HELP!!!!! I need a UVB fixture!

[augustusu]

Recently Spike has entered a dormant, not-eating, lazy phase. Could be brumation but the UVB light is too small for the 50 gallon tank he is in. I just bought a ReptiSun 10.0 UVB 18" tube light. I figured I could just go online and order a fixture for 20 bucks but it turns out they are 50+ dollars! I am not an adult and I can't afford that. Does any one have any cheaper ideas for mounting Spike's UVB light? If so, please include a link. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a million, guys.

[Arawood]

https://m.acehardware.com/product/index ... d=19690606

This is the fixture I have, it's $16 from ace hardware, you can have it shipped to you or pick up from the store for free assuming they have it in stock, and I used command hooks (for 5 lbs) to mount it to the back wall of the tank. Those were only a couple bucks at Walmart.

[augustusu]

https://m.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19690606

This is the fixture I have, it's $16 from ace hardware, you can have it shipped to you or pick up from the store for free assuming they have it in stock, and I used command hooks (for 5 lbs) to mount it to the back wall of the tank. Those were only a couple bucks at Walmart.

Thanks so much. Does size matter on the comand hooks?

[Arawood]

As long as you get the ones that hold at least up to 5 lbs you should be fine. I use the ones specifically made for hanging picture frames but I'm sure the regular ones will work just fine too!

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from Beardie ER to Enclosures

[kingofnobbys]

https://m.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19690606

This is the fixture I have, it's $16 from ace hardware, you can have it shipped to you or pick up from the store for free assuming they have it in stock, and I used command hooks (for 5 lbs) to mount it to the back wall of the tank. Those were only a couple bucks at Walmart.

Can you return it and exchange for a T5HO fixture , then return the T8 10.0UVB tube to exchange with a 12%UVB T5HO Arcadia tube.

The issue is you have no reflector behind the T8 tube , and a T8 10%UVB tube is VERY WEAK .
See this viewtopic.php?f=34&t=235611

a 10%UVB T8 tube will have to be closer than 3 inches from the basking spot without a reflector to provide enough UVA and UVB to keep your dragon healthy.
Add a reflector behind the T8 tube and this distance doubles.
Irrespective …. a T8 tube is not a very good choice no matter how powerful it is.

[augustusu]

https://m.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19690606

This is the fixture I have, it's $16 from ace hardware, you can have it shipped to you or pick up from the store for free assuming they have it in stock, and I used command hooks (for 5 lbs) to mount it to the back wall of the tank. Those were only a couple bucks at Walmart.

Can you return it and exchange for a T5HO fixture , then return the T8 10.0UVB tube to exchange with a 12%UVB T5HO Arcadia tube.

The issue is you have no reflector behind the T8 tube , and a T8 10%UVB tube is VERY WEAK .
See this viewtopic.php?f=34&t=235611

I would have already done that but I can't afford that...

a 10%UVB T8 tube will have to be closer than 3 inches from the basking spot without a reflector to provide enough UVA and UVB to keep your dragon healthy.
Add a reflector behind the T8 tube and this distance doubles.
Irrespective …. a T8 tube is not a very good choice no matter how powerful it is.

[augustusu]

https://m.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19690606

This is the fixture I have, it's $16 from ace hardware, you can have it shipped to you or pick up from the store for free assuming they have it in stock, and I used command hooks (for 5 lbs) to mount it to the back wall of the tank. Those were only a couple bucks at Walmart.

Can you return it and exchange for a T5HO fixture , then return the T8 10.0UVB tube to exchange with a 12%UVB T5HO Arcadia tube.

The issue is you have no reflector behind the T8 tube , and a T8 10%UVB tube is VERY WEAK .
See this viewtopic.php?f=34&t=235611

a 10%UVB T8 tube will have to be closer than 3 inches from the basking spot without a reflector to provide enough UVA and UVB to keep your dragon healthy.
Add a reflector behind the T8 tube and this distance doubles.
Irrespective …. a T8 tube is not a very good choice no matter how powerful it is.

any cheaper ideas??

[BeerdedBiped]

[/quote]any cheaper ideas??[/quote]

If you still have the box the lighting fixture came in you can cut it up to make your own reflector. All you will need is metal on metal duct tape, the packaging, and box cutters or scissors. google for how to instructions/videos.

[kingofnobbys]

Sorry …. if you can't afford a good reflector hood , what makes you think you can afford to keep a pet bearded dragon (even if it's already an adult) .

I think you need give very serious consideration to the aspects of setup costs , and ongoing costs (feeder insects in bulk EVERY WEEK, suppliments, 6 monthly replacement of UV source), and a contingency account (savings) to cover vet bills (I suggest at least $300 set aside) BEFORE bringing home a bearded dragon.

[augustusu]

Sorry …. if you can't afford a good reflector hood , what makes you think you can afford to keep a pet bearded dragon (even if it's already an adult) .

I think you need give very serious consideration to the aspects of setup costs , and ongoing costs (feeder insects in bulk EVERY WEEK, suppliments, 6 monthly replacement of UV source), and a contingency account (savings) to cover vet bills (I suggest at least $300 set aside) BEFORE bringing home a bearded dragon.

Alright. I bought a new fixture. Thank you for the help.