So I guess I'm thinking we will go with a T5 and see what we think with it on top. Or maybe we will mount it inside but a bit farther from the basking spot where I think we could get it *diagonally* far enough away (if that's considered acceptable).
Being that it seems like I'm getting feedback that T5s are vastly superior to T8, I'm revisiting which to actually go with.
If I'm reading the uvb chart correctly, it looks like a T8 doesn't even have as much output as a 26w non tube bulb??
You dont want a coil-- here is some info on the 26 watt coil
The 26w version of the UVB150 is similar in output to a T8 tube when using a reflector. The beam isn't as wide (depending on the length of the tube) but the output strength is very similar. If it was sitting about 6-8'' above the main basking area then it was likely providing adequate UVB. It's the lower wattage (13w) versions that cause concern since they aren't strong enough to provide adequate UVB at a safe distance.
If you are trying to determine as to what to use or get I dont know what you have now but I would get a 24" fixture w/ a reflector and a Reptisun 10.0 T 5 or a Arcadia 12% bulb -- they are the best on market now -- you have options w/ the T 5 either on top of screen or inside the tank - it is up to you- but the basking distances are different from where they are placed -- top of screen 8-10 inches basking decor directly underneath - inside the tank 12-15 inches basking decor directly underneath
Karrie
Either way, if you go with the T8, you will want to mount it inside.
The t5 is no different than the t8 besides the effective distance. Using the T8 at the proper distance will accomplish just the same as using the T5 at the right distance. You use whatever works best for your setup.
Let's see if this shows it well enough - I lifted up the access flap to get a shot straight through, and the 2nd is a shot of it from straight above. A 100 watt basking bulb would not get the top of the basking decor (any 6-7 in. away) past 95, we had to go to a 150.
I've checked an enlarged view of the image you provided , is a 60deg hole pitch mesh , and I got a very poor open area about 18% this means that screen will block over 80% of the UV if you have ANY UV source mounted on top .
You can easily check using a see through plastic ruler ( +/- a mm ) or using a Vernier caliper to get accurate measurements ( I used a ruler to measure against my computer screen , took a few seconds )
So for instance an Arcadia t5ho 12% tube in a good quality reflector put on top will have the UVB flux dropped from 200 microW UVB / sq.cm to 40 microW UVB / sq.cm at the same distance of 30cm.
Or to get the correct level of UV (A & B) , your dragon will need to be able to get within 2 inches of the lid if you insist on putting a typical t5ho 10% to 12% UVB tube and reflector hood ONTOP OF THAT MESH.
MY ADVICE = hang the UVB tube and reflector / reflector hood UNDER IT , else your dragon might as well have zero UV and will get sick.
The t5 is no different than the t8 besides the effective distance. Using the T8 at the proper distance will accomplish just the same as using the T5 at the right distance. You use whatever works best for your setup.
I've checked an enlarged view of the image you provided , is a 60deg hole pitch mesh , and I got a very poor open area about 18% this means that screen will block over 80% of the UV if you have ANY UV source mounted on top .
You can easily check using a see through plastic ruler ( +/- a mm ) or using a Vernier caliper to get accurate measurements ( I used a ruler to measure against my computer screen , took a few seconds )
So for instance an Arcadia t5ho 12% tube in a good quality reflector put on top will have the UVB flux dropped from 200 microW UVB / sq.cm to 40 microW UVB / sq.cm at the same distance of 30cm.
Or to get the correct level of UV (A & B) , your dragon will need to be able to get within 2 inches of the lid if you insist on putting a typical t5ho 10% to 12% UVB tube and reflector hood ONTOP OF THAT MESH.
MY ADVICE = hang the UVB tube and reflector / reflector hood UNDER IT , else your dragon might as well have zero UV and will get sick.
Thank you for the calculation! That's just what I was afraid of, that it blocked more than a regular mesh type screen.
Now that that is established...I do not insist on putting a hood on top. ?
