why Use Mega-Ray®?

Mega-Ray® lamps were designed by iguana re-habilitator Bob MacCargar, initially for rescued reptiles - many of which were in desperate need of high quality UVB. But now, these unique lamps, made with American and German engineering and ingenuity, are available to all reptile keepers. Independent testing* has shown that our standard 60w and 100w bulbs give:

• Optimal amounts of UVB in the range of wavelengths that produce vitamin D3.
  
  
• A strong beam that gives levels of UVB similar to morning sunlight at 12" distance and useful UVB up to 20" below the bulb.
  
  
• An unusually wide beam, ensuring the whole basking area - at least 18" across - receives good UVB, not just a tiny spot in the center.
  
  
• Remarkably long useful life. All UVB-producing lamps decay (lose UV strength) at different rates, over time. Our unique manufacturing process means our bulbs decay, on average, less than 30% over the life of the bulb. (Some other brands decay as much as 80% in less than 6 months.) And our 60watt EB bulbs carry a 1 year warranty!

Reptiles need UV

Responsible reptile keepers recognize that in order to stay healthy, reptiles require UVA and UVB radiation as much as they need the care and attention we give them every day. Without UVB, the all-important vitamin D3 cannot be produced naturally in the reptile's skin, and vitamin D3 is as critical as good food, water, and heat. Vitamin D3 enables the reptile to absorb calcium from its food. This absorbed calcium ensures healthy bones and normal muscle function. Without vitamin D3 and calcium, reptiles may develop hypocalcaemia and muscle spasms or metabolic bone disorder, MBD. Recent research also shows that vitamin D3 is vital for a healthy immune system and even helps protect against some cancers.

UV light is also important for reptiles' well-being. They can see UVA (without it they are "partially color-blind"!) and UVB also has local, direct effects upon skin health and immunity. In the past, keepers had to rely upon natural sunlight or risk dosing with oral vitamin D3 (the daily dose required by a reptile is unknown).

Why UVB?

UV, like light, is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The sun produces UV wavelengths from 290 - 400nm, but only those in the 290 - 310nm range, in what is known as the "UVB" range, act on natural cholesterols in skin to make vitamin D3.

Natural, unfiltered sun is by far the best and cheapest UVB available. The alternative is that from an artificial UVB-producing lamp. Ordinary "basking lamps" or "full spectrum" lamps may emit a little UVA but they DO NOT produce UVB. Don't be misled!

Not all UV is created equal.

Two different styles of UVB lamps are available: the UVB fluorescent tube and the mercury vapor (MV) reptile lamp. Both styles use the effect of an electric arc through mercury vapour to produce ultra-violet radiation. Each style produces a different amount of UVB and a different amount of useable UVB (i.e., in the critical 290 - 310nm range) and individual brands also vary widely in their output. High quality MV lamps, such as the ReptileUV Mega-Ray produce more UVB in the critical range than even the best fluorescents, and at much greater distances. The Mega-Ray is a proven rehabilitation tool for reptiles suffering from MBD - and is, we believe, the #1 choice for all reptiles which bask in full sun in the wild.

Further Reading