I am setting up my 3rd terrarium for my third Bearded dragon. I ordered the same 34 inch fixture to install on the inside of the terrarium like my other two set-ups, but it's a hair too long for this terrarium with the cord added to the end. I can't do it a little crooked because of the way the lid opens.
I looked and noticed all the bulbs I order are Zoo-Med Reptisun T5 HO bulbs. Is it okay for this to be on top of the screen since it's a T5?
I am setting up my 3rd terrarium for my third Bearded dragon. I ordered the same 34 inch fixture to install on the inside of the terrarium like my other two set-ups, but it's a hair too long for this terrarium with the cord added to the end. I can't do it a little crooked because of the way the lid opens.
I looked and noticed all the bulbs I order are Zoo-Med Reptisun T5 HO bulbs. Is it okay for this to be on top of the screen since it's a T5?
Not ideal or adviseable : the mesh used in commercial petshop viv lids is fine enough to block a large part of the UVA & UVB produced by the tube , typically about 45% - 50% blockage , see this for more information : viewtopic.php?f=34&t=235210&p=1809330#p1809330
This will help work out the required tube to basking spot distance for your situation : viewtopic.php?f=34&t=235611
Ideally the T5HO tube will be a 10%UVB or 12%UVB tube, in a reflector hood, with no obstruction , to get adequate UVA & UVB , the distance is about 12" .
In your case , you will have allow the dragon to climb a lot closer ( mesh obstructing UV by about 45%) so distance is about 7" needed to get about 200 microW UVB/ sq.cm at the basking spot.
Thank you, I think I was having a brain fart. It sure would be much easier if we didn't have to struggle to get these inside the tank, but that is what it's like being beardie parents. *lol*.
I went ahead and ordered the Zoo Med 22" and the Zoo Med Reptisun 22" T5 HO bulb.
The 22 inch UVB housing came in today, the bulb should arrive tomorrow and I can finally get it installed. I am so ready to have her lighting working correctly as it should. I'm still having a bit of an issue finding the right basking bulb for the right temp. I usually use a 65 watt flood lamp, but the bulb is just a bit too long for some reason.
Basking bulb too long? Or too strong? You could try suspending it from a stand and keeping it a bit further away. Or maybe hook it to a dimmer to cut power a little bit as needed.