So I purchased this new fixture, as it is supposed to be better from what I've read. It is the 36" model, with the electronic ballast which holds a 39 watt bulb. The fixture also comes with a 5.0 bulb, which I know is moore chameleons and tropical animals. I asked about getting the 10.0 for it, and the guy at the shop said it wasn't needed. He explained the T5 5.0 is as strong or better than the T8 10.0. I didn't know how true this is but the science seems correct to me since the T5 is double the output of a T8, meaning a T8 10.0=T5 5.0. If anyone can shed some light on this, no pun intended, on this subject that would be great. I know the more UVB she can get the better, as they sell those 12.0 bulbs. Any ideas please let me know :study:
If that was the case, then the T5 Arcadia 12s would be like putting in an
"Arcadia 24 T8 tube (which doesn't actually exist)" and would be frying our critters.
T5 tubes ARE "high output" but that's more related to the intensity/distance that the
UV effectively travels, not it's percentage output (the 5/10/12 is the percentage of UVB).
I didn't think that made sense but it was a well known shop. I didn't have time to look around as I was on my lunch break so I ran in and out. Guess when I get a chance later I'll head over and get the 10.0 one