What is enough UVB for large enclosure?

[Bobolynx1226]

Hi Everyone!
I am building a 6x3x2 tank for my rather large baby. I'm going to use Reptisun 10.0 T5-Ho 39W for uvb.(34") Is one enough for this large of an enclosure? Is one 100W basking lamp enough? I already have a black ceramic bulb for additional heat since my house is always chilly and have ordered two more w/hoods. Just want to be sure Gryphon is happy & healthy in his new home.

 

[KarrieRee]

Please get rid of the black bulb--- colored bulbs are no good they hurt their eyes and can cause long term damage -- if you need more heat in the tank you can go w/ a CHE -- ceramic heat emitter w/ NO LIGHT-- the UVB your getting sounds really good - as far as basking that is trial and error-- just make sure you have a Infrared Heat gun - they give the most accurate temps and can be purchased at Walmart Home Depot or Lowes for around $10
Karrie

 

[Bobolynx1226]

It's OMAKEY 150W ceramic heat emitter. Black. No light. Is that bad??

 

[Claudiusx]

No that is fine. They are called ceramic heat emitters. there are purple/black bulbs that give off light which is why karrie said to get rid of it. But it was just a misunderstanding

As far as your original question. If you're going for a 6 foot long tank I'd use the 4 foot reptisun.
Is the 3 feet the height or the width?

For heat, you really wont know until you try it. Depends how insulated your tank is. Depends on your fixture. Depends on the air flow. I can get away with a 50w in my 3x2x18" and a 75w in my 4x2x2

-Brandon

 

[Bobolynx1226]

Whew! I was worried there for a minute since I've been using this ceramic bulb since day one. The new tank is 6ft long, 3ft wide, 2ft high. I did not know there were 4ft. uvb's available. I will check into them. The screen on top is 1/4 inch mesh. I'm using one 100w basking lamp in the current tank, which is half the size of new tank, but since this one is going to be so much bigger I'm not sure if it's enough. The glass isn't tempered. My house is chilly even in warm weather so I was going to load up on ceramic bulbs to keep Gryphon warm. Is there a way to insulate the tank besides wrapping aluminum foil around the back & sides? This is a hassle and unattractive!

 

[Claudiusx]

If you make the top solid instead of a screen it will insulate it and hold the heat in much better. At 2 feet tall you could make the top wood and mount your lights inside the tank. That would be better for the uvb too since the screen wont be filtering out a lot of the uvb.

-Brandon

 

[Bobolynx1226]

Would he get enough air with a solid top?

 

[Bobolynx1226]

The entire front of the tank will be hinged; two doors that open out to either side.

 

[Claudiusx]

Yes he will get enough air. You can cut a couple vents on the side. If the sides aren't wood you can always cut a cone vents into the wooden top if you need to.

Look up the crossfire design you'll see how many people make their tanks.

-Brandon

 

[Bobolynx1226]

Thank you so much Brandon! I very much appreciate your help and advice! So does Gryphon!