UVB Length for 40 gallon breeder tank

[jon21388]

Just picked up a 40 gallon breeder tank. Wondering what length people are using for a UVB with there 40 gallon breeder tank. And also what are they using for the bulb holder?

 

[HKzForDayz]

I use a 24 inch t8 fixture from walmart, and i used extra strenth double sided adhesive tape to mount the fixture on the inside of the tank

 

[jon21388]

I use a 24 inch t8 fixture from walmart, and i used extra strenth double sided adhesive tape to mount the fixture on the inside of the tank

you have any pics of this mounted in the tank? From pet mountain all the ReptiSun 10.0 T8 bulbs are the same price. So I'm thinking i may just go with the 36 inch which will cover about 75% of the tank is this enough?

 

[HKzForDayz]

a 40 gal breeder is 36in long. the 36in fixture is a little bit longer then 36 inches as the bulb itself is 36 inches. i made this mistake once of buying the 30 inch fixture and it wouldnt fit inside my 40 gal.

 

[jon21388]

oh yea that is a good point I'll go with the 24 inch then. How much that holder cost you from walmart?

 

[HKzForDayz]

i think it was like 9 bucks, and a pack of adhesive tape was like 3. you could also velcro it but the roll of velcro was more expensive so i went with the double sided tape thats meant for hanging like paper towel holders underneath cabinets

 

[jon21388]

9 bucks aint bad at all. I love how the pet stores jack up the prices on simple things.

 

[HKzForDayz]

yeah i know. i use to work for petco and its ridiculous.

 

[jon21388]

another question what do you use for a basking bulb to keep the temps up?

 

[jon21388]

actually just got my 40 gallon breeder from petco for 25$ it was used but they are switching to new tanks and such. 25$ i couldnt pass it up. I may buy more

 

[HKzForDayz]

in my 40 gal? i use a 150 watt basking bulb in a clamp lamp i bought from walmart. its hanging above my cage , with wire that i hung off of a hook on the ceiling, and i have it connected to a table lamp dimmer, the cheap version of a rheostat

 

[jon21388]

i'll have to see if my 100 watt can work first may have to get a 150watt. My room is pretty warm though so we'll see

 

[jon21388]

you have your floor tiled in it? or what do you have>?

 

[HKzForDayz]

yeah i use slate. if your just setting the lamp on top of the lid it might work . my room the temperature fluctuates. i keep it cool at night but run the heater during the day. also my lamp sits about 6inches from the top of the lid to my enclosure so it takes a little more heat to achieve desired temps.

 

[jesswade]

I hope you don't mind me jumping in on your thread but I also have a 40 gal and I am getting ready to re-do my lighting. I bought a 160watt MVB bulb that the store I was at convinced me was the best. I tried but they would not let me return it - 70 bucks and all.

So now I'm here trying to just figure out what is easiest & I've had a lot of help.

But my question is when you double stick your light fixture on the inside - is that because the screen lid filters out the UVB light that they need? I like the idea of hanging it inside - but how do you take off the fixture to clean the cage?

Do you just buy a regular "basking bulb" - my daughter's room is cold at night - even though our heat is kickin'. I have 2 dome fixtures (one for the MVB and one for a red- night light) & am going to buy a CHE (yes I bought everything wrong). I spent $150 in things I may now not be able to use.

Can I use the dome fixtures for the CHE and basking bulb?

Believe it or not - the 160 watt only gets the tank up to barely 100. I really would like to get the lamp stands just so the lights are ever so slightly off the lid - in case of an accident trying to open the aquarium.