My beardie is lives in a 48x24x24 Zen Habitat and I have a 34 inch Arcadia 14% T5 HO bulb mounted on the inside of the terrarium (zip tied to the screen top). If she climbs all the way to the top of some of her cage furniture, she is 10-12 inches from the bulb. The minimum recommended distance listed on the site is 15 inches. Would this bulb be sufficient if placed above the mesh?
I would follow manufacturers guidelines. They made those guidelines for a reason.
I use the 14% in my tanks but they aren't able to get closer than 18 inches or so from the bulb. They are strong bulbs. I will measure mine at your distance once lights turn on.
I agree I would follow them as well - I have one 14% in one of my tanks now and its about 15 or so inches from my basking piece now - recommendations on the website say 24 or so and and that is the height of my tank -- it is strapped to the top of the screen
Karrie