Peoples Opinion

[RobertD]

Hi all. I am just wanting peoples input before I do this.

My girl is in a 40 gal cage. I have a tall lamp that I use a reptisun 10.0 uvb light and put in the middle of the cage. On one side of the cage I have a dual lamp that just has her basking light in it above her log. The 10.0 uvb is to tall to fit in the dual lamp. But when I was at the store I saw a 5.0 uvb that looks like it would fit in the other slot of the dual lamp.

So I was thinking of moving the tall one over a little bit away from the dual lamp and then put in the 5.0 uvb into the other slot in the dual lamp. That way I can get more of the cage lit up with uvb. I do not know much of the 5.0 though, so I was wanting to get peoples opinion on this first to see if it will be alright to keep her healthy.

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. Ard you using a coil/compact or tube? What brand?

 

[RobertD]

Its a Reptisun tube bulb. Wont use coil

 

[SukiLove]

So, to help me understand...

You have a 40 gallon tank with a reptisun 10.0 tube sitting on top in the middle. Then a dual lamp over her basking log with her basking light and nothing in the other socket of the dual lamp. ?

The 5.0 would be a coil right? If so, it is not really advised for you to use it. The 5.0 has lower UV emmited because it is meant more for tropical species that tend to seek shade a lot. It also has unstable UV waves that it can emit which can be dangerous for your beardie and tends to irritate their eyes.

The Reptisun 10.0 tube should really be next to your basking light so that your beardie is getting the proper UV while basking to aid in digestion and the absorption of D3.

If you want to brighten up your enclosure, you could try using a 5000k bulb on the other side in a separate fixture. But I would advise against using the 5.0 and moving your 10.0 away from the basking site.

 

[RobertD]

Yes, that is how it is currently set up.

Thank you, I really didn't know much about the 5.0 so I wanted to ask about it before I actually did it. I will move the uvb closer to her basking light, then will probably get another lamp and 10.0 for the other side as she does like to be on the other side occasionally as well.

 

[SukiLove]

For a 40 gallon tank the one Reptisun 10.0 tube and basking light is really all you need. They also need to be able to get away from the heat and the UV rays as well. She is probably over on the other side seeking shade from those sources. If you put additional in there it could be too much for her and cause her stress.

 

[RobertD]

Ahhhhh ok. So I will leave it at just the one then

 

[Taterbug]

The 5.0 has lower UV emmited because it is meant more for tropical species that tend to seek shade a lot. It also has unstable UV waves that it can emit which can be dangerous for your beardie and tends to irritate their eyes.

As I understand it the formulation problems with the zoomed bulbs have largely (completely?) been resolved.

 

[SukiLove]

As I understand it the formulation problems with the zoomed bulbs have largely (completely?) been resolved.

So, would that make the coil bulbs safe again?

I heard that they fixed the UVC issues, but there is still potentially a danger with improper fittings and improper reflectors.

 

[CooperDragon]

Two different issues. One was that there was careless design in the tubes and that a harmful wavelength was being emitted. As far as I know, that's been corrected. The coil bulbs emit a very intense cone of UVB at a short distance so they aren't optimal for basking. They have dangerous levels of UVB up close and near nothing to the sides or at a distance.

 

[Taterbug]

Two different issues. One was that there was careless design in the tubes and that a harmful wavelength was being emitted. As far as I know, that's been corrected. The coil bulbs emit a very intense cone of UVB at a short distance so they aren't optimal for basking. They have dangerous levels of UVB up close and near nothing to the sides or at a distance.

^ This. Except the light is a cone when it's redirected by a fixture, otherwise it extends out in a more 'balloon' like shape directly outward from the bulb, its more concentrated because the bulb is folded up on itself. http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor-tests.htm#reflectors

They are safe, but still not really suitable for dragons which are larger sun-worshiping lizards and benefit more from other light sources. For other species, those that are smaller and those with lower UV needs keepers can use these bulbs just fine, when they are set up appropriately of course.

Improper use of any light bulb is a problem, and not necessarily the fault of the bulb.

 

[SukiLove]

Okay thanks. I knew they were not meant for beardies, but now that makes better sense to me. Thanks Cooper and Taterbug.