Taterbug
BD.org Addict
Proper lighting is a process, not a bulb.
-Henry Brames
Lighting is one of the most important and confusing aspects of husbandry. I've lost count of how many threads on here ask about it. I've put together some charts based on Dr. Baines lamp test reports and would like to build a guide for folks to use when designing the lighting aspect of their enclosures. I don't have the rest of the infographic style information done yet, but any input on what I have or what's worth including is welcome.
The basics are pretty straight forward. I've organized the UVI readings (and estimated the missing ones) from Dr. Baines reports according to strength.
It seems easiest to start with screen vs no screen so those are the two charts. They are then identified by reflector, bulb brand, bulb strength and also fixture. I've not added the fixture key to this set of images but will include it for reference next iteration. I'll also be creating images to describe the concept of a photogradient and how to go about providing one, using the same colors from the charts here. Similar to the ISO-irradiance charts.
It's striking the impact different configurations can make. Not all lights are suitable for all enclosures, but there are quite a few options now available as compaired to years past and it's not too much more investment of work to provide nice levels of exposure for our little ones. I'm hopeful to share this information to encourage more keepers to understand their setups and have confidence in them.
As points of reference, from past conversations on the UV meter group and correspondence with Dr. Baines the levels I've selected bracket according to wild type exposure levels.
Shade levels are just that, really low exposure similar to shade cover.
Low levels would be suitable for general warm areas or a secondary basking site
Moderate levels are the suggested range for a comfortable basking environment.
High levels are the upper end of the safe range, still seen by sun loving dragons basking at their natural times, in morning/evening but probaly not as suitable without other basking options of lower exposure. More isn't always better.
Very High are levels better avoided in captivity
UVB lights in general should not be positioned closer than 6" to the animal, regardless of the intensity of the emissions. Safety concerns aside, I'm sure it's not the greatest thing to live so close to a light bulb especially when it's not necessary.
edit: since I cleaned out my photobucket the images that went with this post got lost. These are the latest ones. https://sites.google.com/site/thelizardmadness/lighting-guides
-Henry Brames
Lighting is one of the most important and confusing aspects of husbandry. I've lost count of how many threads on here ask about it. I've put together some charts based on Dr. Baines lamp test reports and would like to build a guide for folks to use when designing the lighting aspect of their enclosures. I don't have the rest of the infographic style information done yet, but any input on what I have or what's worth including is welcome.
The basics are pretty straight forward. I've organized the UVI readings (and estimated the missing ones) from Dr. Baines reports according to strength.
It seems easiest to start with screen vs no screen so those are the two charts. They are then identified by reflector, bulb brand, bulb strength and also fixture. I've not added the fixture key to this set of images but will include it for reference next iteration. I'll also be creating images to describe the concept of a photogradient and how to go about providing one, using the same colors from the charts here. Similar to the ISO-irradiance charts.
It's striking the impact different configurations can make. Not all lights are suitable for all enclosures, but there are quite a few options now available as compaired to years past and it's not too much more investment of work to provide nice levels of exposure for our little ones. I'm hopeful to share this information to encourage more keepers to understand their setups and have confidence in them.
As points of reference, from past conversations on the UV meter group and correspondence with Dr. Baines the levels I've selected bracket according to wild type exposure levels.
Shade levels are just that, really low exposure similar to shade cover.
Low levels would be suitable for general warm areas or a secondary basking site
Moderate levels are the suggested range for a comfortable basking environment.
High levels are the upper end of the safe range, still seen by sun loving dragons basking at their natural times, in morning/evening but probaly not as suitable without other basking options of lower exposure. More isn't always better.
Very High are levels better avoided in captivity
UVB lights in general should not be positioned closer than 6" to the animal, regardless of the intensity of the emissions. Safety concerns aside, I'm sure it's not the greatest thing to live so close to a light bulb especially when it's not necessary.
edit: since I cleaned out my photobucket the images that went with this post got lost. These are the latest ones. https://sites.google.com/site/thelizardmadness/lighting-guides