The Zoo Med Powersun UV bulb is an all-in-one mercury vapor lamp designed to provide reptiles with UVB, UVA, and heat in one self-contained bulb. This convenient bulb fits standard light fixtures and lasts up to one year, making it a popular choice for bearded dragon and other reptile owners. But how does it actually perform? Here is an in-depth review of the Zoo Med Powersun UV bulb.
Overview of the Zoo Med Powersun UV Bulb
The Zoo Med Powersun UV bulb comes in 80W, 100W and 160W variants. It produces a bright yellow light along with UVB, UVA, and heat. The nickel-plated threads help prevent corrosion
This bulb is designed to work with any standard ceramic light fixture. For best results, Zoo Med recommends using a reflective dome fixture to focus the light and UV rays. The Powersun bulb should be replaced once a year as the UVB output declines over time.
Key Features
- All-in-one daylight, UVB, UVA and heat
- Bright yellow light color
- 80W, 100W and 160W sizes
- Nickel-plated threads reduce corrosion
- Lasts up to 1 year
- Fits standard light fixtures
UVB Strength and Basking Temperature
In tests the 100W Zoo Med Powersun performed well for UVB strength. At a distance of 10-20 inches it provides a UV index in the ideal 2.9 – 7.4 range for most reptiles that bask.
The basking temperature was a bit lower than expected for a 100W bulb. An 80W solar glo bulb produced more heat in the same fixture The UVB output remains strong for about 6 months.
Best Uses for the Zoo Med Powersun
The Zoo Med Powersun works best for reptiles that prefer high UVB levels like desert-dwelling reptiles. Good matches include:
- Bearded dragons
- Uromastyx
- Chuckwallas
- Green iguanas
- Leopard tortoises
It can also be used for other reptiles by adjusting the distance to modify the UV index to the proper zone. Always test the lamp and temperatures when setting up a new enclosure.
Drawbacks
The main drawback of the Zoo Med Powersun is the lower-than-expected heat production. The light and UVB output are strong, but the bulb seems less effective for heat compared to similar wattage incandescent or halogen bulbs. The warranty information is also confusing between the packaging and instructions.
Cost and Value
The Zoo Med Powersun UV bulb ranges from $25 – $60 depending on wattage. Considering it lasts for a full year and provides UVB, UVA, and daylight in one bulb, it offers good value. Just be prepared to supplement with an additional heat bulb if your reptile needs more warmth than this bulb provides alone.
Overall, the Zoo Med Powersun is a quality UVB and daylight bulb that works well for most reptiles. It conveniently combines lighting and UVB in a single bulb built to last a full year. Just keep in mind that you may need a separate heat bulb if your particular reptile setup needs more warmth than the Powersun provides. With that minor caveat, it is an excellent self-ballasted mercury vapor bulb for bearded dragons and similar reptiles.
HighlightsThe AI used to provide these results are constantly improving. These results might change.
They are nice and bright, they last, maintain good uv output, keep it nice and hot in the basking spot.
They are nice and bright, they last, maintain good uv output, keep it nice and hot in the basking spot. Read Less
I have been using this bulb brand for years, they are an outstanding uvb bulb.
I have been using this bulb brand for years, they are an outstanding uvb bulb. Read Less
My old bulb burn out and brought a replacement bulb but after a month my sulcata tortoise becoming very sick.
My old bulb burn out and brought a replacement bulb but after a month my sulcata tortoise becoming very sick. Read Less
For a short time before i tried this she was starting to get lethargic and either parked herself under the light or she sometimes hid.
For a short time before i tried this she was starting to get lethargic and either parked herself under the light or she sometimes hid. Read Less
This is great value for the money and if you think about it, purchasing the bulbs separately adds up to be about the same or mo… Read More
This is great value for the money and if you think about it, purchasing the bulbs separately adds up to be about the same or more money, depending on how much a place charges and if they were bought on sale. Read Less
The cost of these bulbs here is a great value because i pay $60 for one bulb at the petstore.
The cost of these bulbs here is a great value because i pay $60 for one bulb at the petstore. Read Less
Product arrived very quickly and was packed very securely to keep anything from breaking.
Product arrived very quickly and was packed very securely to keep anything from breaking. Read Less
I called zoo med and they sent me another one at no charge.
I called zoo med and they sent me another one at no charge. Read Less
My veterinarian explained that not all brands are created equal and can look to us like they are putting out uv light but if yo… Read More
My veterinarian explained that not all brands are created equal and can look to us like they are putting out uv light but if you put it under a meter some even right out of the box can barely put any out at all, contrary to what the box is labeled. Read Less
I also like how carefully they are packaged so they dont break.
I also like how carefully they are packaged so they dont break. Read Less
They said that zoomed and the megaray are the only two they recommend because they are the most consistent for putting out the … Read More
They said that zoomed and the megaray are the only two they recommend because they are the most consistent for putting out the correct uv and for the longest. Read Less
I have a bearded dragon and i switched over to the zoomed powersun from having separate heat bulb and uv light from another brand.
I have a bearded dragon and i switched over to the zoomed powersun from having separate heat bulb and uv light from another brand. Read Less
I have tried other brands but none perform as consistently.
I have tried other brands but none perform as consistently. Read Less
- How are reviewers describing this item?good, great, sure and received.
- Our engine has profiled the reviewer patterns and has determined that there is minimal deception involved.
- Our engine has discovered that over 90% high quality reviews are present.
- This product had a total of 222 reviews as of our last analysis date on Nov 20 2024.
neutralFrequently mentioned features with
Customers have mixed opinions regarding the UVB output of the Zoo Med Powersun Uv Self-ballasted Mercury Vapor Uvb Lamp, with some reporting consistent high UVB output while others express concern about insufficient or diminished UVB over time.
Customers have had mixed experiences with the bulb durability of this UV self-ballasted mercury vapor UVA/UVB lamp. While some are pleased with its longevity and value for money, others have reported frequent bulb failures and disappointments.
Powersun Mercury Vapor Bulbs – Reptile UV Lighting Explained
FAQ
How long does a zoo med bulb last?
Lasts up to 2,000 hours.
How long do Powersun bulbs last?
| Light Type | Mercury Vapor |
|---|---|
| Light Source Wattage | 160 Watts |
| Control Method | App |
| Light Source Operating Life | 365 Days |
| Efficiency | Energy Efficient |
How often do I need to change my UVB bulb?
We generally recommend to switch out compact UVB bulbs every 6-8 months. Linear UVB bulbs every 10-12 months and Mercury Vapor Bulbs every 8-10 months.Jan 5, 2022