UVB lighting

[mastermoche]

This is my UVB lighting set up for my little beardie Leo, I measured it today and its 16" above the tank. I heard it's only supposed to be 12" above. Is this ok or should I figure out a way to get it closer, which honestly I don't know if I can. Any help will be appreciated! Thanks in advance!!

 

[Taterbug]

What sort of bulb is in your hood? Is it a tube or a compact?

The T8 tube should be about 8" away and unobstructed by the screen. They are recommended over the compact types. You can move the hammock up higher to get your little one closer and use a branch or something so he can climb up.

Is the heat bulb on the other side? If so, try to keep them shining in the same spot if possible so he gets both heat and uv at the same time.

 

[mastermoche]

It's one of the swirly kind, don't know exactly what kind. I put the heat bulb on the other side and the UVB on the cool side because it gets dark on the other side which I don't know if it makes a difference. I can move the UVB bulb over to the heat side if I need to but can't really move it any closer.

 

[Taterbug]

Do you know what brand the bulb is? The compact bulbs like you have are generally discouraged for dragons. They don't put out a very good pattern of light, and some brands can even bother their eyes. If you can change to a tube style, they also have the benefit of lighting up the cage better. The reptisun 10.0 and the arcadia 12% are most recommended.

I would put them together and if it's too dark on the cool side use a low wattage bulb to add some light but not heat. UVB is best used by the dragon when it's skin is warm, so when possible having the two together is ideal.