Proper lighting?

[Ali4004]

Hi! I'm new to bearded dragons and just want the best for my little guy. I recently asked a question and was told to change my lighting. Today I was able to go out and I bought a Zilla light. It has a desert 50 UVB T8 fluorescent bulb. Is this a good brand and good light? I've read about different issues they can get with improper UVB so I'm terrified of something going wrong. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

 

[kingofnobbys]

viewtopic.php?f=34&t=114123

i'm not familiar with Zilla t8 tubes , does 50 in spec indicate it's rated at 5% UVB output..... if so, it's too weak wrt UVA & UVB output , beardies, ESP hatchlings and fast growing juveniles, need at least 10% UVB & 30% UVA .

checked 50 ==> 50 microwatts / sqcm @ 12inches - see http://www.zillarules.com/all-products/lighting-heating/t8-fluorescent-bulbs , that is quite inadequate for a bearded dragon. The beardie would have to be placed closer than 4 inches from the tube to get healthy UVA & UVB exposures.
just because their advertising say their lights are suitable doesn't make it so. This one is definitely NOT.

Geographically USA's deserts are at much higher latitudes than Australia's which are located in the tropics so UV exposures are very much higher in Australia's deserts even though USA's deserts are at higher altitudes .

I recommend returning it to shop and exchange for a similar wattage t8 with at least 10% UVB output rating.

 

[Ali4004]

Sorry for asking so many questions, I just want to make sure everything is perfect. I've heard that repisun is a good light for them. What's the difference between T8 and T5?

 

[Ali4004]

Also what is the difference between 5.0 and 10.0?

 

[CooperDragon]

A T8 is older technology and doesn't produce as much UVB as a T5. They also degrade more quickly and need replacement after about 6 months instead of 12+ months for a T5. A T8 should sit about 6-8'' above the basking area and will produce UVB in the low end of the recommended range for basking. A T5 should sit about 12-14'' above the basking area where it can produce UVB at the high end of the recommended basking range. Similarly, a 5.0 bulb is lower output than a 10.0 bulb. The 5.0 bulbs are generally for shade dwellers while the 10.0 bulbs are more appropriate for sun worshipers like dragons.

Taterbug has a webpage that helps explain this in more detail and it may be worth a read https://sites.google.com/site/thelizardmadness/lighting-guides

 

[CooperDragon]

To elaborate on the bulb you have, it's OK for smaller enclosures but won't be powerful enough in an adult sized enclosure. The ranges I spoke of earlier are between about 3-6UVI (UV Index) in the basking area and you'll want gradients to lower levels across the tank. Here are my test results for that light.

 

[Ali4004]

Okay thank you for all your help! I ordered a new light which should be here Saturday

 

[CooperDragon]

OK great! Please let us know how well it works. Hopefully it works wonderfully.

 

[Drache613]

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