Question about uvb lights and output

[Subion]

recenly I have got my bearded a new setup and not sure if the uvb light is right for it. I’m not to familiar with uvb to begin with so sorry if I missed something obvious. I switched to a uvb tube light instead of just a bulb back in June because I heard they were better. I also switched her old setup to a larger enclosure that advertises full uv penetration through the top of the lid within last 2 weeks.

I got a solar meter to check it and the readings are horrible if I’m doing it right. I have to hold it to the top of her cage to get a reading of around 7-9+ or so depending where I measure it touching the grating and at the very bottom it reads around .5 or less. We went to try and mount to see if that would help but unfortunately there is a bar in the way at the center where we can’t mount it flat and with it being a long light I was afraid hanging down would give to much light coverage. It does have a reflector in it currently that can be removed.

I’ll add some pics for reference. One shows the setup, 2 shows the meter at different places and 2 show the light and one for the terraium I have now. I can post links for them if needed.

Could it be a bad bulb and another would help? Or any advice? Right now when she’s in her terrarium she like to lay either in the shade or on her log so she’s not getting much of the uv from what I can tell and that’s why I’m worried.

 

[KarrieRee]

recenly I have got my bearded a new setup and not sure if the uvb light is right for it. I’m not to familiar with uvb to begin with so sorry if I missed something obvious. I switched to a uvb tube light instead of just a bulb back in June because I heard they were better. I also switched her old setup to a larger enclosure that advertises full uv penetration through the top of the lid within last 2 weeks.

I got a solar meter to check it and the readings are horrible if I’m doing it right. I have to hold it to the top of her cage to get a reading of around 7-9+ or so depending where I measure it touching the grating and at the very bottom it reads around .5 or less. We went to try and mount to see if that would help but unfortunately there is a bar in the way at the center where we can’t mount it flat and with it being a long light I was afraid hanging down would give to much light coverage. It does have a reflector in it currently that can be removed.

I’ll add some pics for reference. One shows the setup, 2 shows the meter at different places and 2 show the light and one for the terraium I have now. I can post links for them if needed.

Could it be a bad bulb and another would help? Or any advice? Right now when she’s in her terrarium she like to lay either in the shade or on her log so she’s not getting much of the uv from what I can tell and that’s why I’m worried.

First I would change the uvb bulb to a reptisun 10.0 T 5 or Arcadia 12% bulb-- since it's on the screen the screen will block 30% of the rays - I would get your basking decor directly under it 8-10 inches then get your reading - it could be the uvb bulb but the two I posted are better bulbs try that then see what your getting

 

[Subion]

First I would change the uvb bulb to a reptisun 10.0 T 5 or Arcadia 12% bulb-- since it's on the screen the screen will block 30% of the rays - I would get your basking decor directly under it 8-10 inches then get your reading - it could be the uvb bulb but the two I posted are better bulbs try that then see what your getting

Ok I’ll see if either local pet store has those tomorrow or I may have to order one. Should I just get a bulb or just try and go for the dome also?

Thank you

 

[KarrieRee]

Ok I’ll see if either local pet store has those tomorrow or I may have to order one. Should I just get a bulb or just try and go for the dome also?

Thank you

Your fixture should be fine just swap out the bulb

 

[Subion]

Your fixture should be fine just swap out the bulb

So I picked up a reptisun 10.0 t5 ho. It’s the only one that any where local sells that you recommended. Unfortunately unless I’m a complete ***** on how to use the solar meter I’m not getting much different in readings.

The pet store is getting some new lids in, the metal ones tomorrow they said. I’m going to get one of those to see if I can mount her light inside. My only other option would be to get a light that only covers half her cage and mount it. I really don’t have any other idea what to do. I stuck some blankets in today for her to lay on to about 6 inch or so away from the top of the cage and she was only getting maybe 1-1.5 on the meter at that point. I never had this much issue with her old setup so hoping the lid works.

If I do get it mounted inside is it better to use the reflector or take it out completely? Never had one mounted before so want to be safe.

Thanks

 

[KarrieRee]

So I picked up a reptisun 10.0 t5 ho. It’s the only one that any where local sells that you recommended. Unfortunately unless I’m a complete ***** on how to use the solar meter I’m not getting much different in readings.

The pet store is getting some new lids in, the metal ones tomorrow they said. I’m going to get one of those to see if I can mount her light inside. My only other option would be to get a light that only covers half her cage and mount it. I really don’t have any other idea what to do. I stuck some blankets in today for her to lay on to about 6 inch or so away from the top of the cage and she was only getting maybe 1-1.5 on the meter at that point. I never had this much issue with her old setup so hoping the lid works.

If I do get it mounted inside is it better to use the reflector or take it out completely? Never had one mounted before so want to be safe.

Thanks

Your screen looks to be wide holed - distance on top 8-10 inches w/ basking decor directly under the uvb - I am gonna have Cooperdragon help you w/ the meter
@CooperDragon

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures

 

[Subion]

Your screen looks to be wide holed - distance on top 8-10 inches w/ basking decor directly under the uvb - I am gonna have Cooperdragon help you w/ the meter
@CooperDragon

The screen that came with the tank is very little holes. I went out and got a different screen that doesn’t lock into place and over hangs on the sides that has larger holes like the one I use to have. It’s letting more light through. About 6 inches or so away she is getting around 2 to a little higher on the meter.

