Need some advice on new enclosure

[jkratman]

Hi,

I'm currently building a 4x2x2 for George. I've been trying to settle on a UVB tube, and I've seen so many different opinions on this board and elsewhere that my head is spinning.

I want to go with a 3 foot Reptisun 10.0 HO T5 in a zoomed hood w/reflector.

I've seen the UVB tests at the UV meter group.

It seems the consensus is a t5 10.0 HO should be kept 12-14" from the beardie as he/she basks. Presumably, that's to the top of the beardie's head, right, in a normal basking position? How tall do folks figure their beardies are?

George is out cold right now, and looks to be staying that way for a while, so I can't simply measure him at his basking spot.

I plan on mounting the uvb so it is flush to the top 24" mark at the bottom of the bulb (recessed). If I figure that George is 4"-5" tall, tops; he's a year and half old, about 18.5" and ~540 grams (fat, I know ).

So, 24" minus 5" tall, minus 12-14" , that means his basking platform and can be no more than 7" high?

***EDIT: I forgot to mention, there won't be a screen between the light and the lizard.

Any thoughts, comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

John

 

[CooperDragon]

It sounds like you're on the right track for sure. Your height numbers are correct. Optimal output based on my testing and what I've read is at about 12-14''. I measure that distance from the bulb to the highest basking area surface directly below it. It's an approximation so just set things up as close to that range as you can and it will be fine. With an enclosure that size I'd use a 2 foot UVB light. That way there will be a nice gradient and the cool side will have very little UVB which will allow for self regulation. These are good options for lights:
This fixture http://www.amazon.com/Sunblaster-904296-NanoTech-Fixture-Reflector/dp/B00AKKUBDQ
With this bulb http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun-10-0-Lamp/dp/B00AQU8HAO/

Or this combo set http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

 

[jkratman]

Hi CooperDragon,

Thanks for replying to my post (again) and thanks for the advice. The part about distance to basking surface vs. distance to animal had me pretty confused, but if you think to the surface works, then so much the better.

Do you think a 36" fixture is REALLY too much? Should I bring it down to a 5.0 T5?

I had planned on a good deal of furniture, multiple hides, climbing branch, etc.

I ask because I can get the 36" fixture and bulb cheap...

Thanks!

 

[CooperDragon]

The 36'' is OK too. Just be sure to make plenty of hides and shade areas that have low to no UVB and it will be fine. I would stick with the 10.0 bulb (or Arcadia 12%). The 5.0 bulbs are lower output and designed for shade critters.

 

[jkratman]

Thanks, CooperDragon! Your advice is always appreciated.

John

 

[Taterbug]

In my 24"tall I did not use a reflector so I could use more of the space. 7" of vertical use is not enough, in my option. A 5.0 could give similar results, since it's lower output. You can use Frans tests to get a guess at what your UVI would be at a given distance, and use that so you don't exceed 5. Frans recommendations are based on the top of the head (or eye level) when basking. I usually measure at the surface and 2-3 inches up.

I would also use a 22", if you do go with a 36" you can use clear plastic or glass over the bulb on the coo side (not the whole thing) to filter out the UVB and give a gradient whole still getting the visible light.

 

[jkratman]

Thank you Taterbug!

Good advice and much appreciated.

 

[AcceptableGeek]

I agree with previous posts. If you're going to use t5 the you only need to cover HALF the tank. Put it on the basking/warm side. That's how I have my 75 gallon setup.

 

[jkratman]

Thanks, AcceptableGeek.

I decided to go with the 24" reptisun 10.0 T5.

Thanks everyone, for your help.

John

 

[AcceptableGeek]

Glad to help!!!