Lighting help please!

[KoNut]

I have for the most part setup my 40 gallon tank (36" inch length and 17" height) and I'm going to add more cause its kinda empty, but for now I really need some advice on my lighting setup. I have the reptisun t8 hood with the reptisun 10.0 t8 bulb. Here are some pictures of the lights please send advice! https://imgur.com/a/8ohHQPr
Please tell me if my bearded dragon will get enough uvb and uva or not while basking!

 

[CooperDragon]

That looks like a nice setup. With a tank that size I do recommend moving to a T5 bulb over a T8. The T8 is better suited for very small enclosures. A 22'' T5 will work well sitting on top of the tank over the basking area. There is a ZooMed T5 hood available (comes with a 5.0 bulb that needs to be replaced with a 10.0 bulb) and there are some good grow light fixtures that will work with ReptiSun 10 or Arcadia 12% bulbs like this http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

 

[KoNut]

That looks like a nice setup. With a tank that size I do recommend moving to a T5 bulb over a T8. The T8 is better suited for very small enclosures. A 22'' T5 will work well sitting on top of the tank over the basking area. There is a ZooMed T5 hood available (comes with a 5.0 bulb that needs to be replaced with a 10.0 bulb) and there are some good grow light fixtures that will work with ReptiSun 10 or Arcadia 12% bulbs like this http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

Thank you for the helpful information! I'll see what I can do in terms of getting the T5 hood and bulb. I am on a budget and will not be able to get those items if I cannot return what I already bought. So, if I am not able to return my T8 hood and bulb will they work fine with the bearded dragon without causes any issues?

 

[CooperDragon]

If you have to use your T8 for now, I would mount it under the mesh using picture wire or similar. Try to get it 6-8'' above the main basking area with no mesh screen in front of it so you can get the most of it. A T8 will degrade over 6 months or so (vs 12+ months for a T5). I'd save up for a T5 over that time and replace it when the T8 bulb needs replacement anyway. Upgrading it earlier is better if you can though.

 

[KoNut]

If you have to use your T8 for now, I would mount it under the mesh using picture wire or similar. Try to get it 6-8'' above the main basking area with no mesh screen in front of it so you can get the most of it. A T8 will degrade over 6 months or so (vs 12+ months for a T5). I'd save up for a T5 over that time and replace it when the T8 bulb needs replacement anyway. Upgrading it earlier is better if you can though.

Alright thanks a lot! I'll try to return it and get the t5!