Hello! I was just wondering if anyone uses the Arcadia 14% bulb and how they like it? I have a rescue beardie with MBD and I'm thinking of upgrading her Reptisun t5 bulb but I didn't know if the 14% would be too powerful? I haven't heard many people talk about it. Her case of MBD is more on the severe side so I thought it might help.
Tori
I have heard people rave about the Arcadia 12% so I thought the 14% might be the next step up, I didn't know there was a 13% too. Here is the link for the bulb I'm talking about.
I have heard people rave about the Arcadia 12% so I thought the 14% might be the next step up, I didn't know there was a 13% too. Here is the link for the bulb I'm talking about.
Maybe it was the 12% I was thinking about. You don't want make it too strong for him, it could have ill effects too.I have a hard time keeping all these numbers straight, now you went and added one more to the mix, lol!!!
She's in a 40 gallon Breeder tank so I could make the bulb 17 inches away from her at most. It also would only cover about 2/3 of the tank. I would probably put the bulb over the screen lid so that it filters out a little bit of the UVB. Her tank has a few hides and a hammock low to the ground that I would probably have to get rid of because it might put her too close. I'm just trying to figure out ways to help her- her previous owner didn't give her UVB or calcium for the first 2-3 years of her life.
Also, I just want to mention I talked to Todd from lightyourreptiles.com and he said I could do either but with the 14% I would have to place it on top of the lid and provide a big hide in case she wants to get out of the light. He also said 17 inches would be ok but to not build up any basking spots because that might put her too close. Now I'm just trying to decide which one to go with. I've been using the Reptisun t5 since I rescued her but I just feel like she needs something more powerful.
Hi
I use the Arcadia 14% t5 in a 4x2x2 vivarium & I would definitely recommend it.
Arcadia guidelines are that you have a minimum distance of 15" from the bulb if used with a reflector. ( this information comes from the Arcadia website). So if you are putting it on top of the screen you shouldn't have to make any changes to his layout.
Hope this helps
Hi Kay! Yes this does help a lot, thank you! I can make sure she's 15"-17" away from the bulb. I'm glad to hear the 14% is working well for you and your beardie! How often do you replace yours?
Tori
Hi Kay! Yes this does help a lot, thank you! I can make sure she's 15"-17" away from the bulb. I'm glad to hear the 14% is working well for you and your beardie! How often do you replace yours?
Tori
Hi Tori
Sorry for late reply.
I will be replacing it when its a year old as per Arcadia guidelines. Apparently they can last up to 18 months before they deteriorate but as a solar meter ( I think that's what its called) to test it are really expensive I'm going with better safe than sorry.