kingofnobbys
BD.org Sicko
WinFam01":2uwp02d1 said:Please be kind, this is a work in progress.
Her current bulb is *not* a 13w, it is a 26w, which is why I had been thinking it was ok. *I now know it is not*.
Measurement from inside top of screen straight down to top of "mountain" (which is her basking spot) is 9.5".
Measurement from inside top of screen straight down to top of rock structure is 12".
My conclusion, if I have come to it correctly, is that with the current set-up, a T8 (inside!) would be indicated.
BUT, because I read that T8 emits a different wavelength of light which may be seen by reptiles as a flicker that doesn't sound pleasant,
https://www.reptilecentre.com/blog/2016/09/difference-t8-t5-reptile-uvb-tubes/
I do wonder if we could have the correct distance for a T5 (inside!) if we were to make the top of the rock the basking spot instead? But then her body (& especially head), would not be 12" from the uvb, so I'm not sure?
Sorry for all the detailed questions! This is just the way my brain works at trying to make sure I understand correctly.?
I use 26W UVB200 CFBs in Exo Terra Nano Hoods mounted under the lid of my rearing tubs, no screen obstructing them so my dragons get very good levels of UVA & UVB at about 20cm from the closest point on the globe .
In your case based on the shading factor I worked out for your screen mesh lid, your dragon will not be getting anywhere near enough UV unless it can get as close as 2cm to the 26W 10% UVB CFB .
In the short term if the 26W 10% UVB CFB is under 3 months old, you could retire the dome it's in and invest in a Exo Terra Nano Hood , and mount that under the mesh , this will get you out of trouble until you can upgrade to a good T5 reflector hood and a T5 UVB tube of sufficient penetrating power and UVB rating to match your current tank or perhaps a future larger forever home for the dragon.