Help with lighting! Please!

[chillithebeardie]

Hi all!!
I'm in the middle of upgrading my girls UVB set up as she got a larger viv and I have a couple questions. I have read the 'lighting help for newbies' and even asked a few questions months ago but as I upgrade I have a few tank-specific questions! :lol:

I don’t want her to be getting too much UVB or not enough. So here we go;
1. Her tank is 4x2x2 and I was originally planning to get the 36” Zoo Med Reptisun Hood with reflector, which would use a 34” 39W 10.0 T5 HO bulb. Does this give her enough gradient to get away from the UVB? (the one smaller would be a 30" fixture with a reflector but the bulb that fits is a 22" 24W which seems too small to me)

2. Her current basking spot is approx 10” away from the top screen where the fixture would be laid. This is without propping herself up on the glass, which happens sometimes but not often (would ultimately make her head probably 8” away from fixture). I know the screen blocks out UVB but this is not really a mesh screen, it’s metal with decent sized holes so I’d assume the loss of UVB would be less. Would this be an issue? Would she ultimately be too close?

Overall, she has access to multiple levels as she has hammocks across the top, and a hide (will be upgraded for more room to escape) but I’m still worried there will be too much UVB. The photos added are an idea of her viv set up and places to escape from the UVB, and an attempt at showing the size of the holes.

Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this lengthy post! <3

 

[Claudiusx]

So the t5 will be resting outside of the tank ontop of the mesh?

If so, the distance you mentioned will be ok. I have used both the 22 and 34 t5's in my 4x2x2s and I prefer the 22's. This allows the far end of the cool side to have very low uv levels, shade levels or less, while still having a strong uv level while the dragon is basking.
But either size will work, it's up to you. I like the 22's also because they can be used in a smaller tank also if need be. And most fixtures for 22 t5s are 24 inches long not 30 inches.

-Brandon

 

[chillithebeardie]

So the t5 will be resting outside of the tank ontop of the mesh?

If so, the distance you mentioned will be ok. I have used both the 22 and 34 t5's in my 4x2x2s and I prefer the 22's. This allows the far end of the cool side to have very low uv levels, shade levels or less, while still having a strong uv level while the dragon is basking.
But either size will work, it's up to you. I like the 22's also because they can be used in a smaller tank also if need be. And most fixtures for 22 t5s are 24 inches long not 30 inches.

-Brandon

Thanks so much for a speedy reply!

Yes, the T5 will definitely be resting on top of the mesh.
I found it odd that the 30" Zoo Med Reptisun T5 hood required 22" bulbs. So opting for the 34" isn't too much?

Thanks again!

 

[Claudiusx]

It won't be too much. Either or has it's pros and cons depending on what you personally want out of them.

-Brandon