hi all this sounds like a really daft question but i have just bought one of these lights for my outside enclosure, its not for in  a shed or a housing box but just to hang over the actual run part of the enclosure to ensure my torti gets some quality uvb which we dont have much of here in the north west at the moment, now going off the instructions it needs to be 12 inch from substrate with regular checks on the temps to make sure it doesnt get too high but im assuming i wont need a basking light as well, any advice

thanks sharon xxxx

Hi Sharon, no you wont need a separate basking lamp with a Megaray, they are combined heat and uv light.   You are probably aware, but if using outside make sure all connections are are outdoor ones and weather proof, including the lamp holder.  I havent come accross anyone using it outdoors, is it a specific bulb for oudoor use? 

Vivienne

hi hun

when i say outdoors i mean under a pergola so it wont get wet or anything but yes we have got everything prepared just in case of damp air and such, i did tell the shop what i was using it for and i have got the correct holder for it due to heat output , i didnt think i would need a basker but i needed to be sure, thanks for your input hun xxxxxx

sharon

Hi Sharon, oh I see now!! lol  That will be perfect for them, as the pergola will filter out uv so it is best to put the Megaray in there for them. 

Couple of tips of advice, when handling the Megaray do not touch the bulb with your hands as it leaves a deposit on the glass causing it to either blow or it will reduce the life of the bulb, best to handle it with a cotton tea towel so as not to touch it.  Also, make sure you use heat resistant wiring as the lamps get very hot. They sell this quite cheap at B&Q!  Hope this helps

Vivienne 

 thanks vivienne xxx

Your bulb should be 12" from face of bulb to tortoises carapace..

Darren  

Hi,

Can confirm that the face of the lamp should be 12" from the top of the shell, not the ground, this is important.

Also if you have not already done so please ensure the light is protected by a 30mA RCD, as this will greatly reduce the risk of a fatal electric shock to both you and your pets.

best wishes - Doug.