How to mount T5 10.0 UVB inside tank?

[zonkey]

I have a Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB T5 HO Reptile Terrarium Lamp, 24-watt inside the ReptiSun 24in hood cover. Currently, it's sitting on top of my mesh lid. But I want to make sure my dragon is getting proper UVB- so was wondering if I should place the UVB inside the tank, and if so, how?? And would it be possible with the hood cover on? Or even, I saw one person mentioning they just cut a portion of their mesh lid off so that the UVB could shine through better... is that recommended? Or what would you guys say? Thanks for your patience with me in all my many questions as a new beardie owner, lol.

 

[zonkey]

This is the mesh on the top also

 

[KarrieRee]

View attachment 86905
This is the mesh on the top also

Your screen is a wide hole type leave it on top w/ basking decor directly under it approx 8-10 inches

 

[zonkey]

Your screen is a wide hole type leave it on top w/ basking decor directly under it approx 8-10 inches

Okay, thank you!
Could you also give me some adivce on the basking bulb? I had initially tried the ZooMed 100w bulb, it got the basking spot to about 92f, but no higher. I switched it out for a Fluker's 150w bulb, but so far the Fluker's 150w bulb has only reached like 85f! Not sure what is going on.

 

[KarrieRee]

Okay, thank you!
Could you also give me some adivce on the basking bulb? I had initially tried the ZooMed 100w bulb, it got the basking spot to about 92f, but no higher. I switched it out for a Fluker's 150w bulb, but so far the Fluker's 150w bulb has only reached like 85f! Not sure what is going on.

How are you getting surface basking temp? It needs to be w/ a digital probe thermometer

 

[zonkey]

How are you getting surface basking temp? It needs to be w/ a digital probe thermometer

I am using this thermometer here: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zoo-med-digital-thermometer-1120646

 

[KarrieRee]

I am using this thermometer here: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zoo-med-digital-thermometer-1120646

ok thats good --- place the probe on the spot where he sits to bask wait a good 10 min or so--get temp

 

[zonkey]

ok thats good --- place the probe on the spot where he sits to bask wait a good 10 min or so--get temp

I put the probe right on top of the basking platform, and the temp rose drastically, around 109 or so! didnt know just a few inches away made such a difference haha. thank you!

 

[KarrieRee]

I put the probe right on top of the basking platform, and the temp rose drastically, around 109 or so! didnt know just a few inches away made such a difference haha. thank you!

Ok has he been basking on that spot? How old is he? Once they hit 6 months the 109 may be too hot - they generally like 95-100 for basking at 6 months and up

 

[zonkey]

Ok has he been basking on that spot? How old is he? Once they hit 6 months the 109 may be too hot - they generally like 95-100 for basking at 6 months and up

Yep she's been hanging out on it pretty much all day, she got down for maybe 15-20 minutes to eat and roam a bit, but she's back on it. The vet said she's maybe 3-4 years old? I was having trouble figuring out the basking spot temps online as I kept finding conflicting information on how hot it should be

 

[KarrieRee]

Yep she's been hanging out on it pretty much all day, she got down for maybe 15-20 minutes to eat and roam a bit, but she's back on it. The vet said she's maybe 3-4 years old? I was having trouble figuring out the basking spot temps online as I kept finding conflicting information on how hot it should be

ok well watch her behavior -- she may start sitting off to the side of the spot or lower -- or she may cut time as well -- if so try lowering the temp either by lowering the basking area or the wattage of the bulb- are you using a 100 watt or a 150 ?

 

[zonkey]

ok well watch her behavior -- she may start sitting off to the side of the spot or lower -- or she may cut time as well -- if so try lowering the temp either by lowering the basking area or the wattage of the bulb- are you using a 100 watt or a 150 ?

Okay! I'll watch her and see what she does. I'm currently using the 150w

 

[KarrieRee]

Okay! I'll watch her and see what she does. I'm currently using the 150w

Ok