Please help me with UVB lighting

[haleyking]

I have two coil UVB bulbs right now. I bought that as a quick and cheap way to get my new beardies bus UVB until I can research exactly what he needs. I didn’t want to buy expensive lighting before I knew which are correct. He is a rescue and I am a first time owner. I know and understand that he needs a UVB tube not a coil, the problem is everyone is recommending me to get an Arcadia 12%. His enclosure is a 4x2x2 120 gallon tank. I’ve read on here that the UVB tube needs to be 2/3 to 3/4 length of the tank but I only see the Arcadia 12% in a 22 inch….. this will be less than half of the tank. So is that still the tube I should get ? Do they make them longer and I’m just unable to find them? Or should I get a zoo med repti sun tube that is longer (like 30 or 36 in) ?

 

[KarrieRee]

I have two coil UVB bulbs right now. I bought that as a quick and cheap way to get my new beardies bus UVB until I can research exactly what he needs. I didn’t want to buy expensive lighting before I knew which are correct. He is a rescue and I am a first time owner. I know and understand that he needs a UVB tube not a coil, the problem is everyone is recommending me to get an Arcadia 12%. His enclosure is a 4x2x2 120 gallon tank. I’ve read on here that the UVB tube needs to be 2/3 to 3/4 length of the tank but I only see the Arcadia 12% in a 22 inch….. this will be less than half of the tank. So is that still the tube I should get ? Do they make them longer and I’m just unable to find them? Or should I get a zoo med repti sun tube that is longer (like 30 or 36 in) ?

Look on pet smart they carry the 24" Arcadia pro T 5 12% bulb 24 watt- it will need to go into the tank directly above the basking decor piece 12-15 inches

 

[haleyking]

Look on pet smart they carry the 24" Arcadia pro T 5 12% bulb 24 watt- it will need to go into the tank directly above the basking decor piece 12-15 inches

So it’s okay that it would only be half the length of the tank? I’ve read conflicting information about the length so I’m just really worried about how long it should be for a 48 inch wide tank . And thank you so much for your replying and for your help

 

[KarrieRee]

So it’s okay that it would only be half the length of the tank? I’ve read conflicting information about the length so I’m just really worried about how long it should be for a 48 inch wide tank . And thank you so much for your replying and for your help

Yes the 24" fixture is good I use them in my tanks --- they are fine you dont want the same length as the tank your dragon needs to be able to sit in his tank w/ out having to hide from the UVB

 

[haleyking]

Yes the 24" fixture is good I use them in my tanks --- they are fine you dont want the same length as the tank your dragon needs to be able to sit in his tank w/ out having to hide from the UVB

Thank you so much. My local PetSmart does have that size. I’m so relieved I can get it right in town tomorrow. Thanks again!

 

[KarrieRee]

Thank you so much. My local PetSmart does have that size. I’m so relieved I can get it right in town tomorrow. Thanks again!

Good ---- that is a good fixture and bulb get it placed in the tank as I posted above for the distance - if you need help w/ things to hang let me know I will post some for you

 

[CooperDragon]

There is also a 36'' version (34'' bulb) of the Arcadia that would work, but I agree that the 24'' should be sufficient. They are nice bright bulbs and the 24'' fixture should allow coverage of a large enough area of the tank to provide even basking across an adult dragon's body.

 

[xp29]

I use the 24 inch (22 inch bulb) in all five of mine. The Arcadia are very bright with great reflectors. Your beardie will move in and out of the light as it needs it. It's best if you can have your uvb and basking overlap a little so he can get both in one place. (But not strictly necessary)