ReptiSun 10.0 T5 HO vs ReptiSun 10.0 T8

[izzbo]

Has anyone done testing to see which bulb is better, the older ReptiSun 10.0 T8's or the new ReptiSun 10.0 High Output T5's? Do the T5's put out more UVB and UVA?

Thanks,

Jason

 

[CooperDragon]

The T5s put out quite a bit more UVB. Which one you use depends on the size of your setup though. For small setups (20g or so) I usually recommend a T8 mounted inside the tank because their optimal output is from around 6'' above the basking spot. It's better to have a bigger tank from the beginning however. For the larger tanks (36''x18''x18'' exo-terra style, 40g breeders, etc or larger) I definitely recommend going with a T5 because they can be mounted on top, are powerful enough to emit good levels of UVB even through a mesh top, and have an optimal output from about 12-14'' from the basking spot. Taterbug has put together a very nice chart with some further information and measurements about different kinds of bulbs. Worth checking out if you're curious. https://sites.google.com/site/thelizardmadness/lighting-guides

 

[Taterbug]

Fran Baines is the lady responsible for most of the testing available - I used her information for my charts. T5 are roughly double the strength of the T8.

Check out the Reptile Lighting group on Facebook or the UV meter owners group on yahoo for more info and Fran's detailed reports.