Lighting Confusion

[Beardienatic]

Hi guys!

I'll be getting my bearded dragon in a couple of months, but I'm slightly confused about the lights. I know that they must recieve both UVB and UVA. As far as I understand, the UVB comes from the non-basking light. So my question is, does the non-basking light give off both UVB and UVA, or does your baskign light have to give off the UVA? Or, does it depend on which brand you use, if so, I will be using the Zoomed Reptisun 10.0 T5 tube.

And, I know you're supposed to change the bulbs every six months, but does that only apply of its in use? Because I was thinking that I would buy an extra light, so I always have a spare in case something happens. And then I can buy the lights now instead of waiting until later - I am very eager to collect all of my supplies!

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures

 

[Taterbug]

Hi guys!

I'll be getting my bearded dragon in a couple of months, but I'm slightly confused about the lights. I know that they must recieve both UVB and UVA. As far as I understand, the UVB comes from the non-basking light. So my question is, does the non-basking light give off both UVB and UVA, or does your baskign light have to give off the UVA? Or, does it depend on which brand you use, if so, I will be using the Zoomed Reptisun 10.0 T5 tube.

And, I know you're supposed to change the bulbs every six months, but does that only apply of its in use? Because I was thinking that I would buy an extra light, so I always have a spare in case something happens. And then I can buy the lights now instead of waiting until later - I am very eager to collect all of my supplies!

Thanks in advance!!

Regular and basking lights give of tiny amounts of UVA, not enough to matter but enough that they can say it on the label. Your UVB tube will be producing the bulk of UVA as well. The same chemicals that make the UVB make the UVA. There are some basking bulbs that give lots of UVA but they are very expencive and not common to use.

UVB actually changes the surface of the glass inside the tube, so over time/use the glass allows less and less UVB light out untill its not enough anymore. Sitting in the box will be fine, I keep a couple bulbs handy myself. The T5 tubes last 12months, btw.

 

[Beardienatic]

Thank you! So its ok just to use the T5, and any regular bulb that produces enough heat?

 

[Beardienatic]

And can someone please give me a link or something on where I can buy a fixture for the T5 light, it will be mounted on the inside of the tank, as my tank it a melamine tank with sliding doors. I have been searching around, and I absolutely CANNOT find a fixture that doesn't cost like a $150!! I will be getting the 22 or 24 inch T5 light, btw. Is it necessary to put a protector over the light? My beardie won't be able to touch the light, as it will be mounted on the roof of the enclosure.
Thanks in advance!!