lighting question

[GrumpyOptimist]

hey guys, i have been using an arcadia t5 12% but i had it mounted on top of my screen about 12 inches from his basking spot and his basking spot was about 12 inches. i recently bought 3m hooks to attach his uvb inside his cage because i wanted to make sure he was getting the max amount of uvb he could and my basking spot according to my digital thermometer (zoomed, it was the one the guy gave me when i adopted him) was running at 110f give or take at 12 inches. now my uvb is about 9 inches from his basking spot and his basking spot has moved down further. now it's sitting at around 95f - 100f. i just want to make sure my set up is alright and he isn't too close to the uvb. the uvb is kind of low because the 3m hooks hold 3lbs of weight which i wanted to make sure it would hold. if he is too close, i will move it back on top of the screen. there is also no reflector on the uvb. he is 4 years old.

 

[GrumpyOptimist]

i should also mention he doesn't seem to be bothered by the light being where it is.

 

[CooperDragon]

Without a reflector that distance is OK. It's better to have it directly overhead though. I would probably add a reflector and put it back at 12'' which is just about right in terms of UVB output. When it's overhead right next to the basking light it is more light sunlight and easier for them to manage.

 

[GrumpyOptimist]

Without a reflector that distance is OK. It's better to have it directly overhead though. I would probably add a reflector and put it back at 12'' which is just about right in terms of UVB output. When it's overhead right next to the basking light it is more light sunlight and easier for them to manage.

would it be better if i moved his basking rock over to the back glass so he is then directly under it? and move his heating bulb further back so it is both directly over top of eachother?

 

[CooperDragon]

Yes you want the basking site to be directly under the UVB light and the basking light. The two lights should be close together so their output combines over the basking area and acts more like sunlight. You are losing a lot of UVB without the reflector though as the bulb is sending it out in all directions rather than being focused downward over the basking area.

 

[GrumpyOptimist]

Yes you want the basking site to be directly under the UVB light and the basking light. The two lights should be close together so their output combines over the basking area and acts more like sunlight. You are losing a lot of UVB without the reflector though as the bulb is sending it out in all directions rather than being focused downward over the basking area.

okay, this is how i did it now. i will definitely get a reflector. if i do, should i keep the setup this way so he can get the max of both?

 

[CooperDragon]

With a reflector you'll want the UVB to be more around 12'' away. I wouldn't have it closer than 10'' away but it could be adequate at 14'' or shining through a screen top.

 

[GrumpyOptimist]

With a reflector you'll want the UVB to be more around 12'' away. I wouldn't have it closer than 10'' away but it could be adequate at 14'' or shining through a screen top.

oh i know that. i meant put it ontop of my screen with a reflector but keep his basking rock where i moved it to (the back glass) that way it overlaps better?

 

[CooperDragon]

Ah OK. As far as the basking area goes, I'd set it so that you can get an appropriate surface temperature from the basking light while still being relatively close to the UVB. Ultimately you could create levels by adding a lower rock or a flat branch/driftwood piece that would allow a different temperature and UVB level. The more options you can create the better.