Trying to move away from the compact UV bulbs

[Naomanos]

After getting out four year old dragon, my girlfriend has really embraced the dragon life. Tonight we went out and bought another dragon, a baby, this time from Petsmart. It's a leather back with a bunch of red in the coloring.

We also purchased a 40 gallon terrarium kit made by all living creatures that is specifically for desert reptiles. It came with the UV bulb and 100watt basking bulb. The basking bulb and the way I have the driftwood set in the tank puts the temps right around 101F. So, I think we are good there. My concern is the UV bulb.

It is a compact bulb, and I think on I want to move away from them for both of our dragons.

The lid for the terrarium does not have an opening large enough for a 22 inch T5 bulb. It would have to be mounted inside some how. The tank is 19.2 inches high. As mentioned, the height of the driftwood seems to be perfect for a basking area. I am not sure exactly how high it is from the bottom or how close to the top it is.

How would you mount a T5 in the tank? Would you use a T5 or T8 since it would be inside? Should I use a reflector or is a regular under counter fluorescent fixture good enough? Can the fixtures be purchased at Wal-Mart of I don't need a reflector?

I will try and post pictures tomorrow if I can of the dragon.

Thank you in advance for the answers.

 

[Nickt33]

Hello,
I'm actually doing the same exact thing soon. I got the 24" T5 and just bought a under counter fixture online. Still waiting for the T5 to come in but I plan to place it inside my viv as well. I'll either try to adhere it to the back glass about level with his basking spot, or try to screw it in to the top of the hatch. I also plan to take the cover that is on the fixture currently as I'm worried it will block out the UVB.

As for if the T5 or the T8 is better suited for this, i'm starting to think a T8 might be better just because it has better range of UVB than the T5 does. Either way, as long as your T5 is 6-8" away from their basking spot you should be good.

I'll definitely post a pic when I do mine!

 

[Gormagon]

Hello,
I'm actually doing the same exact thing soon. I got the 24" T5 and just bought a under counter fixture online. Still waiting for the T5 to come in but I plan to place it inside my viv as well. I'll either try to adhere it to the back glass about level with his basking spot, or try to screw it in to the top of the hatch. I also plan to take the cover that is on the fixture currently as I'm worried it will block out the UVB.

As for if the T5 or the T8 is better suited for this, i'm starting to think a T8 might be better just because it has better range of UVB than the T5 does. Either way, as long as your T5 is 6-8" away from their basking spot you should be good.
The t5ho is much stronger than the t8

I'll definitely post a pic when I do mine!

The t5ho has a minimum distance (closest point) of 12" and a maximum range of 18" "unobstructed".
The t8 has a minimum distance (closest point) of 4" and a maximum range of 8".
Screen tops will block 35% to 50% of the UVB rays emitted through them.
Yes...be sure to remove the plastic cover from the fixture, it will block 100% of the UVB rays. As will glass.

 

[Naomanos]

As promised, I have posted a couple pictures of our new dragon here:

https://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=232736

 

[Gormagon]

Very pretty colors, a cutie!

 

[Nickt33]

@Gormagon Yes, my mistake you're right, I had them backwards.

@Naomanos Beautiful beardie! The coloring is really something.

 

[Gormagon]

@Gormagon Yes, my mistake you're right, I had them backwards.

@Naomanos Beautiful beardie! The coloring is really something.

Hey, I have done the same thing at times, lol!