Lighting my conversion Viv?

[jpjohnsr]

Please allow me to pick ya'lls brains. I am starting this week on a semi-long term project to convert and entertainment center into a viv for Draco. The portion that will be his is 34" wide and 18" deep and 24" tall. I was thinking of a duel bulb fixture with two repti-sun 10, maybe 30" if I can find that. Or would two 24"bulbs be enough. For heat I am planning some sort of spot, maybe an MVB. Am I over doing this? I am going to use slate tile in the bottom and sliding glass doors. My wife who did not want a dragon has informed me we are building fake rock structures for basking and general entertainment. She has elected to take on that task. Hmmmmm Has Draco won over the heart of the non-lizzard person? I will try to take pictures of the project as it progresses if any one wants to see. I would like to have the lighting planned out ahead of time so as to save up money. Thanks ahead of time for any advise you fine folks may have.

 

[jpjohnsr]

Wow no one has any advice for me? Is it my breath?

 

[Deemac6]

Just wondering why you are considering two UVB bulbs? I have my dragon in a 120gal and she only has one and its plenty for her.

 

[jpjohnsr]

That is what I was wondering if one was enough. I guess the hieght of the new viv is my concern. it is over two feet

 

[Deemac6]

Mine is the same height and one bulb works fine as long as they can get within 6 to 10 inchs its fine

 

[BadCon]

Well, if they can't get that close then two bulbs will increase the UVB penetration...and 2 bulbs with reflectors will increase it even more. Problem is, its not really an exact science once you go above 1 bulb, as reflector quality can have a big impact. Generally though, the distances double...so a single bulb = 6-10, but a dual fixture will equal 12-20", with 10" being the closest they should be allowed to get. Now this is only true of its a tandem fixture. If the bulbs are any distance apart, then they UVB penetration acts more like a single bulb.
This is why its just easier to use a single bulb. Not much guesswork involved...just get them within 6-10" of it and call it a day.
Fun reading
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/fluorescenttubereflectortests.htm

Now, I think 2 bulbs is a good idea...but only 1 UV bulb, and another "daylight" colored non-uv fluorescent tube. The second tube adds extra light intensity...and that's a good thing for dragons.

 

[jpjohnsr]

Thanks for the input. That lighting article helped a lot. That needs to be required reading for beardie slaves.