Too much UVB?

mattps81 · Feb 25, 2017

Im getting ready to buy my first bearded dragon in the next few months. I was looking on craigslist for an exo-terra tank. I found a guy selling a 36x18x18 with lighting and decorations for $150. Seems like a pretty good deal. My question is that he is including a T5 HO ballast and bulb that is 36" long. My understanding is that a 24" is ideal. If I buy this setup should I use the 36"?

Thanks.

Rankins · Feb 25, 2017

I would probably use it, but what brand is the bulb? It would be hard to overdose UVB, but other wavelengths have been known to cause problems though

Rankins · Feb 25, 2017

Forgot to ask how old is the bulb and what type of light would you use as a basking bulb. $150 doesn't sound like too bad of a deal, but I have a 210 gallon aquarium I got for $150.

CooperDragon · Feb 26, 2017

That's a good deal for the tank. I bought mine for about $350 new. I have a 36'' T5 tube on my tank (same tank) and it works well. Since it's longer than I'd like I just set it forward in the tank to create a gradient of less UVB toward the back. If you don't have a solarmeter to check the output of the light, I'd buy a new light and replace it yearly. Best to be on the safe side with that. If you build the basking area to be about 12'' below the bulb (10'' if you are using the mesh top) then the UVB exposure should be just right under the light. Just set it forward (or back) in the tank and build plenty of shade areas.

Too much UVB?

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