Fluorescent vs mvb

[jethrobodeen1581]

I am about to go buy an uvb bulb for the enclosure, but I don't know whether to get a fluorescent tube or an mvb. I lean towards the tube because my enclosure has a screened top and I've read that it blocks a lot of the uvb. I have my dragon in my bedroom however, and am worried that if I get the tube it is going to blind me or just be annoyingly colored. What would be best? And also am I right about the tube having an annoying color? I will get whatever is best for him

 

[CooperDragon]

Are you using a 40g breeder? If so, I'd go with a T5 bulb and fixture that runs about 1/2 the length of the enclosure. A good MVB is nice too but they often require a secondary basking light to get the temps up enough. They are probably a better choice in a large enclosure with multiple basking spots. I've found that the T5 tube along with a bright white basking bulb works well for smaller tanks and keeps things simple. These are two very good options for UVB
This fixture http://www.amazon.com/Sunblaster-904296-NanoTech-Fixture-Reflector/dp/B00AKKUBDQ
With this bulb http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun-10-0-Lamp/dp/B00AQU8HAO/

Or this combo set http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

They are brighter than the older T8 bulbs but I don't think it will be problematic in your room and all of the UVB is directed downward so it won't blind you. I have the Arcadia setup in my living room and it's not a problem. The lights are off at night so it won't cause issues while you're sleeping.

 

[jethrobodeen1581]

Yeah I think I'll go with the t5. I might try to find a fixture that is a little cheaper though but if I can't find one with a reflector like that then I'll get that one

 

[jethrobodeen1581]

Oh and I do have a 40 gallon breeder. Where and how should I mount the fixture?

 

[CooperDragon]

You can put it right on top. The optimal distance is about 12-14'' above the basking spot.

 

[jethrobodeen1581]

The way that my lid is I don't think I can mount it on the top

 

[CooperDragon]

What does your lid look like? If you're not able to mount it on or above the tank then you may need to mount it inside. If you can't keep it at least 12'' above the basking site though you may need to use the lower power T8 which has an optimal output at around 6'' above the basking site.

 

[jethrobodeen1581]

its kind of wierd the screen is only about 3/4 of the length of the lid and it is centered. any ideas?

 

[CooperDragon]

That makes it a bit tougher. Do you have other animals? If not you may be able to remove the top completely. Otherwise you may need to mount it inside the enclosure but that may put it too close. In this case an MVB may make sense but it's worth it to get a good one such as a MegaRay or an Arcadia with the good fixtures that LightYourReptiles sells. If you get a high powered one (160w perhaps) you may be able to get the correct amount of heat along with the high UVB output. You'll want it to be at least 12-14'' above the basking area while still getting proper temps but it may be a good all in one solution for that tank if you need to keep the lid on.

 

[jethrobodeen1581]

I have to keep it on or my kitty charmander would probably eat him. How would I do with the mvb I've read that they have to be level or they break faster and if I get the 160w I will have to get a larger dome which will make it unlevel

 

[CooperDragon]

With a cat you definitely need to keep the top on. I'd go with either a T8 with reflector mounted inside the top about 6'' above the basking spot or go with an MVB. The MVBs are delicate but can be hung/mounted from a lamp stand. You may be able to get away with the 100w setup but if the temps don't get high enough you'd need to add a second bulb (CHE or basking light) to bump the temps and that would negate the savings in space. Easier to get the higher wattage bulb and mount it a little higher if needed. These are very good ones http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/mercury-vapor-kit-160-watt-with-230-volt-bulb-works-in-us-canada/

These are good bulbs too but don't come with a fixture so you'd need to get one that supports a 160w bulb http://www.reptileuv.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_67&products_id=183 Bob can probably help out with recommendations that work with his bulbs.

 

[jethrobodeen1581]

I think I'm going to go with the combo fixture since I've only read good things about Arcadia bulbs. I don't think an mvb would be good for my setup because every time I want to take out my dragon I would have to move it, which would reduce its life. Thank you for the suggestion

 

[CooperDragon]

Arcadia makes nice stuff. I use their T5 combo as well and I like it very much.

 

[jethrobodeen1581]

So would I be able to mount that t5 inside of my tank?

 

[CooperDragon]

They are pretty strong. I'd just put it on top. If it's closer than 12'' it can be too much.