Arcadia UVB Fixture

[Xazzak]

I'm looking to go away from my cheapo fluorescent fixture. I'm currently using a ReptiSun 10.0 UVB bulb, but without being able to correctly mount reflectors on my fixture, I'm not getting the output I will need in my new and much larger enclosure.

I'm thinking about buying this:
http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/arcadia-power-compact-24-watt-12-uv-flood-light-kit-with-up-converter/

Does anyone out there have any opinions on Arcadia gear? I hear Arcadia products are probably the best that one can buy.

 

[CooperDragon]

I use an Arcadia T5 and it's great. It has been providing sunlight levels of UVB for over a year now. This one should do the trick for most enclosures. It's long enough to cover a very wide basking area. http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

 

[Xazzak]

Thanks for the suggestion Cooper. Does your setup have a screen top or a hard top? I've been talking to Tod (awesome guy) about it all and he suggested the URL I posted as a first choice for my setup, and what you mentioned as a second choice. However, he warned me that that warranty would be voided if it burned out due to overheating in an enclosed setup.

 

[CooperDragon]

I have a mesh top that I usually leave off except during high bug season. The fixture gets slightly warm but I can hold my hand on it easily. I wouldn't worry too much about overheating as long as you have enough space around it. It should sit about 12-14'' above the highest basking area.

Todd knows his stuff so his recommendation is likely a good one. I don't have experience with or test results from their compact bulbs though so I'm not sure about intensity or optimal mounting distance. I like to set the light so that it provides about 3-5UVI over the basking area. I also like to have that level at a radius that is at least as long as your dragon (a little more is better) so they can bask evenly. I also like having areas in the tank with low to no UVB to allow for self regulation.

 

[Xazzak]

Sounds like you know quite a bit about UV exposure, I need to further educate myself on the topic. Do you use some kind of UV meter? If yes, what do you use? I heard they're pretty expensive, but good to have.

 

[CooperDragon]

I have a Solarmeter 6.5 which measures UVI. I like it because I can directly compare sunlight to the output of the bulb. If you want to measure direct UVB output from a bulb and measure it's decay, you're better off with a Solarmeter 6.2. They are expensive but nice to have (~$200). Definitely a luxury item. There are a lot of test results available for the major bulb brands so you can go by those for mounting distances and output without having to invest in a Solarmeter. Uvguide.co.uk is a great source as well as the Yahoo UVB Meter Owners Group. The test results are available in a files section there. Taterbug has compiled a bunch of this info into an easy to read chart as well. The chart is available on her site here https://sites.google.com/site/thelizardmadness/lighting-guides