Exo terra Reptile UVB150 25W Compact/Coil bulb

[pereira22]

Hey guys lately i've been reading a lot of topics about the compact bulbs and the negative impact that they have on bearded dragons. I've got an Exo terra Reptile UVB150 25W Compact Bulb and i am a little worried because my beardie is coming this weekend and if it does cause some kind of problems to the beardies i surely will have to suspend the beardie's arrival. Should i be worried or this type of bulb is not bad for the animal and if yes should i keep it inside the tank? Should i get a dome and put it outside above roof? What's the ideal distance between the lamp and the ground?? (MY TANK IS 20 INCH HIGHER)

 

[CooperDragon]

It's a relatively low output bulb. I don't think it will cause harm but it's not the best option in the long term. I would plan on saving up for a 22'' T5 bulb and accompanying fixture for the long run. With the 26w UVB150 it should sit in a fixture with a dome or reflector to direct all output downward. It should also sit about 6-8'' above the basking area with no screen in between the bulb and basking site for best results. It should be mounted directly overhead rather than at an angle which should prevent vision issues. It should sit right next to the basking bulb. It should be replaced every 3-6 months.

 

[pereira22]

Thank you. You helped me a lot i will surely buy a better one in a month or less.

 

[kingofnobbys]

If the 25W UVB150 is still in the box , and you can locate the receipt , take it back and exchange for the 25W UVB200 version.

I use 25W UVB200 compacts mounted under the lid in Nano Hoods and about 8 inches from my beardies and have raised very healthy beardies.

This will show you how to set up the existing compact (UVB150) if you can't return it : viewtopic.php?f=34&t=235611
The correct distance from the 25W UVB150 mounted in a reflector dome or a reflector hood is about 17cm to the basking spot (this will result in 180-200 microW UVB /sq.cm there if there is no mesh between the globe and the basking spot).

Better off replacing it with either a
T5HO 12%UVB tube in a reflector hood
or
T8 12%UVB tube in a reflector hood
or
a MVB
or
a 25W UVB200 in a reflector dome or hood.

 

[pereira22]

Thank very much. That helps me a lot. One more thing, my tank's lid is 30cm away from the basking area and it has a really small mesh it is basically only glass, so i will buy a reflector for the uvb150 because ill only get a better light in 3-4 weeks. Should i put the light+reflector in the lid and make an higher basking spot till there is 17cm between the light and the basking area or should i keep it inside the tank with the reflector and lower it till i have the 17cm? (my tank is 50cm high)
Sorry for so many questions but i wanna make a good environment for the animal when he arrives, and thank you again

 

[CooperDragon]

As long as there isn't any mesh in between the bulb and basking spot you could do it either way. I prefer offering climbing areas and high basking spots if possible but I would set it so at least part of the basking area is at around 15-20cm from the bulb. In the long run you'll be best off investing in one of these which produce excellent UVB at around 12-14'' (30-35cm)http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

 

[pereira22]

Ok that is all i need to know. Thank you very much.