T5 vs T8

[PhoenixtheDragon]

It is almost time for me to get a new UVB bulb, and I am looking at replacing the fixture as well since it doesn't satisfy me at the moment. Since I'm replacing both the fixture and the bulb, I thought I might look into the high output bulbs while I'm at it, but I am confused about the guidelines for using them. And before I take the time to go shopping/order a bunch of bulbs from amazon, I thought I'd ask around here for guidance.

Ideally I would like to use a hood on top of the screen. It seems like I'd need the 10.0 HO to do that. Does the fixture need to have a reflector? The basking spot is about 12 inches away from where the bulb would be. The viv is 36*18*18. What size bulb should I go for?

Is there anything else I should know about the T5s? Or should I not even bother and stick with the T8s?

 

[Taterbug]

I wouldn't bother with the T8.

You'd need a reflector to mount it outside the screen, I'd go for a 22" or 36" length depending on what sort of furnishings you have or how far the bulb is from other parts of the cage. I like the 22" length so I can be certain there are areas of zero uvb in the cool side and I can still have tall cool side furniture.

This might be helpful for figuring out the positioning. Moderate UVB at the basking site and Low UVB on the warm side and shade-0 on the cool side will help give a good gradient.

 

[PhoenixtheDragon]

That is helpful. What is the ideal UVI? Or the ideal range?

 

[Taterbug]

Ideally a gradient will allow the dragon to select it's own exposure. It's easy to set one up with different ellevations to bask at or by includjng shaded areas.

I set my main basking area at moderate levels (3-5) (this is about as high as wild dragons utilize while basking), the warm side ranges around 1-3 and the cool side and shaded areas 0-1.