For the money though I'd move to a 24'' T5 fixture. You can use the 5.0 or 6% bulb at close range (6-8'') or put a 10.0 or 12% bulb in the same fixture to increase output to 12-14''.
For the money though I'd move to a 24'' T5 fixture. You can use the 5.0 or 6% bulb at close range (6-8'') or put a 10.0 or 12% bulb in the same fixture to increase output to 12-14''.
Can that one be mounted inside of a tank? I plan on upgrading to a t5 in June(6 months of having this UVB) if I get t5 should I mount it inside the tank or is it ok on the screen top? Thx
Yeah you can mount it inside using wire or industrial strength velcro perhaps. Small command hooks fit the holes on the side so it can face downward and be mounted on the back of the tank but this isn't the sturdiest option or best in terms of output.
A T5 5.0 bulb should be set inside the tank because it has similar output to a t8 bulb. If you use the 10.0 bulb then it can sit on top of the tank. If it's shining through a mesh top it should be about 10-12'' above the basking area for best results.
T5 is a newer technology and the bulbs have higher outputs. The bulbs are physically thinner as well. T5 bulbs tend to last longer before needing replacement as their output is slower to degrade over time.
Are you planning to upgrade to a larger tank? 18" is much too small, sounds like the bulb but its worded like the tank size? Depending on what size you're going with the uvb should be about 1/2 to 3/4 the length of your enclosure. If you have a 4 ft tank then you would want either the 22" or 34"