Need help with UVB Bulbs

[Harry102]

Hello!

I'm a newbie to Bearded Dragon keeping and he's only 4 months old, but my Fiance has already turned him into her little baby!

I've been an avid Forumer for quite a while, but recently decided to finally make an account!
I've noticed alot of people slating 'ReptiGlo' products, which I currectly own alot of (as per recommendation of the store)and since noticing this I've been looking to upgrade all my gear to other things.

Now I've already changed the Basking Lamp from the ReptiGlo, to a ProRep 100W Basking Bulb, which keeps his Viv at perfect temps, but for the UVB i've seen alot of people posting about Arcadia 12%, and ReptiSun. I've tried looking up info on these, but all the information goes way over my head!

I was just wondering if anyone could offer any assistance in pointing me in the right direction

I have a 4ft Wooden Viv, with part shelving to allow him to climb higher, but the top shelf is roughly about 15cm away from the UVB.

I currently have ReptiGlo 2.0 and 10.0 bulbs, attached to roofmounts.

Any idea's on what I would need? Also would I need a new Ballast? Or would my ExoTerra one suffice, if it has a 64 Watt limit? Standard 240V.

Thanks in Advance!

Also heres some pictures of the little guy! (We're stuck between 2 names for him! Moustache, cause after he eats, he always ends up with a Calcium moustache! Alduin for Skyrim purposes <3)

General Glass Dancing in the morning before feeding.

Lovely Stink Eye to show his affection

Cheers
Harry

 

[Claudiusx]

Hi Harry,

I am not quite sure on what you are asking so I will just provide some general information.

The ONLY two safe and effective uvb bulbs on the market at the moment are the reptisun 10.0 tube, and the arcadia 12% tube. I suggest you switch your uvb bulb to one of those two. Depending on which bulb you pick, will determine what size fixture you need, whether it be a T8 or a T5. You can pick up T8 and T5 fixtures at any home improvement store for pretty cheap.

I hope that helps.

-Brandon

 

[Harry102]

Thanks for the reply!

Sorry for any confusion, but I read on these forums that 1 Arcadia UVB is all you need, however I have a dual ballast.

I was mainly wondering if 1 would suffice, or should I get 2 to go across the full viv?

Also I know T5's have a better UVB count, but is it worth swithcing everything for them?

I don't mind buying T5's and a new ballast if it will drastically improve his health, but not if I can get the same out of a T8, and use the same Ballast.

If you get what I mean?

Thanks anyway.

 

[Claudiusx]

Hi there,

Oh I get what you mean.

No you will only need one tube, running about 3/4ths the length of the tank (you do want a place your dragon can go to escape the rays) And of course your bright white basking bulb to provide the heat.

The Arcadia IS a better bulb, but IME the reptisun works just fine. However I am planning to switch to the arcadias in all (or most) of my tanks the next time bulbs are do for replacing. They last longer than the 6 months of a reptisun so in the long run you save money I believe.

-Brandon