uvb exposure

[jayce82]

so what exactly would happen if a beardie got too much uvb light? say he's a year old, tank is 18" tall and the t5 is hung underneath and the basking spot is say 12" under the uvb. is that too much? will he regulate by moving to the cool side for a while or go in one of his hides for a bit? I just haven't found much info on this subject

 

[Taterbug]

Over exposure runs the risk of things like burns, retina or skin damage and possibly metabolic issues if the body can't regulate D3 properly.

Your distance should be fine and within the range dragons would be exposed to in the wild. In captivity we err a bit on the low side for max exposure. As long as you cage has options he will self regulate. Offer an area of less intensity for both heat and UV such as with some shade ornscreening but is still warm. (Think dappled sunlight). Reptiles go in and out of the light/heat regularly in the wild so in captivity constant basking is actually not ideal.

 

[jayce82]

yes he has a hammock on the cool side to provide shade that gets him out direct light. I was just mainly concerned with his basking distance because I know this bulb is strong

 

[jayce82]

also this fixture in using has a reflector on it. should I run the reflector or remove it at that distance?

 

[Wolfeden]

I would keep the reflector.

As mentioned, as long as your beardie can get farther away than 12" and/or has some shaded areas, your setup sounds pretty ideal IMO.

 

[jayce82]

good deal. thankyou very much

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

The distance sounds good & since there is ample area for her to move around there shouldn't be any issues how it is set up.
I agree, it will be fine to keep the reflector.

Tracie