Distance from UVB

[xbluex]

Hey everyone! I know this has been a topic before but I did a search and came up with everything but this question.
Whats the distance they need to be away from the uvb? Honestly I never paid much attention because I've never had tall enclosures, but got a new friend today(a uro) and she is at least 17 inches away from the light at the highest point. Is it still doing her good? I do plan to make it so shes able to get closer but untill I can figure something out I don't want her not getting uvb.

 

[Special T]

It depends on the bulb. Mercury Vapor bulbs are effective at that distance, fluorescent bulbs really aren't. If you post the brand and type of bulb we can help more.

 

[xbluex]

Heh yeah sorry about that. Right now its a repti glo. Its going to be a reptisun 10 though when I switch it in the morning.

 

[Special T]

In either case it's too far away. The Repti-Sun 10 is still producing some UVB at that distance but not enough for a Uro. He should be able to get within about 6 inches. Your options would be to either stack things in his cage so he's able to climb high (I'm not sure if a Uro would utilize them or not), or mount the light fixture inside the aquarium. How big is the Uro right now?

 

[xbluex]

Shes not that big, wont let me get her to a spot where I can measure her(just got her yesterday so shes really skittish around me) When she comes out I'll measure her with tape but I'm estimating her at 6-8 inches nose to tail tip.
Untill I have the funds for a new fixture I cn't mount it inside, or if I did it would be extremely unsafe. So I'm thinking about building a fake bottom, maybe taking bricks and filling the bottom with them until its high enough? I'm also having a problem keeping the heat in.
The tank is a 55gal with a screen top. I'm trying everything I can for the time being. Hopefully by tomorrow everything will be better. Thanks for the tips and info.

 

[xbluex]

Okay update on what I did today. I moved her into a 40 gal. that is a little bit wider, just not as long. I had to do it because the cool side just kept getting way too cool(70's) and I raised the bottom so she's closer to the UVB. The basking spot still isnt getting hot enough though so tomorrow I am going to get the best bulb possible and raise it a little more so it'll be close enough to hold the heat. Hopefully this will work. I'll keep it updated though.

 

[radaresurfac]

I don't think that there was anything wrong with the temp being in the 70s on the cool side, maybe someone else can pipe up!