Yet another T5 UVB discussion...

[maskedburito]

So...

I got a T5 reptisun 48 inch light. It came with a 5.0 bulb. Several people have told me this is fine and others say go buy a 10.0. WHO IS RIGHT!?

So the variables here, the light is over a screen, the light has a reflector. Currently the basking spot is 15 inches from the light but this can be changed. The light to the bottom of the terrarium is 24 inches.

So options are

1) Stick to what I have
2) Stick to 5.0 but move the screen
3) Get a 10.0 and keep the screen

I know this is talked about a lot but what options will get me ideal UVB? I feel people have very strong feelings about the 10.0 bulb but with these new T5 bulbs all reptile breeders are telling me the 5.0 is enough now.

 

[Taterbug]

The best way to know is to use a meter and adjust things to achieve the UV exposure based on the readings (like a thermometer vs guessing the temp) but they are unfortunately expensive. I'd say there are many ways to be "right". What works best for isn't nessisarly what exact bulb either, so much as what works for your setup based on its size, decorations, use of and density of screen and such. A reflector usually is bough to counter screen, its not a good idea to use a high UV lamp without also providing plenty of gradient etc.

That said, the T5 are roughly twice as strong as the T8, paired with a reflector you could theoretically get a similar output from the 5.0 as you would from the older style 10.0. For me the big benefit is that you can mount it further away if you use the 10.0 - I keep my 10.0 12" away at the closest and for a 5.0 I would probably need to have it much closer and that doesn't seem comfortable for the dragon.

I've put together a chart to summarize the differences in lamps based on the data Fran Baines (uvguide.uk.co) has published. A longer bulb will (typically) be stronger, and different fixtures, individual bulbs and several other factors will influence what your results will be but it gives a rough idea. (Take it with a grain of salt/as reference) https://sites.google.com/site/thelizardmadness/lighting-guides

 

[maskedburito]

The best way to know is to use a meter and adjust things to achieve the UV exposure based on the readings (like a thermometer vs guessing the temp) but they are unfortunately expensive. I'd say there are many ways to be "right". What works best for isn't nessisarly what exact bulb either, so much as what works for your setup based on its size, decorations, use of and density of screen and such. A reflector usually is bough to counter screen, its not a good idea to use a high UV lamp without also providing plenty of gradient etc.

That said, the T5 are roughly twice as strong as the T8, paired with a reflector you could theoretically get a similar output from the 5.0 as you would from the older style 10.0. For me the big benefit is that you can mount it further away if you use the 10.0 - I keep my 10.0 12" away at the closest and for a 5.0 I would probably need to have it much closer and that doesn't seem comfortable for the dragon.

I've put together a chart to summarize the differences in lamps based on the data Fran Baines (uvguide.uk.co) has published. A longer bulb will (typically) be stronger, and different fixtures, individual bulbs and several other factors will influence what your results will be but it gives a rough idea. (Take it with a grain of salt/as reference) https://sites.google.com/site/thelizardmadness/lighting-guides

This is fantastic information! Thank you! This chart is amazing, I guess my follow up is what level of UVI on average should a bearded be getting in a day, 5?

And if my beardie isnt getting enough UVB I would notice through being lethargic and lack of eating I guess?

 

[Taterbug]

For a dragon (or any reptile really) you can pick based on their basking habits. The are "zone 3 - open sun" baskers. In a setup with a gradient (shade on both warm and cool side, basking area of high uv and areas of low and no uv) 3-5 would be good for the basking zone where it's warmest. This is sort of the ideal method because it helps mimic nature where they bask in the morning before it's super hot and sunny and then are in and out of the shade for the middle of the day. But, the catch is you don't want the whole enclosure so "sunny" and they have no way to regulate their exposure. If you aren't able to offer a gradient or want a more "daily average" then 1-2.6 over a large portion of the enclosure is ok and more typical of what the standard T8 setup does.

Lethargic and lack of eating are the basic symptoms for almost every reptile illness unfortunately but it's usually good to make sure the lighting isn't the problem if that's going on. In such cases I think maybe it's like seasonal affective disorder for humans.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I agree, I think the T5 5% should be fine, as long as it is mounted properly. Using the fixture with a reflective backing would most definitely improve the strength of the UVB as suggested.
I personally don't like to have any light any closer than 6 inches just so it doesn't stress their eyes from the glare.
They are instinctive & seek out the UVB strength that they need at that particular time. There is no set amount but it does need to be fairly stable in order for their Hydroxy 25 levels to have proper storage.

Tracie

 

[maskedburito]

So the light is all setup. Anyone notice how little light these T5 florescent bulbs give off? Its a very white light which looks nice, but it barely lights up the enclosure! I know that's not the point, its meant for UVB but paying that much for a light, it be nice if it looked nice.

That being said my basking spot light lights up the terrarium well, but it has a very yellowish tinge to it. Wish it looked more like the other light, with the natural white light. Is there certain bulbs that be better for them, because they give off a more natural light than this odd yellow. I got the Exo Terra Intense Basking spotlight.