ReptiSun 10.0 UVB [Question]

[Sparx]

New, uneducated-but learning Beardie owner here.

Tomorrow I will be returning my coil UVB light to Petsmart and will be purchasing a ReptiSun bulb. Now my question is - what wattage should the bulb be? Online I have 15W, 17W and 32W as options. Any particular wattage that I should choose. Right now my [baby] girl is in a 20g but will be moved up to either a 50-55g within a couple months.

So aside from the wattage for the ReptiSun 10.0, where do you all recommend getting the fixture for it?
And aside from the UVB, I just need a basking light (and for temperature, a CHE), correct?

I already have a basking light but I was told I needed the basking/red light kit which of course I don't need the red light so I'll be returning that and get just the basking light.

Any help would be a great assistance!
Thanks in advance!

 

[Taterbug]

The UVB wattage is matched to the fixture by length.

Amazon sells the T5 hood, though depending on your setup you probably need to upgrade the included 5.0 to a 10.0 bulb. You could also get a fixture like the ones intended for growing indoor plants. These bulbs can be mounted outside the screen, and last 12 months.

If you get a T8 bulb, look for a fixture with a built in reflector and an electronic ballast.

For basking, you should be Ok with a nice bright light. Halogen flood lamps do pretty well, look for a PAR38 or bigger. In a 20g tank the temps will be more challenging to control so as soon as you can upgrade the better. As a note, standard 55g aquariums are rather narrow, only 13" - an adult dragon might find that to be a little cramped. If your tank/room stays above 65 degrees you won't need the CHE.

 

[Scribble]

I also have a ReptiSun question as well if that's alright.
I hear people say to get a T8 and others say to get a T5 so which one should I get?

 

[Taterbug]

I also have a ReptiSun question as well if that's alright.
I hear people say to get a T8 and others say to get a T5 so which one should I get?

It depends on your tank really.
The T8 are much weaker than the T5, by about half or more. They also wear out sooner (6 months vs. 12 months) So for shorter tanks, the T8 works out since the appropriate distance is 6-8". For the T5, with a reflector 12-16" is a good distance. It gets a little more complicated if you have screen, or no reflector etc. Ideally you have a big tank and can use the T5 lighting, but that doesn't work out for everyone.

This site is a really good start, and the yahoo!group is more up to date and has useful information too.

 

[Scribble]

oh so a T5 with a reflector is best. I'll see what I can do then ^_^
thanks again Tater you're like a sponge of information @.@