I tried mounting the light inside today to help out but the mounts that came with it of course suck. The light will fall out after a few min or if it’s shaken any.

I’m going to look for some other way to mount it and see what happens. I’ve heard everything from strong sticky Velcro, zip ties and command strips so may try to find something like that

 

[KarrieRee]

The screen that came with the tank is very little holes. I went out and got a different screen that doesn’t lock into place and over hangs on the sides that has larger holes like the one I use to have. It’s letting more light through. About 6 inches or so away she is getting around 2 to a little higher on the meter.

I tried mounting the light inside today to help out but the mounts that came with it of course suck. The light will fall out after a few min or if it’s shaken any.

I’m going to look for some other way to mount it and see what happens. I’ve heard everything from strong sticky Velcro, zip ties and command strips so may try to find something like that

Yes on the 3 M and zip ties -- if its inside the tank and its a T 5 distance should be 12-15 inches directly above the basking decor

 

[xp29]

I would leave the reflector, if your worried about over exposure give her a couple places to hide and get out of the uvb. If you get your uvb and basking on point the beardies are smart enough to move in and out of the light to get the right amount of exposure. Good luck , your in good hands with Karrieree.

 

[Claudiusx]

You have a solar meter, you have the tool to solve your problem. We give distance ranges as a helpful guide as most people don't have a meter.

You do, so aim for around 3-5 UVI at the basking site. That is the UVI goal of the general distances recommended.

Simple test to test your bulb and fixture/reflector.

Setup your light between two chairs or something, that way it can be resting on something with the light output unobstructed. Take measurements from different distances away from the bulb and note them down. Doing this will help us determine if your bulb is faulty, or if your fixture/reflector is. Make sure meter is directly underneath bulb, centered and with the sensor aiming directly at the bulb. (Your measurements shouldn't change that much longitudinally on the bulb, but it wouldn't hurt to check real quick while you're doing it.)

Get readings at 12 inches, 8, 6, and 4. Wear gloves if you can. No need to expose your skin to high levels of UVI.

Once you verify your lighting equipment is ok, we can work on making your lighting equipment work for your setup. No point going through all this work if something is wrong with your equipment.

-Brandon

 

[Subion]

You have a solar meter, you have the tool to solve your problem. We give distance ranges as a helpful guide as most people don't have a meter.

You do, so aim for around 3-5 UVI at the basking site. That is the UVI goal of the general distances recommended.

Simple test to test your bulb and fixture/reflector.

Setup your light between two chairs or something, that way it can be resting on something with the light output unobstructed. Take measurements from different distances away from the bulb and note them down. Doing this will help us determine if your bulb is faulty, or if your fixture/reflector is. Make sure meter is directly underneath bulb, centered and with the sensor aiming directly at the bulb. (Your measurements shouldn't change that much longitudinally on the bulb, but it wouldn't hurt to check real quick while you're doing it.)

Get readings at 12 inches, 8, 6, and 4. Wear gloves if you can. No need to expose your skin to high levels of UVI.

Once you verify your lighting equipment is ok, we can work on making your lighting equipment work for your setup. No point going through all this work if something is wrong with your equipment.

-Brandon

Sorry about the delay. Some stuff came up and Havnt had much time to get on. I have 4 measurements, forgot one of the measurements you told me to though. I’ll post pics. I also been messing around with the lights in the meantime trying different t things. I currently have it mounted in her cage and took out the reflector. I’ll add a pic of it to so anyone can tell me if it’s good or I need to change something. I can put the light back on top but seems like I had to pile covers or something to almost 4-6 inch from lid to be able to get around 3 on the meter.

Thanks

 

[KarrieRee]

Sorry about the delay. Some stuff came up and Havnt had much time to get on. I have 4 measurements, forgot one of the measurements you told me to though. I’ll post pics. I also been messing around with the lights in the meantime trying different t things. I currently have it mounted in her cage and took out the reflector. I’ll add a pic of it to so anyone can tell me if it’s good or I need to change something. I can put the light back on top but seems like I had to pile covers or something to almost 4-6 inch from lid to be able to get around 3 on the meter.

Thanks

Please put the reflector back in --- it is very important --- it directs the rays downward toward her and that is what you want

 

[Subion]

Please put the reflector back in --- it is very important --- it directs the rays downward toward her and that is what you want

Ok I’ll put it in. Question though, Would that not increase the amount of uvb on her? Right now I got it around the 2-4 range depending on where she is. Sorry I’m new to the these long lights so still trying to figure it all out. Also I have it mounted towards the back of her enclosure, would I need to move it forward some with the reflector in? Trying to keep it where her basking light won’t be over top the mounted light. Just trying to get it setup safe and right.

Thanks

 

[KarrieRee]

Ok I’ll put it in. Question though, Would that not increase the amount of uvb on her? Right now I got it around the 2-4 range depending on where she is. Sorry I’m new to the these long lights so still trying to figure it all out. Also I have it mounted towards the back of her enclosure, would I need to move it forward some with the reflector in? Trying to keep it where her basking light won’t be over top the mounted light. Just trying to get it setup safe and right.

Thanks

No the reflector does not increase the strength of the bulb -- it reflects downward to her which is what you want -- you want the distance directly over her 12-15 inches -- she needs to be able to get directly under it and from the pic she can do that -- get a reading on the rays after you get the reflector in -- I think you want somewhere around 6 but not completely sure on that -- I dont use the solar meters I go by distance --