18 inch uvb bulb in 40 gallon breeder?

[catsclawfurniture]

Hello all. I have my tank all set up in "kit form". I have a 40 gallon breeder tank, and I have an 18 inch UVB bulb (reptisun) in fixture. I'm getting my beardie soon, I think next week even, and I'm starting to panic and worry it's too short??? Should I have gotten a larger size? I know with a larger tank I'll need a larger size, but is this sufficient?

 

[snazzyglasses]

Actually both of our adults are in their own 40G breeder with the 18" ReptiSun 10.0 tube, and they've lived their whole lives with that tank/bulb size. There is a reflector behind the bulbs though, so maybe that makes a difference?
That's the setup that came with the dragons when we got them in August 2012, and the previous owners said they were raised from hatchlings in the 40G with 18" ReptiSuns without any problems. We haven't had any problems with it either! Just remember to make sure there's no screen or glass/plastic between the beardie and the UVB and I think you should be just fine with the 18" in a 40G

 

[hyperc]

18" is fine just have it near his basking spot...But if you feel you want longer http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/t5highoutput.html I highly recommend buying from todd bulbs last one 1year instead of every 6 months and the bulbs are stronger its a win win