Lighting question

[onceblue]

While experimenting with temps, I used a bunch of different light bulbs and just couldn't get it right. This is the one I have in there now that seems to keep my temps perfect: http://www.amazon.com/GE-Lighting-16068-150-Watt-Crystal/dp/B000HJD8XA

I thought it'd be a good bulb because it isn't coated, it's a strong light, and it seems to get the job done.

But I was going to order a few spares and noticed that home depot considers the light to be a "bright white" color temperature but a "soft white" light color. See here: http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-150-Watt-Incandescent-A21-Clear-Light-Bulb-150A-CL-TP12/100493791

The funny thing is, it seems a lot brighter than the hallogen flood bulbs I tried.

Is this bulb good enough to protect my beardie's eyes from the uvb or should I get a different one? I've had so much trouble with bulbs I think I might just get an official basking light. I know they're basically the same as regular bulbs, but finding bright white has proven to be a challenge.

 

[Taterbug]

First, please don't be misled by the notion that your basking light will protect against anything the uv light may do. A bright light, at best, will encourage the pupils to dilate and allow less light in. However if the UV is positioned so it shines in the dragons eyes this is still a problem regardless of the basking light used. Overhead UV is best so the bony eye ridges physically help block the light.

"Soft white" refers to the color temperature of the light - that bulb is listed as 2800 Kelvin, which is quite yellow or "warm". Midday sunlight is around 6500K which is usually listed as "daylight" color temperature. Bulbs usually list this so look for that number to judge the "color".

The 'brightness' will be described in lumens, for which that bulb is actually quite good. The halogens I've found tend to be much lower in actual lumens than incandescents.

I can't say the color will be bad really, but if you can find one that works at a higher color temperature it will be better at simulating daylight for sure.

 

[onceblue]

Thank you so much for the reply, I appreciate it. I have my UVB mounted at the very top of the tank, and it's about 6 inches away from the top of the basking spot, but more like 8-9 inches away from where he usually sits (although he switches it up, of course).

Here's a picture for a better idea:

So, it's not directly shining in his eyes, but he does look directly up at it sometimes, like when he's at the bottom of his viv during feeding time. I've started turning it off during feeding since the top of his viv is open at that time and the basking light isn't on to help dilate his eyes. If there's anything else that I can do to help ward against any potential damage from the UV light, please let me know.

Also, is the UVB light potentially harmful to humans? I've been wondering about that since I look down at it while I at his viv.

I appreciate the info on the blubs too as I was having a hard time getting it all figured out. I'll leave that one in there for now since it seems to be okay and do some shopping to figure out a better one in the meanwhile. I took him in unexpectedly, so it was a scramble getting everything I need, but as long as that one is okay for now, I'll have more time to search around online/wait for delivery/etc.

Thank you!

 

[Taterbug]

your setup looks nice! I love that branch.

So, the bulbs like you have at about 6-8" away give a UV index similar to sitting in the shade on a sunny day. You might get a tan if you sat under it all day, and it's better not to look into it too much, but otherwise I understand them to be reasonably safe.

So even for your little one, a glance now and then probably won't do much harm. Some enclosures have the bulb at eye level or the branch facing into the bulb which is not so great. After about 12-14" the UV is very low, so when he's at the bottom it's even less of a worry. Naturally some UV scatters around and makes it into the eyes, it's staring into a bright artificial source for ages (or being right next to it) that's a worry.

Personally I would leave the light on during feeding. The UV bulb also emits UVA that helps your little one see properly, for them it's a fourth "color" that they can see.

This chart may also help explain the relative strength. You can check your local weather forecast to get a UV estimate as well so you can go out and get an idea of what sort of day it would be like. If that makes sense. https://sites.google.com/site/thelizardmadness/lighting-guides

 

[onceblue]

Thank you!

And thanks for the info and the link as well. I'll keep the UVB bulb on during feeding (which he does seem to like more, which makes sense now that I know!). And I'll try not to look directly at it myself when feeding and such, but it's tricky so I'm glad that it isn't a huge health concern.

That chart is very helpful. I appreciate the info!