MVB for 120 gallon enclosure

[Timbo11386]

Hey guys I’m getting my first beardie in 3 weeks and I’m going with the recommended mvb 100 watt bulb from what the expert says is that it’s good for the size of the tank but if u factor in how long the fixture and bulb are and the basking platform is 2” with him on top could maybe be another 3 inches and also with the minimum distance being 12” for the bulb it’s cutting it pretty close. So what I’m asking is that is it the right bulb size for the set up or is the bulb going to be to close? The tank does not have a top screen it’s all inside. The tank is 48”x24”x24”. Thx for the help

 

[KarrieRee]

Hey guys I’m getting my first beardie in 3 weeks and I’m going with the recommended mvb 100 watt bulb from what the expert says is that it’s good for the size of the tank but if u factor in how long the fixture and bulb are and the basking platform is 2” with him on top could maybe be another 3 inches and also with the minimum distance being 12” for the bulb it’s cutting it pretty close. So what I’m asking is that is it the right bulb size for the set up or is the bulb going to be to close? The tank does not have a top screen it’s all inside. The tank is 48”x24”x24”. Thx for the help

@CooperDragon
@Claudiusx

 

[CooperDragon]

I think you're probably better off using a combination of a T5 for UVB and an independent basking heat/light source so you can control that independently. To answer your question though, generally speaking a 100w MVB has optimal UVB output at around 12'' or so. The output pattern can vary quite a bit between brands, so the bulb you're using is a big factor. The heat output at 12'' also varies between bulbs. As far as brands go, my favorite so far is the UK version of the Arcadia (this requires a voltage converter in the US) available via LightYourReptiles.

 

[Timbo11386]

Thank you very much. I will def look into the t5. Is 100 watt mvb even ok for the size? As in heat for basking?

 

[KarrieRee]

Thank you very much. I will def look into the t5. Is 100 watt mvb even ok for the size? As in heat for basking?

Trial and error I am using a 150 watt but in summer I haft to back off to 100 -- my room the dragons are in is a warm room and summer it has a lot of sun so tanks heat easier -- make sure your using a digital probe thermometer and getting surface basking temps - stick ons will read ambient

 

[Timbo11386]

Trial and error I am using a 150 watt but in summer I haft to back off to 100 -- my room the dragons are in is a warm room and summer it has a lot of sun so tanks heat easier -- make sure your using a digital probe thermometer and getting surface basking temps - stick ons will read ambient

Thx for your input it definitely helps

 

[Timbo11386]

Thx for your input it definitely helps

Also in your opinion was is optimal ambient temp and basking temp as well as night temp?

 

[smaugthebeardie3756]

Surface temp for basking should be around 105-110F for babies, 95-105F for adults as they usually prefer it a bit cooler. Ambient should be about 90-95 on the warm side and 80s on the cool side. Nighttime should be around 70, but no lower than 65.

 

[Timbo11386]

Thank for all your input. Last question if I go the mvb route is 1 mvb 100w bulb enough uvb for the enclosure or would it need a second source but if I go t5 route then how long and how close should it be and what watt should the basking bulb be?

 

[Timbo11386]

Anyone?

 

[smaugthebeardie3756]

Wattage for the basking bulb is trial and error and depends on your enclosure, the environment of the room the enclosure is in, the decor and substrate, what the enclosure is made of and a lot of other things that make it hard to recommend a specific wattage. Brand and type of bulb also makes a difference in how much heat it puts out. I would recommend the T5 whether you do the MVB or just a standard basking bulb. For your size tank, 24" or 36" fixture would be good mounted 12-15 inches above the basking spot. It's fine if it's a little closer as long as he has places to go hide or move further away when he wants. If you do use the MVB, I'd probably say go with the 24" T5 and offset it from the basking spot.

 

[Timbo11386]

Wattage for the basking bulb is trial and error and depends on your enclosure, the environment of the room the enclosure is in, the decor and substrate, what the enclosure is made of and a lot of other things that make it hard to recommend a specific wattage. Brand and type of bulb also makes a difference in how much heat it puts out. I would recommend the T5 whether you do the MVB or just a standard basking bulb. For your size tank, 24" or 36" fixture would be good mounted 12-15 inches above the basking spot. It's fine if it's a little closer as long as he has places to go hide or move further away when he wants. If you do use the MVB, I'd probably say go with the 24" T5 and offset it from the basking spot.

Ok great that’s what I’ll do then thx for the help

 

[Timbo11386]

Ok great that’s what I’ll do then thx for the help

For the 24” t5 what wattage would you recommend?

 

[smaugthebeardie3756]

For the 24” t5 what wattage would you recommend?

The 24" fixture holds a 22" bulb. I think the wattage on those is like 26W or something like that, but the most important part is to get the right size and UVB output, meaning the 10.0 or 12% bulb that fits in the fixture.