The Arcadia Mercury Vapour D3 Evo Basking Lamp is an outstanding basking lamp. This basking lamp is the 2nd generation of D3 UV Basking Lamp's from Arcadia and it offers incredible efficiency while creating idyllic UV-rich basking spots. UV light bulbs generate heat, light and ultraviolet light all from a single lamp, saving you from buying separate bulbs to manage all of these essential reptile care factors. These lamps offer a healthy dose of UV light, which is essential for the absorption of vitamin D3 into your reptile's body. This ensure's they can utilise the calcium in their diet to grow healthy and strong. Without an effective UV provision, your reptile is at risk of metabolic bone disease. The average life of a D3 UV Basking Lamp is around 6,000 hours or 8 months of continuous usage. Mercury vapour bulbs are exactly what they sound like, glass bulbs filled with mercury vapour which project a full spectrum light. Mercury Vapour bulbs are safe when they are kept intact, given sufficient room and hung in a vertical position. The vertical position allows convection currents to circulate within the bulb, prolonging its lifespan. As with all Mercury Vapour Bulbs, these cannot be used with a thermostat or external ballast and should only be used in large enclosures, or open-top tables.