I am now looking at whether I can safely place a T5 inside, or whether, due to height of tank and current basking decor, it needs to be a T8.
Thank you for the calculation! That's just what I was afraid of, that it blocked more than a regular mesh type screen.
Now that that is established...I do not insist on putting a hood on top. ?
Don't be so sure unless you measure it yourself.
I measured one of those types of lids a few months back using the calculator I linked you to and I came out with only 31% blockage. And this was using some decently precise calipers.
Either way, if you don't have the 12-15 inch distance in your tank for the t5, you'll want to either go with the T8 mounted inside, or you need to find someone with decent calipers so you can measure your screen, and see how much it blocks. That way you can mount the T5 ontop of the screen, and move your basking site to whatever distance it needs to be (based off of how much you calculate the screen to block.) You could buy your own decent calipers, but for a bit more you would be able to just buy a solarmeter and not worry about measuring your screen lol.
I'd be leary of any good quality calipers less than 100 bucks.
Thank you for the calculation! That's just what I was afraid of, that it blocked more than a regular mesh type screen.
Now that that is established...I do not insist on putting a hood on top. ?
Don't be so sure unless you measure it yourself.
I measured one of those types of lids a few months back using the calculator I linked you to and I came out with only 31% blockage. And this was using some decently precise calipers.
Either way, if you don't have the 12-15 inch distance in your tank for the t5, you'll want to either go with the T8 mounted inside, or you need to find someone with decent calipers so you can measure your screen, and see how much it blocks. That way you can mount the T5 ontop of the screen, and move your basking site to whatever distance it needs to be (based off of how much you calculate the screen to block.) You could buy your own decent calipers, but for a bit more you would be able to just buy a solarmeter and not worry about measuring your screen lol.
I'd be leary of any good quality calipers less than 100 bucks.
Thank you for the calculation! That's just what I was afraid of, that it blocked more than a regular mesh type screen.
Now that that is established...I do not insist on putting a hood on top. ?
Don't be so sure unless you measure it yourself.
I measured one of those types of lids a few months back using the calculator I linked you to and I came out with only 31% blockage. And this was using some decently precise calipers.
Either way, if you don't have the 12-15 inch distance in your tank for the t5, you'll want to either go with the T8 mounted inside, or you need to find someone with decent calipers so you can measure your screen, and see how much it blocks. That way you can mount the T5 ontop of the screen, and move your basking site to whatever distance it needs to be (based off of how much you calculate the screen to block.) You could buy your own decent calipers, but for a bit more you would be able to just buy a solarmeter and not worry about measuring your screen lol.
I'd be leary of any good quality calipers less than 100 bucks.
Her current bulb is *not* a 13w, it is a 26w, which is why I had been thinking it was ok. *I now know it is not*.
Measurement from inside top of screen straight down to top of "mountain" (which is her basking spot) is 9.5".
Measurement from inside top of screen straight down to top of rock structure is 12".
My conclusion, if I have come to it correctly, is that with the current set-up, a T8 (inside!) would be indicated.
BUT, because I read that T8 emits a different wavelength of light which may be seen by reptiles as a flicker that doesn't sound pleasant, https://www.reptilecentre.com/blog/2016/09/difference-t8-t5-reptile-uvb-tubes/
I do wonder if we could have the correct distance for a T5 (inside!) if we were to make the top of the rock the basking spot instead? But then her body (& especially head), would not be 12" from the uvb, so I'm not sure?
Sorry for all the detailed questions! This is just the way my brain works at trying to make sure I understand correctly.?
The 26 watt is ok-- and I say that w/ a dread---- they are equivalent to the T 8 BUT it needs to be in a reflective dome I am assuming it is -- and it needs to be 4-6 inches from basking spot--- to get any UVB --- so can you take your screen off or have it like half on - ? If you take the screen off or even open where you can set the T5 then you can use the 12-15 inches from basking decor - you can use a T 8 in the tank strap it the top of the screen and move your decor around -- its easier to move decor and get your UVB situated first --- just a suggestion
Karrie