melissamott124":2cvf0wbd said:Hello all!
I'm brand new to this community and to lizard-owning in general. I do not have a bearded dragon yet, but I am getting one in the next few weeks so I'm trying to do as much research as I can to make sure his/her new home is perfect.
I've been getting pretty stumped with the lighting. The tank I have now is a 20-gallon tank (the beardie I'm getting is a baby, so I will use the 20-gallon until he/she is big enough for a 40). The dimensions are 30x12x12.
I have a lot of questions, I apologize in advance!
1. I'm planning on getting 24" UVB fixture - is that too long for a 30" wide tank?
No, it will do fine.
2. Does the UVB fixture have to be a name brand (like Zoo Med) or can I purchase a regular T5 fixture from Walmart or Amazon?It is easier to just go with the Reptisun fixture as it comes with a reflector all ready installed and has the instant start feature./b]
3. Am I able to mount the fixture on top of the mesh top, or should I mount it inside the tank?
It depends on if you get a t5 or t8. A t8 will need to be inside the viv with nothing blocking it. A t5 can rest on top because it is much stronger than the t8. Screens will block 35% to 50%
of uvb rays depending on mesh size.
4. How much space should I leave between the highest perch in the tank and the mesh top? I've been hearing approximately 6 inches.
A t5 10.0 can be on top of the screen top as long as the basking spot is within 6 to 10 inches of the screen
5. Taking into consideration the dimensions of my current tank, is a T5 5.0 or 10.0 best?
The 5.0 is for tropical reptiles, the 10.0 is for desert dwelling reptiles. 10.0 is what you will need.
6. Lastly (this is the question I'm most embarrassed about), I've been seeing a lot of people talk about "reflector hoods." What is that, and is it something I should be using as well?
A reflector is used to redirect the light on the backside of the bulb down to where it is needed instead of it being lost.
I'm sorry for the many questions - I've done a ton of research but I'm having trouble finding the information and want to make sure my new pet has a comfortable home. Thanks in advanced!
Melissa
CooperDragon":74akl993 said:I'd stick with the 10.0. You want UVI between about 3-6 in the basking area with a gradient down to less than 1 in other areas of the tank. Here are recent test results using that fixture between the 10.0 and 5.0.
Wolfeden":eslgaeik said:CooperDragon":eslgaeik said:I'd stick with the 10.0. You want UVI between about 3-6 in the basking area with a gradient down to less than 1 in other areas of the tank. Here are recent test results using that fixture between the 10.0 and 5.0.
It's been a couple of years since I logged in, it's good to see you (and Taterbug) posting. Both of you were very helpful to me when I was first setting up my enclosure.
Back then I was communicating with Frances Baines & diamc trying to come up with good data on these T8 and T5 Reptisun bulbs through screen.
Thanks to all of you.
Great work on the distance charts.
Can you please tell me what type of screening you used in your UVI testing?
Thanks.
Taterbug":1a3cbgz7 said:Was it you who had the fixture that wasn't preforming as well as you thought it would??
Thanks again for the great data.CooperDragon":4jch9fpv said:It seems to vary a bit between light brands and fixtures a bit but yeah 10-12'' through a screen is pretty decent in most situations. The screen I used in my testing is the top from my Exo Terra 36x18x18. It's a pretty fine metal screen mesh so I figured the numbers from it would be slightly conservative
Three years and thousands of members, no worries.Taterbug":2tv63t6n said:Ah yeah. Sorry. I recognized your name but not the background
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