Reptisun UVB tube light - above screen or below?

[KendrickLamar]

We have a baby in a 20 gal viv. We are switching to the Reptisun UVB light, but the viv is only12 inches high. If mesh blocks out 50% of light, do we remove perches and have light under mesh, or put on top and leave perches?

 

[Gormagon]

Is it a t8 or a t5 ? The t5 can be on top of the screen and a t8 should be inside attached to the screen.

 

[KendrickLamar]

Is it a t8 or a t5 ? The t5 can be on top of the screen and a t8 should be inside attached to the screen.

We bought a t8, so if that goes inside will we have to remove his perches? Floor to screen is only 12 inches high.

 

[CooperDragon]

In a 20g tank just put the ReptiSun into a fixture w/reflector like the Zilla Slimline. Remove the clear plastic from in front of the bulb and just set it on top. Build the basking area to have at least part (branch, rock, etc) to come within 6-8'' of the bulb and you should be in good shape. When you move to a larger enclosure in a few months I suggest upgrading to a T5 which should sit about 12'' above the basking area.

 

[KendrickLamar]

Okay, thank you. We got the bulb but can't find a fixture anywhere. I was hoping to get it today so hopefully Kenny's appetite and energy will improve sooner. So far we have looked at PetCo, Wal-Mart and PetSmart.

 

[CooperDragon]

Petco usually carries them. This is the one I'm thinking of https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002QI86U I used it with my T8 bulbs and it worked pretty well. Just pop the clear plastic off (it intercepts UVB) and drop your ReptiSun bulb in.

 

[KendrickLamar]

We spent all day trying to get the correct UVB light. The first fixture We found didn't work, so we had to exchange it for a different, "All Living Things" brand fixture. There isn't any plastic in front of the bulb, and there isn't any way to put it inside his viv.

I hope he is happy. Spent 30 dollars on a plastic grass like carpet, only to find him trying to munch on a loose "blade." I was able to tap on the glass to make him drop it, but I think it stressed hi, out because he stopped trying to eat altogether. This is what having a newborn baby was like!

 

[CooperDragon]

The All Living Things fixture should be fine. That's Petsmart's house brand. In a small tank it's probably easier to put it on top and just have his basking area sit 6-8'' below it or at least a branch he can climb on to bask in that range. He'll move around to get what he needs. They're good at sensing and regulating heat/light if you give them choices.

Your setup looks really nice. Do be sure not to rely on those dial thermometers though. They tend to be pretty inaccurate. Using an IR temp gun like this https://www.amazon.com/Nubee-Temperature-Non-contact-Infrared-Thermometer/dp/B00CVHIJDK or a digital thermometer with a probe for the basking area and one for the cool side.

 

[KendrickLamar]

The All Living Things fixture should be fine. That's Petsmart's house brand. In a small tank it's probably easier to put it on top and just have his basking area sit 6-8'' below it or at least a branch he can climb on to bask in that range. He'll move around to get what he needs. They're good at sensing and regulating heat/light if you give them choices.

Your setup looks really nice. Do be sure not to rely on those dial thermometers though. They tend to be pretty inaccurate. Using an IR temp gun like this https://www.amazon.com/Nubee-Temperature-Non-contact-Infrared-Thermometer/dp/B00CVHIJDK or a digital thermometer with a probe for the basking area and one for the cool side.

Thanks. The store was out of the IR gun, and he demonstrated it for me. Wow, there really is a difference! We did get a probe thermometer but unfortunately it doesn't seem to be accurate. It measures our home at 87 degrees! We moved the dial thermometer closer to the basking level and it says 110 degrees.

He is eating so much better now. I am feeling a lot better. He did this weird breathing thing yesterday after dinner and this morning after bfast, like a hissing on his exhale with his throat puffed up, after holding his breath for a minute. He seems to do it only after he eats. If I see him do it again tonight I will take him to the vet. I think the increased eating is a good sign though.

 

[CooperDragon]

Increased appetite is a good sign. Think of the puffing up after eating like a burp. My guy does that too =).

 

[KendrickLamar]

Increased appetite is a good sign. Think of the puffing up after eating like a burp. My guy does that too =).

Ah! I kind of thought it sounded like a burp! I guess that makes sense, he was probably full!