UV Light questions- Arcadia or reptisun?

[Puffaroo]

I’ve read a billion threads on this by now but since I’m still confused I’m caving and posting another, so sorry about that!

I currently have a reptisun T5 10.0 in a 24” fixture but it’s nearly time to get his birthday light (he gets a new UV light for his birthday every year, wish Puff a happy 8th!) Anyways I noticed my local petsmart started stocking Arcadia products, which I’ve heard great things about but never actually seen where I live. I’m thinking about upgrading to the Arcadia t5 12% but I still have a couple questions.

1.) Will an Arcadia light fit in my reptisun fixture? (24”)

2.) I’m concerned if the new bulb is stronger, will the highest point in his tank be too close to it? Are the Arcadia bulbs actually stronger? I see the website says 12-18” but does that mean closer than 12” is a no go or is that just the optimal range? I also can’t tell if those ranges account for a screen, which my light is on top of.

He lives in a 40g breeder tank with his UV on top of the metal screen. Currently the light sits about 12” from his basking spot but only 8” or so from the highest point he travels too(he use to get even closer but seems to have aged out of that) Just want to make sure it won’t burn him or something, since he spends most of his time in that highest spot nowadays.

 

[KarrieRee]

I’ve read a billion threads on this by now but since I’m still confused I’m caving and posting another, so sorry about that!

I currently have a reptisun T5 10.0 in a 24” fixture but it’s nearly time to get his birthday light (he gets a new UV light for his birthday every year, wish Puff a happy 8th!) Anyways I noticed my local petsmart started stocking Arcadia products, which I’ve heard great things about but never actually seen where I live. I’m thinking about upgrading to the Arcadia t5 12% but I still have a couple questions.

1.) Will an Arcadia light fit in my reptisun fixture? (24”)

Yes you want the 12% bulb

2.) I’m concerned if the new bulb is stronger, will the highest point in his tank be too close to it? Are the Arcadia bulbs actually stronger? I see the website says 12-18” but does that mean closer than 12” is a no go or is that just the optimal range? I also can’t tell if those ranges account for a screen, which my light is on top of.
the distance is the same for the Reptisun but the screen determines distance and placement of the UVB next I recommend the bulb be changed out every 10-11 months -- if your screen is a fine mesh like a screen door it needs to be inside the tank screen blocks approx 30% if the rays - for a wide hole type it can stay on top but distance would be 8-10
He lives in a 40g breeder tank with his UV on top of the metal screen. Currently the light sits about 12” from his basking spot but only 8” or so from the highest point he travels too(he use to get even closer but seems to have aged out of that) Just want to make sure it won’t burn him or something, since he spends most of his time in that highest spot nowadays.

 

[Puffaroo]

the distance is the same for the Reptisun

In that case, what is the difference between the two? Is the Arcadia better in any way or are they actually equal?

Most charts I can find say the reptisun is best 6-12” away depending on mesh density, but the only one I can find on the Arcadia is their 12-18” recommendation.
Anybody have a good reference chart for the Arcadia distance? Honestly I’m not sure if this will fully make sense until I find one

if your screen is a fine mesh like a screen door it needs to be inside the tank screen

Also don’t worry it’s definitely a wider mesh he’s had this setup for 8 years without problems

 

[KarrieRee]

In that case, what is the difference between the two? Is the Arcadia better in any way or are they actually equal?

Most charts I can find say the reptisun is best 6-12” away depending on mesh density, but the only one I can find on the Arcadia is their 12-18” recommendation.
Anybody have a good reference chart for the Arcadia distance? Honestly I’m not sure if this will fully make sense until I find one


Also don’t worry it’s definitely a wider mesh he’s had this setup for 8 years without problems

Full Sun Baskers - Arcadia Reptile

Full Sun Baskers The Arcadia Reptile Interactive UV Index Guide Our recommended guide for your species. ‘It is vital that we provide our pets with an accurate provision of replicated solar energy that includes the correct UV Index, the correct quantity and spectrum of visible light and quantity...

www.arcadiareptile.com

is this what your looking for? The Arcadia and the Reptisun are both good bulbs - I dont know if one is better than the other one persay -- the Arcadia has two T 5's the 12% and the 14% -- the 14% is a stronger bulb and more for higher tanks - I would not use the 12% bulb for higher than 15 inches --

 

[Bonzo]

If the box has Zoo Med Labs ReptiSun T5 10.0 on it, you have a good product. Those tubes and a Zoo Med ReptiSun 24" fixture will serve your beardie. The 2 pack of tubes and 2 pack of basking bulbs should help you keep spares on hand.

If the tube covers two thirds of the enclosure which also has living space without lighting over it, you have a good plan. I enjoy looking at photos of enclosures, and the decorations within them.

 

[Puffaroo]

Well apparently Amazon, as well as every pet store in my city, is currently sold out of the reptisun bulbs I use, so I guess I will be trying out the Arcadia(t5 12%) whether I want to or not

Full Sun Baskers - Arcadia Reptile

Full Sun Baskers The Arcadia Reptile Interactive UV Index Guide Our recommended guide for your species. ‘It is vital that we provide our pets with an accurate provision of replicated solar energy that includes the correct UV Index, the correct quantity and spectrum of visible light and quantity...

www.arcadiareptile.com

is this what your looking for?

This is the one I’ve been looking at, was just struggling to find one to compare it to(I can find tons on the reptisun but this is the only one that I could find on this one) thank you though I appreciate your help with all this

Since they sound pretty equal(and I currently can’t find a reptisun to save my life) I’m most likely gonna give the Arcadia a try and see if he reacts to it any differently. If he seems unhappy of course I’ll hunt down a reptisun, but it sounds like a strong & trustworthy bulb so I’m hoping it’ll do the trick.

 

[KarrieRee]

Well apparently Amazon, as well as every pet store in my city, is currently sold out of the reptisun bulbs I use, so I guess I will be trying out the Arcadia(t5 12%) whether I want to or not

This is the one I’ve been looking at, was just struggling to find one to compare it to(I can find tons on the reptisun but this is the only one that I could find on this one) thank you though I appreciate your help with all this

Since they sound pretty equal(and I currently can’t find a reptisun to save my life) I’m most likely gonna give the Arcadia a try and see if he reacts to it any differently. If he seems unhappy of course I’ll hunt down a reptisun, but it sounds like a strong & trustworthy bulb so I’m hoping it’ll do the trick.

The Arcadia is an excellent bulb I use them

 

[xp29]

I switched all 5 of my dragons to the Arcadia, I've had zero issues in almost a year now.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Both of the T5 tubes from the Reptisun & Arcadia are very good. I haven't measured the
UVB & UVI output with the Solarmeter of the Reptisun in quite awhile but, have measured
the outputs of the Arcadia recently. We use the Arcadia D3 12% T5 currently & have for a
long time.
They perform pretty close to equal, the Arcadia might be slightly better but whichever brand
you can find is good.

Tracie