Question about UVB

[KarrieRee]

I have a Aqueon Strip Light 20 inch T8 in Hiccups tank - is this sufficient? Also how long should they be sitting under that UVB per day? I think I need to move it to where hes under it like the basking light- each light is to the back of the tank but on opposite sides of the tank so to speak-- the UVB does not completely reach the basking side so I was wondering if it should be moved?

Karrie

 

[kingofnobbys]

I have a Aqueon Strip Light 20 inch T8 in Hiccups tank - is this sufficient? Also how long should they be sitting under that UVB per day? I think I need to move it to where hes under it like the basking light- each light is to the back of the tank but on opposite sides of the tank so to speak-- the UVB does not completely reach the basking side so I was wondering if it should be moved?

Karrie

Never heard of the brand , what is it's %UVA and %UVB rating ?

If it's a T8 tube - I suspect it's not adequate since it's not specifically designed to produce a full spectrum with the appropriate characteristic microwatts flux vs wavelength for reptiles and it's likely cheap ==> made in china.
Their tubes ARE NOT ADEQUATE for a bearded dragon, even their STRONGEST T8 Floramax: Fluorescent Lamp (emits some UV) is NOT adequate.

I'd be installing an Arcadia 12%UVB 18" T8 tube or a Zoo Med 10%UVB 18" tube or a Exo Terra Repti-Glo UVB 10.0 Desert T8 - 45cm 15w in it.



The hood itself is OK , see https://www.aqueon.com/products/lighting/t8-fluorescent-strip-lights
but being T8 , you will need to mount it and the T8 UVB tube you plan to use in it , UNDER the lid of the tank and no farther than 6" from the basking spot if you install an Arcadia T8 12%UVB tube , a Zoo Med T8 10%UVB tube will need to be 20% closer..

Here is a guide to follow : viewtopic.php?f=34&t=235611

It's OK to have a UV tube that is not as long as the tank , the pet dragon will appreciate the UVA and UVB gradients from intense / very high to moderate / low .

 

[KarrieRee]

Its made in the USA and its a aquarium fluorescent light- 15 watt -- full spectrum - does not give %'s of light UVB

 

[kingofnobbys]

Its made in the USA and its a aquarium fluorescent light- 15 watt -- full spectrum - does not give %'s of light UVB

Ok for fish and aquarium plants .

Not OK for lizards / bearded dragons . I'd return the tube and ask for refund or exchange for one made by Arcadia Reptile, Zoo Med Laboratories, or Exo Terra Reptile.

 

[KarrieRee]

Another disaster by Odd Ball Pet Factory-- the jerk that sold Hiccup is a loser- he told me so much BS and as a beginner I believed him because he was a " Breeder" - the guy has not a clue as to what hes talking about -- I am not going back to the cities to get my money back -- I will just lose the money-- its an 1 1/2 drive down there so I will go back to Fins and Friends where I am getting my roaches and get a different bulb-- what a pain ---- I hope I have not done him damage now w/ this UVB not being adequate!!

 

[KarrieRee]

I checked the bulb in the Aqueon it is just the fixture the actual bulb is a Reptisun 10.0 UVB -- how many hrs per day should he be getting w/ that ?

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from Health to Enclosures

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

The bulb should be placed 6-8 inches away from your dragon, unobstructed if possible.
I would shoot for a 10-14 hour day for light. As far as the UVB exposure goes, he really
should get at least 8 of UVB. They move around the tank in different areas where he will
get varying levels of UVB so he will self regulate. They don't sit in the sun all day long in
the wild.

Tracie

 

[kingofnobbys]

I checked the bulb in the Aqueon it is just the fixture the actual bulb is a Reptisun 10.0 UVB -- how many hrs per day should he be getting w/ that ?

I run my lights 16 hours per day year round. Have done this for nearly 10 years , I'm interested in breeding my skinks or dragons , and none of my gang have ever shown any interest in brumating.

This is why : viewtopic.php?f=1&t=236209&p=1815777#p1815777

 

[KarrieRee]

The UVB fixture is inside the tank approx 6-8 inches above where he sits-- and he does move around the tank sitting on the basking rock under his heat lamp and moving to his log sitting under the UVB-- so he must be getting enough light like he should--