Does a reflector increase the optimal range of a uvb light? My basking area is a bit further away from the uvb than recommended, if I need to I'll get something else for the beardie to bask on closer, but just wondering if I can save myself rearranging everything if I don't have to.
For that bulb, without a reflector, you need it to be 5-6 inches from the basking site. If you put on a proper reflector, the basking site needs to be 10-12 inches away.
At 15 inches away without a reflector, the UV level at the basking surface will be much too low to be providing the benefit you are after. So getting a reflector on it will be a big help.
In large tanks, the t5 versions are usually best as they have a much better effective distance.
In my 4x2x2s I use the 22 inch 14% t5's at about 18-20 inches away.
When I have the money, I will probably get a t5 version, thanks for the information. I have a reflector fitted right now, will that be sufficient for some time untill I can get a higher branch (with aims to get a more powerful light in future)?