Two different styles of UVB lamps are available: the UVB fluorescent tube and the mercury vapor (MV) reptile lamp. Both styles use the effect of an electric arc through mercury vapour to produce ultra-violet radiation. Each style produces a different amount of UVB and a different amount of useable UVB (i.e., in the critical 290 - 310nm range) and individual brands also vary widely in their output.
High quality MV lamps, such as the ReptileUV Mega-Ray produce more UVB in the critical range than even the best fluorescents, and at much greater distances. The Mega-Ray is a proven rehabilitation tool for reptiles suffering from MBD - and is, we believe, the #1 choice for all reptiles which bask in full sun in the wild.