UVB/UVA lights for Beardie.

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have been doing nothing for the past month except researching and trying my very best to offer my baby beardie everything she/he needs...

I purchased reptiglo 5.0 which is the ONLY UVA/UVB source available in the UAE. (Where I live)...
I read a lot about reptiglo, and was disappointed to learn that it isn't nearly good enough as it gives off very little UVB.

So after thoroughly research I ordered Exo Terra (165 watts) online from a very reliable source from the US along with a bunch of other items.

I got my package and was pleased with all the items except the fact that Exo terra bulb exploded when I installed it. Only later did I learn that US bulbs CAN'T be used here in the UAE. I wish I had known earlier as I spent quite a lot on this bulb!
However that's not the problem. I can't use any other bulb except the repti glow 5.0 fluorescent tube.
Is is okay if I keep that on and try to bathe my beardie in the sun from my balcony (attended of course) say 15 min a day? Will that do the trick? I'm so very worried, and I have done literally EVERYTHING... I really feel hopeless.
How many hours a week should I bathe her under the sun? And for how long? What time during the day?

Will that be enough to prevent MBD?

ANSWER: Hello Sara,

Oh I am sorry you are having such terrible luck!  No, the Reptiglo 5 is not sufficient enough of a UVB light to cover his UVB needs.  The Reptiglo Exoterra right now, doesn't really have any good UVB lights out.  They have recently had all sorts of trouble with their newest version, the 10 & it has caused numerous eye problems & health issues.  
Where did you order your supplies & light from, online?  So, the voltage/watts are different, correct?
Here is a good bulb, that is made in the UK, so, it may have different voltage requirements than the Exoterra Reptiglo.  I would recommend emailing customer service though, & asking about the requirements of the bulb, before ordering it.  The link below is for the Arcadia D3 12% tube bulb.

http://www.livefoods.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=50&products_id=159

As far as preventing MBD, I would say that 15 minutes of sun per day, is not enough to allow sufficient D3 synthesis to take place in order to maintain high enough 25 hydroxy levels.  I would say minimum 4 hours per day of sunlight would be sufficient, or up to 6.  Is that possible?  Or, could you build him an outdoor tank in which he could get sunlight through a wide hardware cloth type of screen that is 1/2 inch in width?

How easy is it for you to get shipments into the UAE?  Do you use the postal system, or UPS or Fed Ex for packages?  Is there a strict import/export standard to follow?  Extra taxes?
What type of circuitry do you use as a standard for electricity?



Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles, (the same as in Ireland). While everything in the US is rated for 110 Volts, not 220.(As I was told). I asked about different types of bulbs but I was warned that due to the voltage problem I can easily damage my fixtures which is def not something I can tolerate.
The sources I got this info from is the website which I purchased my items from... They are truly amazing and very professional. But I'm out of luck I suppose.The company is LLLReptile & Supply Co. Inc.

It isn't so difficult to get shipments in general HOWEVER it isn't very difficult for me because of the high costs. The shipment alone is 221 DHS which is equivalent to 60 dollars. That is quite pricy for an unemployed person like myself.(a student)

I contacted the website you recommended and I'm waiting for a response.
What if that goes in vain as well?

I live in the 12th floor, so basking my beardie 4 hrs a day is out of the Q. :-(

ANSWER: Hello Sarah,

That is what I was afraid of.  
Let me know what they say at the UK forum.  They may be able to help you though, as they should sell mostly to UK people which would be rated in 220 volts.  I think that is your best chance.  
Here is another site that sells in 220 voltage.  Do you have a tank over 40 gallons?
If so, you can use a mercury vapor bulb from this place & it only has to be replaced once a year.  You will need a large 10 inch light fixture that would be good for up to 250-300 watts which should be easy to find at a hardware type of store.
It is a good company that has great customer service so before you order if you decide to go with this light, I would contact them for any questions you have regarding the light voltage, & the light fixture, etc.
I forgot to include the website for you!

http://www.reptileuv.com/megaray-products.php

Let me know how things are going!
Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I contacted the 2nd website you gave me. It's giving me hope as their bulbs sound out of this world fantastic! However I'm still very worried.There are two thing that worry me: the watts I should choose and the Votages of course! They have europian ones that are 220 volts, but what if they still don't work. Iv'e become quite a skeptic as my luck has been tricky! What do you think?
I sent a very detailed email. I hope they answer soon.
I'll let you know as soon as I get a reply.
Thank you so much Tracie:-)

Answer
Hello Sarah,

Great!  The european bulbs should work as long as you have the proper voltage.  As I had said you will need a 10 inch light dome to put the bulb in as well, which should be rated at least 250 watts, or the appropriate voltage.  It just needs to be 2 times the amount of watts or voltage.  So, since you need 220volts, then, the light dome needs to support at least 400 or so volts.  This just ensures that the ballast doesn't get too hot.  
They should get back with you, & they will answer all of your questions.  The customer service is great.  
Definitely let me know what is going on.  I am anxious for you.  I hope it works out too.  :-))

Tracie