Lighting Help for Newbies (:

[klm15975]

After looking at the lights I noticed this statement:
"Optimal for use with larger terrariums where greater than 12" of UVB penetration is needed. The ReptiSun 10.0 is also recommended for use above screen covers which can filter out up to 50% of the UVB wavelengths."
So now I am confused on whether to install this inside the tank or outside the tank...

Thanks
~K

 

[Jess]

Still inside of the tank... While that info might work for other reptiles, beardies need intense UVB because of where they are from. :wink: Remember, that light isn't specifically made for one reptile, so the company's info is more general and it won't apply to every reptile's care.

 

[klm15975]

While that info might work for other reptiles. Remember, that light isn't specifically made for one reptile, so the company's info is more general and it won't apply to every reptile's care.

Doh, didn't think of that lol. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[klm15975]

One more question about lighting. I ordered the Zoo Med ReptiSun® 10.0 High Output UVB Fluorescent Bulb, 15 Watts, 18-Inch from Amazon. In the meantime I went to wally world for the fixture, I got an 18" fixture and when I got home I opened it and measured the bulb it was 17.5" so clearly the 18" bulb is not going to fit. So my question is what size fixture do I need to fit the 18" bulb? (sorry I'm challenged at these sorts of things )

 

[Jess]

Hmm, you should be able to squeeze it into the fixture, since it sounds like it was made for the right size bulb. My fixture is old and warped so it is a little too small, but I still some how manage to get the bulb in.

 

[klm15975]

I got the bulb today and it fit into the fixture Next question is, do I leave the plastic cover over the bulb or not?
Thanks in advance

 

[Jess]

Nope, take the cover off. Plastic blocks UVB rays!

 

[inalilwhile]

Thanks so much for this thread!

Right now my gal is under an 125w Solar Glo (above the screen.. oops. I didn't know). Now that I know SolarGlos have UVB which diminishes rapidly, I am thinking of getting her a ReptiSun and then using the Solar Glo as a basking light. Can I do that?

My real issue stems from the fact that my beardie (who is a few weeks older than this photo, but still does the exact same thing), spends 80% of her time on her mesh hammock thing. (At night, she sleeps pressed between it and the glass. It's cute.) See photo:

So if I put the ReptiSun above the mesh, I'm worried she'll be too close to it and burn herself or something. What if I put it on the opposite side of the cage, on the glass that doesn't have the hammock? Would that work or is that too far from her if she's always on the opposite glass? She's in a 20 gallon.

 

[Jess]

How old is the Solar Glo? It should be fine.

And can you lower her hammock? The ReptiSun won't burn her... They don't get hot at all. When Dud's UVB was within his reach, he used to launch himself at in and try to climb it and he never got burned LOL.
If you can't lower it though, the opposite side should be OK.

 

[inalilwhile]

The SolarGlo is a month old. It should be fine for UVB or for basking?

:lol: :lol: Too funny about Dud.. looks like I'll just lower the hammock, then!

If you don't mind me asking you one more question... can she go without UVB for three weeks? I might have to board her at the vet over Christmas and they put them in their own tanks which provide light and heat but no UVB. The vet assured me that three weeks is totally fine, but I'm worried..

Thanks again for this thread!

 

[Jess]

Hmm, since it's new IDK if you should use it with the ReptiSun. If it is still giving off UVB, you don't want your beardie to get too much of it.

Yeah, he's a freak. :roll:

And IMO, 3 weeks is pushing it a little. I wouldn't recommend going any more than 2 weeks without UVB. If they don't have the right fixture for a tube UVB, can you just give them your Solar Glo? It should still be putting out some UVB.

 

[1beardie]

You have the temps as 105 for adults and up to 110 for juvi's... What age is considered "Adult"????

 

[Jess]

Around 1 1/2 - 2 years.

Those are just guidlines though. Some beardies like it hotter, and some like it cooler. My 3-4 yr old decided that his favorite basking temp is 110*F, so go with what your beardie is happiest with.

 

[GriffinNC]

I was about to ask the same thing. The Breeder that I'm looking at getting my Dragon from recommends both a MVB and Tube UVB bulb.

Exo Terra Solar Glo - MVB
Repti Sun 10.0 UV - Tube.

Should we not do this for him?

 

[Jess]

No, both of them would be too much UVB, which can be dangerous for your beardie. Once the MVBs are old and don't give off UVB some people just use them as basking lights, but you shouldn't use both a tube and a MVB if they are brand new. Go with the ReptiSun, they are much better than Solar Glos.