Need to replace uvb bulb

[usmcfamily]

Currently we have a 17" bulb but I think it's too far away from where Spencer sits and causing his laziness and minimal eating. What should I replace with? His basking spot is 13" away from the bulb and about 6-7" from his basking bulb. I attached pics of his ridiculously boring tank setup. Advice on that too is welcome.

Thanks!

 

[CooperDragon]

I'd go with this http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

The output will be perfect at 13''. As far as tank decor goes, maybe put in a background poster of some sort. That will give it some depth. You may also want to try some fake plants/vines that will provide some shade areas. Adding different levels to climb around on and different amounts of shade is a good idea. Here's a photo of my setup. Maybe it will give you some ideas.

 

[AcceptableGeek]

Usmcfamily. Your tank looks so clean. I love it. You could upgrade to a t5 HO on the basking side. That would be a really great set up

 

[usmcfamily]

THanks for the suggestion, I'm just looking for a bulb though. I have a fixture already in place and attached to the inside of the viv. Is there an equivalent to the one you suggested, that's also a little less expensive? I'd like to not replace the fixture if I don't have to...Id have to rewire it and everything.

 

[ruben0311]

Semper Fi, rig up a reflector to redirect more of that sweet UVB downward perhaps? tin foil and paper towel tubes could do it, just gotta fiddle with it a bit. what strength of a tube do you have? (i.e. 5.0, 10.0 or something else?)

 

[CooperDragon]

With the T8 fixture the optimal output is at around 6-8''. Beyond that the UVB output is shade level and then next to nothing. If you continue using the T8, I suggest moving the basking spot higher to get it within about 6'' of the bulb. Otherwise, I'd move to the T5 which has an optimal output at 12-14'' but it requires a T5 fixture as well. If you want to replace the current bulb, I'd go with one of these http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/arcadia-t-8-euro-range-10-18-inch-bulb-15-watt-buy-2-get-one-free/ or a T8 ReptiSun 10.0

 

[usmcfamily]

With the T8 fixture the optimal output is at around 6-8''. Beyond that the UVB output is shade level and then next to nothing. If you continue using the T8, I suggest moving the basking spot higher to get it within about 6'' of the bulb. Otherwise, I'd move to the T5 which has an optimal output at 12-14'' but it requires a T5 fixture as well. If you want to replace the current bulb, I'd go with one of these http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/arcadia-t-8-euro-range-10-18-inch-bulb-15-watt-buy-2-get-one-free/ or a T8 ReptiSun 10.0

Thank you for the explanation. That was what I needed; I didn't realize the t5 needed a new fixture.

 

[HKzForDayz]

I second switching to a t5 fixture. I would go either with the combo linked above, or

This fixture
http://www.amazon.com/Sunblaster-904296-NanoTech-Fixture-Reflector/dp/B00AKKUBDQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1459738555&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=t5+sunblaster+22

with this bulb
http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-fluorescent-bulbs/11442-580035/zoo-med-zoo-med-reptisun-t5-ho-10-0-uvb-high-output-bulbs.html?utm_source=googleproductads&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CjwKEAjw_oK4BRDym-SDq-aczicSJAC7UVRtTmz7jKEir-Ggvf77bzwgoz3w7raLrMQsgxvRwfMhMxoCSk7w_wcB

Also , to help stimulate him, maybe get some platforms, a hide, some rocks, or ledges of some sort. I like to give a variety of both running room, climbing room. and a place to hide. Below are the enclosures I am keeping my two hatchlings in right now.

There is room for improvement with both of them , but as you can see I have provided a variety of different ways for them to explore. My male spends a lot of his time just running around, hence why I have his sort of set up in a loop. he just goes round and round stopping to bask in his glory for 5 or 10 minutes at a time.

 

[usmcfamily]

thank you for the suggestions! I'd like to get him a larger tank, his viv is only 31" long and 14" wide but money is a slight hindrance right now. Lights first, then tank later

 

[usmcfamily]

Got the new Arcadia bulb in today. Didn't really notice a difference in his behavior or appetite. I was kind of bummed! Lol. I was hopeful this would create a more awake, voracious eater.

Will the effects of a better uvb be evident?

 

[AcceptableGeek]

uvb can help out with behavior and appetite, but most of that comes from having a good basking bulb and correct temps. most people on this forum use outdoor halogen flood lights. be sure to get one with a high lumen count that ways its nice bright white light. beats spending the extra money for "reptile specific" bulbs. most of them are incandescent bulbs anyways.