PLEASE HELP WITH UVB LIGHTING

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NoahC

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I just received the reptisun T5 HO 10.0 55cm uvb bulb from Zoomed but I have no idea how to fit it. I know I need the fixture that they recommend, the reptisun terrarium hood, but I don't know which one to order as they are all different sizes and I am really counting on the hope that any of you guys could maybe send me a link to the right one I need to buy, I am only 16 and I pay for everything myself so I need to get the right size the first time I order it because it's all the money I have and I can't afford to buy the wrong one. If anyone could help me out I'd be so so grateful as I can't have the compact UVB bulb in Jareth's viv anymore because I know she may be at risk of MBD if she doesn't get enough UVB.
I live in the UK btw idk if that would affect it, please help if you can, I'm really stressed about it...
 

CooperDragon

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That's the 22'' so you'll need a 24'' T5 fixture for it. It's an excellent bulb. I would pick up a T5 controller and a reflector for it so it provides best output.

The 24 Watt version of the controller for that bulb https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-t5-controller/

And a 24Watt version Reflector to go over it https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-t5-reflectors/

The brand of T5 light is interchangeable so the main thing is to find the 24'' (24Watt) version of T5 fixtures. You might be able to get a 24'' grow light fixture for it at a hydroponics store too. The items I linked to should do the trick though.
 

Drache613

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Hello,

You have a great light. I agree, definitely get the reflector, it really helps with the overall
UVB output. I am sure your girl will love it. :D

Tracie
 

NoahC

Member
Original Poster
CooperDragon":tqu6peyh said:
That's the 22'' so you'll need a 24'' T5 fixture for it. It's an excellent bulb. I would pick up a T5 controller and a reflector for it so it provides best output.

The 24 Watt version of the controller for that bulb https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-t5-controller/

And a 24Watt version Reflector to go over it https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-t5-reflectors/

The brand of T5 light is interchangeable so the main thing is to find the 24'' (24Watt) version of T5 fixtures. You might be able to get a 24'' grow light fixture for it at a hydroponics store too. The items I linked to should do the trick though.







THANK YOU!!!! Just to clarify, the Arcadia controller is what is going to make the light turn on? And the reflector is obviously just a good addition to the setup, but not necessarily crucial to making the light work? Just want to know absolutely everything I can so I know what I'm paying for :)
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
If you are in the UK , get an Arcadia T5HO Slimline 24W or 39W reflector hood kit , is a very good produce and even better , comes with your choice of Arcadia T5HO 6% or 12% or 14% UVB already installed and ready to plug&play in the price.
See https://www.arcadiareptile.com/lighting/t5-slimline-luminaire/
slimline_packs.jpg

they look like
slimline_luminaire_unit.jpg


The setups mentioned above are very good , but an expensive option for just one tank, but great if you 2 or 4 or more tanks (one controller can activate two or three tubes simultaneously in different tanks).
Cost
T5HO controller 42UKP
12% T5HO 24W tube reflector 10UKP
12% T5HO 24W tube 19UKP cf ZOO MED T5HO 24W 10%UVB tube 22UKP
total = 71 UKP

Slimline kit with 12%UVB T5HO tube 65UPK nothing more to buy.
cf Zoo Med 24W 24" t5ho reflector hood https://www.amazingamazon.com.au/zoo-med-t5-reflector.html 130AUD + postage
or https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-26053-Reptisun-Terrarium/dp/B00AQU8F2O 60USD + postage.


I bought my Arcadia tubes and luminaires from the UK and had them shipped to me here in Australia with a UK powerboard in the parcel. Was cheaper to buy in bulk and have shipped by Royal Mail Parcel Force to me here in Australia than buying locally (no one had these and those who listed them said "on back order".
All I need to install in my tanks is a universial power adapter , I have some of these that look like this https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2x-Universal-Travel-Adapter-International-UK-USA-EU-to-AU-Australian-Power-Plug/282787408101?epid=742760360&hash=item41d77168e5%3Ag%3ATs0AAOSwUmtbFx81&_nkw=universal+adapter+adaptor&rt=nc

UK , AU and NZ are all 240VAC 50Hz mains power , so it's only the plugs that are different.
 

