The recommendations on this site and many others is both outdated and the "lowest cost option" T5 fixtures cost 2-3x as much as T8 ones and are not as readily available.
I'll have to reread the article but current recommendations are T5 lighting (which can reach ferguson zone 3-4 levels easily) is ideal as it's much more possible to provide a large basking zone for large lizards like dragons, as well as a more effective gradient. Overall enclosure design and size is super important - the "shade method" is easier to accomplish is the undersized habitats commonly used.
MVB have a poor visible spectrum compared to tubes and halogen or metal halide lights are better for providing basking light/heat.
As a note : The first page is written by Fran Baines, widely considered the expert in reptile lighting, the second was written by myself from my correspondence with her and using her data for the charts. This website has a recently publication my Dr. Baines that goes into much more detail. http://www.jzar.org/jzar/article/view/150
High-output T5 (T5-HO) tubes are unsurpassed in their ability to create extremely large, strong UVB zones, especially when used in reflector fixtures. They also produce fairly bright visible light, but little heat, so must be combined with non-UVB-emitting incandescent lamps to create a large basking zone.
Im glad I checked this website though, because I had been using a T8 reptisun 10.0 for the longest time. The stickies should definitely be updated.. :?
Wait, so t8s are bad?! That is what I have (didn't realize there was a huge difference when I got it, now know). I though the t5 was 'better', but thought the t8 was at least sufficient.
A T8 isn't bad necessarily. It's just lower output. It is appropriate in smaller enclosures (20g for example) because it reaches the low end of the appropriate basking range at about 6''. The T5 is much higher output and can reach the high end of the appropriate basking range at around 12'' or so. Their range and durability make them a good investment for a larger enclosure.
A T8 isn't bad necessarily. It's just lower output. It is appropriate in smaller enclosures (20g for example) because it reaches the low end of the appropriate basking range at about 6''. The T5 is much higher output and can reach the high end of the appropriate basking range at around 12'' or so. Their range and durability make them a good investment for a larger enclosure.
A T8 in an under cabinet fixture is "adequate". At 6" away it's still like being out on a overcast day and enough to keep dragons objectively healthy. Not bad, but not ideal and far from the best you can offer in this day and age. It is however, the cheapest.....
It's worth considering that bare minimum standards are what's needed to keep animals alive - it's not the same as an enriching habitat designed around the animals natura history and welfare.
I don't suggest T8 any more for a few reasons...6" is pretty close to any sort of lamp (glare, noise, proximity comfort). Dragons are sun worshipers - T8 lamps just aren't very bright. Even 40g enclosures are small for this size of lizard, I don't recommend them either. You aren't going to get the sort of exposure and coverage or gradient with a weaker source like a T8 in a larger enclosure.
A T8 in an under cabinet fixture is "adequate". At 6" away it's still like being out on a overcast day and enough to keep dragons objectively healthy. Not bad, but not ideal and far from the best you can offer in this day and age. It is however, the cheapest.....
It's worth considering that bare minimum standards are what's needed to keep animals alive - it's not the same as an enriching habitat designed around the animals natura history and welfare.
I don't suggest T8 any more for a few reasons...6" is pretty close to any sort of lamp (glare, noise, proximity comfort). Dragons are sun worshipers - T8 lamps just aren't very bright. Even 40g enclosures are small for this size of lizard, I don't recommend them either. You aren't going to get the sort of exposure and coverage or gradient with a weaker source like a T8 in a larger enclosure.
I have a 2ft ReptiSun 10.0 T8 right now, but if T5 is what's reccommended, I would like to do that when I upgrade her tank. She's still a juvenille, so I have some time. I was looking at Pet Mountain, and they seem to have decent prices.