If you can't find an Arcadia T5, I suggest trying to find a reflector to fit behind/over the back of the bulb and direct more of the UVB light downward. That will increase the effective distance of your T8s and should help a lot. It looks like Swell Reptiles has them in stock and the 36in (30w) version is available https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-t8-fluorescent-reflectors/
Those are tubes but I would switch one out to the Arcadia if you can find them now there are shortages of the 24" 12% Desert here in the states --- I had checked one place over in the UK area and they were out too of the 24" length --- you can get the Reptisun brand 10.0 T 5 they are just as good tho -- you dont need two UVB's in your tank -- one good one is enough --- and you dont want to over UVB him-- if your tank is huge length wise 2 would be fine but most people usually have a 4x2x2 for a large tank --
With a 16 inch high tank you would want the T8 bulb Arcadia 12% your fixture has a reflector on it correct???? --- the T 5 is going to be too strong for the height of the tank --- one good UVB as recommended and one bright white basking bulb --- no off colored white or yellowish bulb please -- the distance for the T 8 would be directly over the basking decor 6-8 inches --
With a 16 inch high tank you would want the T8 bulb Arcadia 12% your fixture has a reflector on it correct???? --- the T 5 is going to be too strong for the height of the tank --- one good UVB as recommended and one bright white basking bulb --- no off colored white or yellowish bulb please -- the distance for the T 8 would be directly over the basking decor 6-8 inches --
Okay I can get that bulb no problem, no it hasn’t got a reflector on it I’m already guessing that would be a good investment as I imagine a lot of the uvb is wasted without one I’m guessing ?
Let me know his behavior after you get it set up and a day or two after install- this bulb will need to be changed out in approx 6 months I recommend 5
Let us know how things go with trying to get his lighting all changed up.
As Karrie suggested, getting the UVB light to be directed downward towards him will be much
more effective for him.
How is he doing today?
Sorry for the late reply but yes since we last spoke I have invested in a new UVB lighting set up as you recommended through the Arcadia brand.
Even before I purchased this I thought best to unplug one of my bulbs I had on at the time, and I was shocked at the difference really Greg does seem to be a lot more happier.
Also you’ll see there recent photos of Greg’s swollen leg, he seems to be walking much better now and putting weight on it however the swelling does seem to still be there, I have been giving him small amounts of tart cherry juice as recent as I can to see if this can help if it’s suspect gout.
Honesty I have a feeling he has just hurt it by falling off one of his logs in his viv, I have since removed this and just seeing how it goes for the time being, he’s still pooping and eating well so all seems healthy for now.
But again Thankyou for all your help and advice on the lighting, actually shocked as I was recommended that starter kit viv including the x2 uvb bulbs by the shop when I purchased Greg but now I have changed to x1 uvb bulb all seems good
Thanks for the update, it sounds like you have made some great improvements!
That's great Greg is happier, too. I am sure he is feeling better. How bad is the
swelling, it has not changed at all?
Definitely continue using the black or tart cherry, daily to try & help with the kidneys.
He might have hurt himself by falling off of his logs if he was weak from insufficient
UVB exposure.
I took another look at his arm & it really looks like possible gout. Was the vet going
to consider getting him on allopurinol for that, or not?