Читать книгу Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Reptile and Amphibian - Javier G. Nevarez - Страница 38

Mercury vapor bulbs have been successfully used by breeders and zoological institutions for decades but have just recently made it into the mainstream exotic pet market. Their external appearance is that of a floodlight and they are commonly found as a self‐ballasted variety in the pet trade. Self‐ballasted bulbs can be fitted into an incandescent fixture that would fit a household bulb but a reflective or reptile‐specific fixture is preferred. A fixture with a ceramic base is also recommended because of the high amount of heat the bulbs produce. The light is focused over a shorter area so there is less scattered radiation. Their UVB output is based on the wattage of the bulb and the fixture should accommodate the appropriate wattage. Their effective distance is 12–36 inches. There are also some high‐output bulbs with an effective distance of up to 8 feet. A major advantage is the production of heat and a stronger UVB output compared with all other bulb types. In the hands of inexperienced individuals, however, these bulbs could be detrimental to reptiles. If placed too close to the animal, they could cause thermal damage. There is also a concern about overexposure to UVB, which could cause eye damage and even neoplasias. It is imperative that these bulbs are used properly; the author only recommends them for zoological institutions and advanced hobbyist who understand the principles of UVB exposure in reptiles. They must be replaced every 3–‐12 months, depending on manufacturer, model, and use.