Confused on the 12% T5 vs. 12% T8 difference.

[mmbakerstreet]

Can anyone help a gal out?

I have 1 year and 5 month old beardie named Freddie. I got him December 2018 and I have had to change the UVB bulb multiple times due to misinformation, now that I am more educated on this matter..I have a question: IS the Arcadia 12% T8 18" sufficient enough? Are T8 bulbs really all that bad?
I have an 18" fixture so I am looking for a 18" bulb.
He currently has the Exo Terra Reptile UVB 150 15 watt T8 bulb but I am not really sure if that is good enough so I want a better linear UVB.
He is in a 36 x 18 x 12 Exo Terra currently and I am looking to make my own when the COVID-19 restrictions start opening up places again because as of right now..I can't get any supplies to make one
Would I go for a 12% one? And how would I mount it? Inside or outside the mesh screen top?

 

[Claudiusx]

Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures

 

[Claudiusx]

Hi there,

T8's aren't bad at all! In many cases, a T8 is the best choice depending on decor and cage height.

That being said, T5's are stronger. Meaning they need to be further from the dragon for the dragon to have the proper UVI exposure.

The arcadia 12% t8 is a bit stronger than the reptisun 10.0 t8, but the t5's are still stronger than both.
Remember, stronger doesn't mean better. You pick the bulb that works best for your enclosure.

If you have a larger tank and the bulb will be around 12 or so inches from your basking site, the T5 is the best bulb. If you have a tank where the basking site is only gonna be around 6 or 8 inches, the T8 is the best bulb.

It's case dependant

Since you already have the T8 fixture, you can make the T8 12% arcadia work. It should be around 8-10 inches unobstructed by mesh, and in a reflector fixture.

Or, you could go with a t5 fixture and the t5 version of the 12%, and mount it outside on top of your tank (on the screen). Since the screen blocks some of the rays, you will want the t5 on the screen to be about 8 inches from the basking site.

Multiple options

-Brandon