CooperDragon

BD.org Sicko
Staff member
Moderator
NoahC":1fdpmjkt said:
CooperDragon":1fdpmjkt said:
That's the 22'' so you'll need a 24'' T5 fixture for it. It's an excellent bulb. I would pick up a T5 controller and a reflector for it so it provides best output.

The 24 Watt version of the controller for that bulb https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-t5-controller/

And a 24Watt version Reflector to go over it https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-t5-reflectors/

The brand of T5 light is interchangeable so the main thing is to find the 24'' (24Watt) version of T5 fixtures. You might be able to get a 24'' grow light fixture for it at a hydroponics store too. The items I linked to should do the trick though.







THANK YOU!!!! Just to clarify, the Arcadia controller is what is going to make the light turn on? And the reflector is obviously just a good addition to the setup, but not necessarily crucial to making the light work? Just want to know absolutely everything I can so I know what I'm paying for :)

Yes the controller powers the light and the reflector sits behind the light and just directs more light down over the basking area increasing the effective output of the light.
 

NoahC

Member
Original Poster
CooperDragon":3200008n said:
That's the 22'' so you'll need a 24'' T5 fixture for it. It's an excellent bulb. I would pick up a T5 controller and a reflector for it so it provides best output.

The 24 Watt version of the controller for that bulb https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-t5-controller/

And a 24Watt version Reflector to go over it https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-t5-reflectors/

The brand of T5 light is interchangeable so the main thing is to find the 24'' (24Watt) version of T5 fixtures. You might be able to get a 24'' grow light fixture for it at a hydroponics store too. The items I linked to should do the trick though.

I think I'm being a bit dumb but one more question,, does the arcadia controller act as the light fixture? Like how does it work? Does the controller also mount the uvb in the tank, or does it just act as an on and off switch for the bulb? Do I still need to spend hours searching for an actual 22" fixture? because I can't find a fixture anywhere that is the right size.
 

CooperDragon

BD.org Sicko
Staff member
Moderator
I haven't seen one in person. They seem to be fairly rare here in the US but I see them used and available in the UK regularly. As I understand it, the caps connect to the ends of the tube and power the bulb. Then you can mount the ends so they sit on the ceiling of the tank and clip a reflector around the top connecting it to the ends of the bulb. Swell used to sell the ones I linked to as a kit but they don't seem to have the kits anymore. They do have complete fixtures which are similar to what you'd see in the US. Since you already have a bulb though, there's no sense in buying another one yet.

I did some digging and found a UK version of a popular fixture over here (Sunblaster) but it also looks like it has just end caps and a reflector that clips on top. It's a high quality fixture (at least the one in sold in the US is). It comes wit hooks so it's easy to hang from a tank top. http://www.progrow.co.uk/acatalog/SunBlaster-T5-Lighting-System-2ft-24w-05442.html#SID=74
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
NoahC":layc2whz said:
CooperDragon":layc2whz said:
That's the 22'' so you'll need a 24'' T5 fixture for it. It's an excellent bulb. I would pick up a T5 controller and a reflector for it so it provides best output.

The 24 Watt version of the controller for that bulb https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-t5-controller/

And a 24Watt version Reflector to go over it https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-t5-reflectors/

The brand of T5 light is interchangeable so the main thing is to find the 24'' (24Watt) version of T5 fixtures. You might be able to get a 24'' grow light fixture for it at a hydroponics store too. The items I linked to should do the trick though.

try http://www.reptile-specialist.co.uk/hoods-controllers-and-parts.html , the store manager is a very nice lady , she bent over backwards to help me with special bulk order .
http://www.reptile-specialist.co.uk/contact.html

I think I'm being a bit dumb but one more question,, does the arcadia controller act as the light fixture? Like how does it work? Does the controller also mount the uvb in the tank, or does it just act as an on and off switch for the bulb? Do I still need to spend hours searching for an actual 22" fixture? because I can't find a fixture anywhere that is the right size.
 
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