Placement of UVB lighting

[Kilpela92]

Hello! I have two beardies, a male (Eskimo) and a female named Leo because we thought she was a male for the longest time lol. Anywho I read a topic saying the T8 tube bulbs are supposed to be 6-8” away from the bottom of the tank for maximum UVB exposure. But I thought it was misleading and it was an old thread. My question is, is it better to have it 6-8” away from the basking spot? And if so, do I need to factor in head height? Because 6-8” away from the basking spot is fine but when they stand their heads seem awfully close to it. I’m just concerned it may do damage. I will post a picture if I can figure out how to, I appreciate any information that may help clear this up, I know someone knows the answer on here!

 

[Kilpela92]

This is Eskimos enclosure

 

[Kilpela92]

And this is Leo’s, as you can see I have tilted each UVB because I figured it would give them better exposure even with the reflectors I just felt like it could be more effective. Any thoughts on this as well?

 

[Kilpela92]

If anyone is wondering about the basking lights I have them suspended from the ceiling with chain so I could get a bulb with a high amount of Lumens, they seem to really enjoy it as it is a rather recent addition I have made.

 

[Claudiusx]

That measurement should be to the basking surface, not the floor as you suspected.

What is your basking surface temp at with your heat lamp setup like that?

-Brandon

 

[Kilpela92]

Aha, I see thank you for clearing that up. Both of their basking surface temps are at 90 degrees. I’ve been reading about the Arcadia t5ho bulbs but I’m wondering if there really is a huge difference in quality or if it’s just a convenience thing, as I have read they can be mounted further away. Changing my whole set up for nothing would be dumb. Though I want them to be as healthy as possible, and if there is a significant difference then it would be worth it, but everything I have found seems just like hearsay.

 

[Claudiusx]

The t5's are stronger bulbs and produce more uvb output than the t8's which is why they can be placed further away if need be. Makes it convenient for bigger tanks where the mounting point would be further from the basking area.

You might look into lowering your heat lamps a bit. 90 really isn't hot enough for dragons, 95 would be the minimum for an adult, otherwise digestion is effected. I like to offer adults at least 100, that way they can pick a spot they like due to the gradient.

But thats just my 2 cents I know you didn't ask for lol. Just throwing it out there.

-Brandon

 

[Kilpela92]

Oh shoot, I could have sworn I read it was supposed to be 90 somewhere x.x well good thing it was just recently I lowered their temps because they were at around 100 before. Thank you again, I appreciate the info! Now I just need to make a post for selling some babies, I’m incubating the first fertile clutch Leo has had and they are due sometime in June. About 28 of the 32 are wiggling around I really didn’t expect so many to make it to be honest.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Be sure that the tube UVB is mounted directly overhead & not at any angles or on the back
wall so that the UVB reflects straight downward onto your dragon.
The overall ambient temperatures should not exceed 82 or so, really to avoid overheating.

Tracie

 

[Drache613]

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