Is 8 inches too close for a Reptisun 10.0 T5 HO

[Sauzo]

As the title says, I'm wondering if it's too close. I'm used to T8s and from the research I did, most people are saying 10-12 inches for T5 and from a thread I found, a gal did some testing on them with a solarmeter and found at 8 inches with a reflector, the light put out 286 at 8 inches and 198 at 12 inches. Also lots of readings with reflectors through screens etc etc but my concern is unscreened with a reflector. The UV index at 12 inches was 4.7 which after checking the region bearded dragons come from, it reaches 11 UVI which I realize isn't what they would normally bask in but it gives an idea of the UVI they are from. So I'm figuring at 8 inches the UVI would be between 6-7 which should be a good range for bearded dragons as it means they need to spend less time "basking" to make D3. I read that the minimum UVI for reptiles to manufacture their own D3 is 4. As for the Harley "test", she loved it when i put it in and she just stretched out under it at 8 inches. I'm just wondering if anyone here has done any tests on the Reptisun 10.0 T5 HO or had first hand experience with distances on them as i don't want to possibly hurt her but i also figure if it was too much, she would wander to the other side of the cage as i only have it running half the cage and the other half is just regular light and cooler.

 

[Taterbug]

Have you looked at the uv meter owners group? They are a great resourceand have test reports for the popular bulbs. Their UVI measurement for the T5 reptisun 10.0 at 8" is 12.4. @12" it's 7.1 of course your mileage may vary. Different reflectors, fixtures and probably individual bulbs will add variation to the results. The test results for the Arcadia lights show a variation of almost 3 UVI just from different reflector/fixture combos.

Without a reflector I get 4.5@6" and 3.2@8". I also offer a warm hide so he can get out of the UVB but stay warm.
I'd be careful mounting it so close unless you have a meter.

The patch of sun method as describe by Dr. Barnes suggests a high uvb high heat zone (3-5 with max around 6-7 which is a reasonable "active time" index). Your plan sounds fine I would just be sure to adjust the distances to be a bit safer.

 

[Sauzo]

Nice info Tater, thanks. I might raise it up a couple inches and remove the home made reflector then based on that info. Harley does have a shaded patch under her hammock which she can lay under if it gets too much.