UVB Question

[TracyMarie]

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?

 

[kingofnobbys]

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.

 

[TracyMarie]

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.

 

[TracyMarie]

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.

Still a work in progress.

 

[CooperDragon]

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.

 

[TracyMarie]

I got the zilla halogen Mini dome and a 50 watt halogen bulb and temps are perfect. Love this mini dome!!!