160W Reptile Heat Lamp Bulb Full Spectrum UVA UVB Reptile Light Bulb, Reptile Sun Lamp Basking Light for Bearded Dragon, Mercury Vapor Bulb for Reptiles and Amphibians

I haven't had this long enough to comment on its longevity, but so far -- after a few weeks -- it's been working well and is considerably cheaper than similar type bulbs.If you have a reptile, I suggest you use a lamp like this rather than LED or full-spectrum incandescents. Why? Because LED and incandescent lamps may or may not actually give off the wavelengths they claim. But a mercury vapor lamp is a mercury vapor lamp, it works or it doesn't, there is no fooling around with the wavelengths.

This is perfect. Just screw it into a heat lamp and it is ready for basking lizards. Our Bearded dragon approves.

If you're a reptile owner like me, you know that providing the right lighting is crucial. Full-spectrum UVA and UVB rays are essential for their digestion, vitamin D3 absorption, and overall health. The challenge is finding a bulb that lasts a decent amount of time without breaking the bank.I've been using Mega-Ray Mercury Vapor 160 Watt Bulbs for years (I even have a spare!). They usually last at least 17 months, but they're not exactly cheap. So, when I saw this DXOPHIEX Reptile Heat Lamp for nearly half the price, I was intrigued. Could this budget-friendly option really compare to my trusty Mega-Ray?Out of the box, the DXOPHIEX bulb seems well-designed; however, the metal threaded e26 socket base almost feels loose (not as solid as what I'm used to). It has a built-in ballast (like my usual bulb), so no need for any extra equipment. The ventilation holes in the base are a good sign for heat management (if it works). It also claims to be softer on reptile eyes with an electroplating coating – definitely a plus, considering most reptiles are tetrachromats, which means they have 4 types of cones (humans only have 3 – Red, Green, Blue).One thing I noticed right away is that the heat output is about 10% less than my Mega-Ray. I had to adjust the distance between the lamp and the basking spot closer to compensate. This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind.The DXOPHIEX bulb also claims to have a dual-wick structure for better brightness and heat distribution, and a magnesium oxide inner coating (which my Mega-Rays have always had). The jury's still out on how well that feature actually works on this bulb.The big question for me is longevity. Will this bulb last as long as my Mega-Ray? I'm saving up for a Solarmeter Model 6.2R Reptile UVB Lamp Meter and a Model 6.5R Reptile UV Index Meter so I can accurately track the bulb's usable lifespan and UVA/UVB output. Once I have those tools, I'll be able to give a more definitive answer.In the meantime, here's my initial impression:Pros: Affordable, seems well-constructed, built-in ballast, features that *claim* to be easier on reptile eyes.Cons: Lower heat output than my usual bulb, longevity is unknown.If you're on a tight budget, the DXOPHIEX Reptile Heat Lamp might be worth trying. But if you prioritize longevity and consistent performance, you might want to stick with a tried-and-true option like the Mega-Ray.---Product: 160W Reptile Heat Lamp Bulb Full Spectrum UVA UVB Reptile Light Bulb, Reptile Sun Lamp Basking Light for Bearded Dragon, Mercury Vapor Bulb for Reptiles and AmphibiansASIN: B0CSFRC1LT

good bulb works well so far having it on about 12 hours a day for my gerbil

It puts out a good amount of heat for the style of tank I'm using it on, and full spectrum light strong enough to grow good healthy plants in the terrarium! My snakes sun in it regularly and have been more active (and hungrier) in the month I've been using this bulb. Although it says not to put it on a timed plug or a smart plug, I have it on one, and it has worked perfectly this entire time with no issues. And it's significantly cheaper than some of the national brands, which I had before this and the grass was not as healthy then as it is now.

This 100w Reptile lamp works great and does provide the needed UVA and UVB spectrum required. 100w is the normal wattage we use for our frilled lizard. I was ready to give this lamp a 5-star review until the bulb burnt out in 2.5 months. I'm used to replacing the bulbs every 6 months. I may have received a faulty bulb? However, I have to give it 3 stars for this reason. Hope this info helps.

Second purchase second blown bulb

My daughter is a reptile rescuer. As noted in the manufacturer's information, reptiles require lots of sunlight (full-spectrum UVA UVB) to ensure proper digestion, absorption, and vitamin D3 intake. When choosing the bulbs for her pet tanks, she always has these requirements in mind.Finding the right bulb - at the right price - has been difficult at times. The price point for the DXOPHIEX Reptile Heat Lamp Mercury Vapor Bulb is competitive. In addition to meeting the aforementioned requirements for healthy pets, it has a safety feature with a built-in ballast circuit, eliminating the need for an external ballast for normal operation. It also is constructed with ventilation holes to prevent heat build-up.The DXOPHIEX bulb creates a softer-light environment, which will protect the reptile's eyes. It also features a dual-wick structure, "which effectively enhances brightness and thermal output, resulting in a uniform distribution of light and heat."The manufacturer offers excellent after-sales service, which I consider a plus. If the bulb arrives damaged, instructions are provided about how to have it replaced.