Lighting help/suggestions needed please

[Justinws6]

I have a 55 gallon aquarium that is 20 inches tall and a r-zilla comb fixture that takes a 48 inch t5 bulb. I noticed the r-zilla uvb desert t5 bulb and all the others i've find say effective up to 12 inches. I've seen ones effective up to 20 inches but they are not t5 and will not fit. I just bought the light fixture for 130 and really like the setup. Does anyone know of a 48 t5 that would be effective with that size tank? Thanks

 

[beardie parents]

I'm not sure how much I can help. From all I've read, you don't want to use any coil/compact bulbs as they don't give out good uvb. The Zilla bulbs, even the long tube ones are not good uvb bulbs either. The best ones to use are, first the Mercury Vapor Bulbs, such as the Mega Ray or the T rex. If you need to use a fluorescent: use the Reptisun 10 the long tube. The best place to find them is online. I've ordered them from petmountain.com. The important thing to use is the correct uvb as the wrong ones can cause damage to beardies, especially babies

 

[fresnowitte]

Ditto! :wink:

 

[Justinws6]

Thanks! I've decided to go with the Zoo Med Power Sun UV, should I get a 100 Watt or 160 Watt? Also should I add any other lights to the tank? It's 48 x 12 x 20.