out of curiosity, how long do those things last though?
and what does the heating element in them look like?

i see they only have a 1 year warranty. makes them seem kinda undependable for the price (like compact fluorescents, they have a warranty, but its only based on using them a few hours a day). plus, looking at pictures of them, it appears like they just have a small heat producing filament in them instead of a thick, sturdy long lasting coil like is in a Ceramic Heat Emitter, or in things like household irons and other long lasting appliances.

i've had a Ceramic Heat Emitter thats been in use for more then 8 years now with easily 50k + hours of use (its on for 9-10 months out of the year) and is still going strongly.
would a Mega-Ray HP last that long?
if not, would the energy savings cover the cost of replacing the bulb every x months?

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i'd be better off opening my own small zoo.

I've had mine 3 yrs, but the run-time is pretty low. I bet I have less than 150 hours on it. I know several people have had there's since the MR HP first came out 3-4 yrs ago. These are a relatively new product.

A thin heat coil that looks like spring wrapped around a small cone-shaped center. See crappy picture attachment...I tried under the light of a ceiling fan bulb...

What is the warranty on a Ceramic Heat Emitter? I've never purchased one before, though I have one. I'm using it over the blood python right now.

You're trying too hard to compare it to a Ceramic Heat Emitter. It's not supposed to be like a Ceramic Heat Emitter. This is just another alternative. This is intended for a smaller focal point for the heat to be directed into. Like many things in reptile care - these aren't necessarily for everyone's set-up. I have used it for my nearly 5' iguana for nighttime use and it worked for his situation fine. It was even a mesh-front enclosure. It's also been used over the African gray who sat under it on cool winter days and nights when she was nearer the window and over snakes where a Ceramic Heat Emitter would have covered too much area while the MR HP offered the only only in the intended area.

Great! Many people have had theirs for many years just like you.

They haven't even been in production that long. Again - these are a relatively new product. Only time - literally - will tell. As for the energy savings...you need to compare the wattage of a Ceramic Heat Emitter to the amount of output the Mega Ray HP puts out at only 60W. Yes...it would be a substantial energy savings there. Especially if you have several enclosures to heat.

These do work well on most animals because the focal point IS so concentrated. It aims it in a single direction - right at the intended area needing heat. It's best used at relatively short distances for stronger heat...like within 12" - 18". I did replac mine with the Ceramic Heat Emitter for the sick blood python because in this instance the heat is not strong enough at the bottom of a 55 gal. I DO intend on using it for the crested gecko.

Again - this is just another alternative - and I've really liked mine. No wasted heat and more energy efficient.

Attached Images

mr_hp_coil.jpg (13.4 KB, 0 views)

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Veronica
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Exotic Animal Rescue of Henry Co.
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ty for the answers. i'll have to buy one and try it out.

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i'd be better off opening my own small zoo.

I had to bring this thread back up.... There just happens to be a post on the UVB_Meter_Owners yahoo list that has a good description of the MR HP:
http://us.mc569.mail.yahoo.com/mc/sh...EfaZAqXPF9gmq8,

__________________
Veronica
,,
/_^.)///////////,,,,,
...\\\_#_#_#_//_#_#_#_#_#_£_£_&_&_
..._//......_\\
Exotic Animal Rescue of Henry Co.
~~Rescue - Rehab - Rehome~~