Screen, UVB placement, etc

[Sazzy]

I've heard that it is best to not allow the UVB to have to filter through a screen, but I am so paranoid of my dragon burning himself. Any advice on ways to prevent a dragon from accidentally getting harmed, and good tips on how to mount the UVB inside the vivarium?

 

[Claudiusx]

Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures

 

[Claudiusx]

Hi there,

The UVB bulbs really don't put off much heat, at least not enough to cause a thermal burn.

The screen does cut down on the amount of UV that the dragon is exposed to, but placing it on the screen can still work.

For instance, the t5 HO reptisun 10.0 is very strong. For proper exposure, it should be around 12 inches from the basking site. Since the screen will cut down some of it's output, you will want to have it around 8 inches or so from the basking site if it sits on the screen.

Now, if you have an MVB, you definitely don't want your dragon to get close to it as they get very hot and can cause burns.

So, if you post a picture of your setup, and tell us which lights you are using, we can help guide you better

-Brandon

 

[Sazzy]

I've got the same light you talked about, I love the reptisun brand. His basking area is about 7 inches beneath the light while it sits on the screen.

 

[Claudiusx]

Ok, then as long as its the T5 HO and not the standard t8, that distance is just fine

-Brandon

 

[Sazzy]

Ok thanks! I'm one of those paranoid pet-owners, and getting used to a desert species after owning a tropical species for so long, I wanna make sure I'm not doing anything to harm him.

 

[Claudiusx]

Always best to ask questions sooner rather than later

-Brandon