New owner getting conflicting information

Jes

Member
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Obidiah
I want to thank every one who came here to help me. Obadiah is back to his regular toileting schedule!
I am concerned about his uvb lighting. I got a solar meter and am only getting readings of 1.7 at top of basking rock (apr. 8" from bulb) and 1.4 on top of log which is his favorite basking spot right now (apr. 10" from bulb). I believe the readings should be between 3 and 7 so I took the uvb that came with the tank (picture attached) put it on top of screen, over log, and I am getting a reading of 3.2. So although this reading is good it is really only good over that spot, the readings go down quickly as you move from right under the light. So I will be getting a new tube light. My question now is: should I get a 24" which would cover 2/3 of tank (I would have to buy both bulb and fixture) or should I buy a 36" covering whole tank (I have a 36" fixture but I have it attached inside of tank and it only fits diagonally which I think blocks some of the heating bulb) so I am looking for everyone's opinion of length and brand, also if I get Arcadia should it be above screen or inside. Thanks everybody for all of your help and encouragement! 20220914_200615.jpg
 

xp29

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Beardie name(s)
Zen , Ruby ,Snicker Doodles, Sweet Pea, Sinatra
Get the 24 inch, they need to be able to get out of the uvb if they want. Personally i think unobstructed is always better. On top is workable but you do lose some uvb to the screen.
 

Echoing

Member
Beardie name(s)
Echo
I don't have either I have a brand that I think is bigger in Australia but I think the Arcadia T 5 24" 12% is good but I have never used it before sooo.... Maybe wait for someone to back me up!
 

Jes

Member
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Obidiah
I switched all mine to Arcadia, i have had 4 new ZooMed fixtures fail this year so im gunshy to recommend those.
OK I'm going with the Arcadia, don't want to take a chance on a brand that has failed.
 

Jes

Member
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Obidiah
I switched all mine to Arcadia, i have had 4 new ZooMed fixtures fail this year so im gunshy to recommend those.
OK I checked out the Arcadia and I need to know which bulb to buy, the choices are: 14% dragon or 12% desert, also 24, 39 or 54watt. If I install it inside tank the basking rock is about 7" from bulb (I am willing to change it if necessary). Can you advise me as to which would be best in this setup?
 

hdochow

Sub-Adult Member
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Beardie name(s)
Sir Henry of Scales
i use arcadia 12% too. distance for placement of the 12% is 12-15 inches when inside. a 14% bulb would be for a very tall tank and would be around 18-24 inches. the watt difference is based on the length. so for the 12%, 24" it is a 24 watt, i have a 36" and it is a 39 watt, and the 48" is 54 watts.
 

Jes

Member
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Obidiah
i use arcadia 12% too. distance for placement of the 12% is 12-15 inches when inside. a 14% bulb would be for a very tall tank and would be around 18-24 inches. the watt difference is based on the length. so for the 12%, 24" it is a 24 watt, i have a 36" and it is a 39 watt, and the 48" is 54 watts.
OK so I'm thinking if I get the 14% I could have it on top of tank, tank is 18" high and screen will diminish some uvb, distance from basking rock to bulb would be about 10" would that be OK or should I go with 12% inside and get different basking rock.
 

hdochow

Sub-Adult Member
Photo Comp Winner
Beardie name(s)
Sir Henry of Scales
i'm not that experienced with the 14% so i'd ask @KarrieRee about it. i just know the 18-24 for inside cause i wrote it on a post-it note at one point when she was talking with someone else about it.

i like inside the tank better myself because it is direct lighting, but i also have a solid top so don't have the option of placing on top. my tank is 24" high.
 

Jes

Member
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Obidiah
i'm not that experienced with the 14% so i'd ask @KarrieRee about it. i just know the 18-24 for inside cause i wrote it on a post-it note at one point when she was talking with someone else about it.

i like inside the tank better myself because it is direct lighting, but i also have a solid top so don't have the option of placing on top. my tank is 24" high.
OK thanks. I'll see.what KarrieRee says
 

xp29

BD.org Addict
Photo Comp Winner
Beardie name(s)
Zen , Ruby ,Snicker Doodles, Sweet Pea, Sinatra
I also use the 24 inch 12%, all 3 are inside the habitats. If your going above the screem probably the 14% to make up for the screen, its all kindda a guessing game anyway if you don't have a solarmeter to measure the actual uv percentage.
 

Jes

Member
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Obidiah
I also use the 24 inch 12%, all 3 are inside the habitats. If your going above the screem probably the 14% to make up for the screen, its all kindda a guessing game anyway if you don't have a solarmeter to measure the actual uv percentage.
I did get a solar meter, which showed my present tube bulb wasn't putting out enough uvb
 

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