Difference between t5 and t8?

[lizalizaliza]

Can anyone clarify?

I currently have a reptisun t8 10.0 above a screen lid on a 18" tall enclosure. I'm not sure this is adequate enough with the basking spot around 8 inches away. I can mount the fixture to the inside of lid if needed, but have also considered buying a new fixture all together so if a t5 would be better I want to buy the right one!

Thanks!

 

[Claudiusx]

Hi there,

The difference between the two is their effective distance.

Your t8 needs to be about 8 inches from the basking site unobstructed.

The t5 needs to be around 12-15 inches unobstructed. If mounted on the screen, it ideally needs to be around 8-10 inches away.

So whichever works best for your setup is what you should go with. You can mount the t8 inside and it be sufficient as long as you can have it around 8 inches away.

-Brandon

 

[lizalizaliza]

Hi there,

The difference between the two is their effective distance.

Your t8 needs to be about 8 inches from the basking site unobstructed.

The t5 needs to be around 12-15 inches unobstructed. If mounted on the screen, it ideally needs to be around 8-10 inches away.

So whichever works best for your setup is what you should go with. You can mount the t8 inside and it be sufficient as long as you can have it around 8 inches away.

-Brandon

Thank you! I'll temporarily mount it inside the enclosure tomorrow and see how that works out before deciding if I should change out the fixture all together.

 

[Claudiusx]

Sounds like a good plan

-Brandon

 

[MrSpectrum]

I didn't see mention of a reflector or no reflector, which may make a difference in effective distance of either bulb.

 

[lizalizaliza]

I didn't see mention of a reflector or no reflector, which may make a difference in effective distance of either bulb.

It has a reflector.

Edit: if you have a specific recommendation for a 30" fixture, either t8 or t5, you think would be better, I'm all ears!

 

[MrSpectrum]

if you have a specific recommendation for a 30" fixture, either t8 or t5, you think would be better, I'm all ears!

How long is your enclosure? I have a 36" fixture, but I found that to be an odd size among some mfrs. and actually more expensive (both fixture and bulbs) than a 48". IDK where a 30" falls, but if a 24 or 36 would be appropriate for your tank it might give you more options. :dontknow:

 

[lizalizaliza]

if you have a specific recommendation for a 30" fixture, either t8 or t5, you think would be better, I'm all ears!

How long is your enclosure? I have a 36" fixture, but I found that to be an odd size among some mfrs. and actually more expensive (both fixture and bulbs) than a 48". IDK where a 30" falls, but if a 24 or 36 would be appropriate for your tank it might give you more options. :dontknow:

Oh sorry, I meant 36. It's getting late haha. I dont know if 24 would be long enough. It's a 36×18×18 front opening glass enclosure with a screen top.

 

[MrSpectrum]

I dont know if 24 would be long enough. It's a 36×18×18 front opening glass enclosure with a screen top.

For that size enclosure, 24 is long enough (2/3 to 3/4 length of tank). You don't want it across the entire tank; your dragon needs to be able to get away from it if s/he wants to.

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