I ordered the arcadia 12% +d3 uvb tube..My question is in a tank that is 18 inches high with this bulb sitting ontop of the fine mesh screen how close should my dragon be when basking to the light..I read these are too powerful to be mounted inside..Any suggestions will be appreciated..
10-12'' is usually about right through a mesh top but this varies depending on how fine the mesh is (finer mesh intercepts more light). It can be mounted inside but should be about 12-14'' away with no mesh in the way. I have the same size tank and leave the top off. The light is 14'' above the basking rock directly below it and about 12'' from the highest basking point and produces a good amount of UVB. You can have areas that get a little bit closer as an option if you want. The key is to provide a good gradient so there are lots of options available.