Can anyone tell me if I can use a t5 grow-light fixture for my t5 HO repti sun 22”? I cannot find any other fixtures suitable for mounting under the screen. I’m going crazy! Lol thanks anyone!!
Thanks so much for the replies! I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing something that might mean it wouldn’t work. I have just enough info to make me confused about fluorescence. LOL
Yeah most of the T5 fixtures are built for grow lights. Models with a good reflector (such as the Sunblaster) work quite well with the UVB tubes. Just need to use the proper size for the fixture (22'' T5 bulb for a 24'' fixture etc).
So, I got my Dartamien’s t5 slim fuxture and t5 HO 10.0 Zoomed bulb. I installed them under the mesh top where he other lighYa sit. Then, I realized the fixture doesn’t have a reflector! I had a tin one from an old light set up that I stuck under the fixture, over the bulb. Doesn’t seem to be doing too much so I put her MVB back too, over her basking spot. Question: at 12” on top of her basking spot, will she be getting too much uvb? This is all so confusing and now, to top it off, she is on 4 days of Panacur for pinworms, so she is not liking me too much now. Even looks like she will be starting yet another shed soon on her head and legs!! Poor thing.
12'' is a bit far for a T5 without a reflector. The plain bulb would need to be more around 6-8'' up to provide effective UVB. It's probably best to get a reflector for it. Which fixture did you wind up getting? You can often buy a reflector separately to fit over the bulb.
I ended up with a fixture that has no reflector — don’t recall the name of it. I am going to try making a reflector with cardboard and reflective tape. I don’t think she is doing well at all. Her head and front legs are whitish and she is so sluggish. She is not eating well and she seems to not like me anymore. She will eat a few crickets and then freeze, as if in another world. I bought some repti boost to give her. She was fine until she came home from vet.