What is an Arcadia Mercury Vapour D3 UV Basking Lamp?The Arcadia Mercury Vapour D3 Basking Lamp is an outstanding basking lamp, sometimes called a linear UV lamp. This basking lamp is the 2nd generation of D3 UV Basking Lamp 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.Why should you buy an Arcadia Mercury Vapour D3 Basking Lamp?Not only are these Arcadia D3 UV Basking Lamps capable of creating a warm and light environment for desert reptiles like Bearded dragons. These lamps also offer a healthy dose of UV light, essential for the absorption of vitamin D3 into your reptile's body, allowing them to make the most of the calcium in their diet to grow big and strong. Without an effective UV provision, your pet is at risk of metabolic bone disease.How long does the D3 UV Basking Lamp last?The average life of a D3 UV Basking Lamp is around 6,000 hours or 8 months of continuous usage. However, used with an effective terrarium light controller, that you regularly switch on or off to create an adequate temperature gradient, we would expect the bulb to last a year or longer.What is a mercury vapour bulb and are they safe?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 normally 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.