Reptisun T5 HO Terranium Hood + Reflector?

[catwu20]

Does anyone have any experience with the Zoo Med Reptisun T5 HO hood? Here is the exact product:

https://zoomed.com/wp-content/uploads/LF-72_ReptiSun_T5_HO_Terrarium_Hood_Instructions.pdf

This fixture came with my beardie from the previous family. On the website it says that it comes with a "high polished curved reflector". I was wondering is this true, or do I need an additional reflector anyways? I'm afraid the built-in reflector won't be effective. I am thinking of purchasing the Arcadia T5 reflector if this is the case.

For lighting specs: I am using the Arcadia 12% bulb 6-8 inches away from basking spot, on top of mesh. My mesh isn't that fine - I would say each hole has a 5mm diameter. Any suggestions are welcome, thanks you guys!

 

[Shinryu]

Both Zoo Med and Arcadia are great brands so you should be fine with either one. My husband kept 3 bearded dragons using generic fixtures, and they did great for many years with no health issues. I saw a similar post that might help you and will also tag @CooperDragon to see if he has any additional suggestions for you.

Reptisun 10.0 T5-Ho light fixture? | Enclosures

what light fixture should i use for mounting the Zoo Med 26061 Reptisun 10.0 T5-Ho Uvb 24W Fluorescent Lamp, 22" inside the tank? i see a regular walmart one but it dosent have a reflector i cant really find any with a reflector that look like they can be mounted inside.

www.beardeddragon.org

 

[CooperDragon]

The zoomed hoods are really nice. Ive tested them myself. Using that in combination with an Arcadia 12% should work really well. The downside to them is that they are designed to sit flat on top of an enclosure (which is usually fine) and they don’t have the clips that allow for hanging them the way the grow light fixtures do. Their output and reflectors are high quality though.

 

[catwu20]

The zoomed hoods are really nice. Ive tested them myself. Using that in combination with an Arcadia 12% should work really well. The downside to them is that they are designed to sit flat on top of an enclosure (which is usually fine) and they don’t have the clips that allow for hanging them the way the grow light fixtures do. Their output and reflectors are high quality though.

Thanks Cooper and Shin! So I would be good to go to lay the fixture on top of mesh, right?

 

[Gormagon]

An arcadia 12% is a strong uvb. 6 to 8 inches is way to close, it can cause a sunburn. 14 to 16 inches is more the correct distance.

 

[CooperDragon]

Yeah it should be OK on top of the mesh. 6-8'' is a bit close for the 12% bulb as mentioned, but since it's shining through a mesh top, that will reduce output a bit. Shoot for a distance of about 10-12'' or so from the bulb to the main basking area (through the mesh top). If you have some branches etc that allow closer access if desired, that should be fine. You'll also want to be sure to create areas with little to no UVB as well, in order to provide some options.