Questions about Reptisun 10.0 T5 HO 22"

[Mrkngpen]

I have been using Reptisun 10.0 24" tube for a few years now but when I went to buy more, I saw the new T5 HO. My beardie's basking spot is only 8" away (hung inside the cage). Is it worth upgrading the fixture and getting the new bulbs? Is 8" too close for the T5 bulbs?

Does anyone know if these last longer than the six months of the regular Reptisun bulbs? Thanks!

 

[Wolfeden]

According to the test results at UVB Meter Owners Group the T5 10.0 puts out UVI 4.0 at 8" (no reflector, no screen) and UVI 12.4 at 8" with reflector (no screen) so be careful if using a reflector.

I have read that the T5 bulbs last a year but I have no personal experience with that.

 

[Kryton]

You did not state if your old tube was T5 or T8.If it was a T8, the ballast and the light clips ie:tombstones will have to be changed out to acomadate the new stlye.It would probably better to change out to a new fixture. If your light already holds T5 lamps then you would still need to look at the ballast to make sure it is a High Output type ballast. Just remember that these new T5 10.0 High Output flourescent tubes put out more UVB than the old T8's and last much longer. Standard for these should be keep your pet no closer than 12" and no farther than 24" for maximum UVB exposure.

 

[Taterbug]

I recently replaced my 36" T8 with a 22" T5 - totally worth it to me. The bulbs more than double the UVB output I was seeing and they are brighter. With the T5 and a good fixture w/reflector you will be able to move it outside the cage and still have improved UVB performance.

 

[jarich]

They do indeed last a year, and often longer. I'd recommend them over the T8 in pretty much any situation. You will need the T5 HO fixture to go with the bulb, but I think many places have the Zoomed T5 HO fixture on sale right now (with a free 5.0 bulb) at around $50. At 8" with that fixture, you should get a good UVI for your dragon, just make sure that the light only covers about 2/3 of the enclosures length.