Proper UVB application

[KatKuMo]

I got that same tank from petsmart, and I bought a tube light set up - had to get a black light and fixture to get close to the 18W needed in the 10.0 UVB bulb I found on chewy.com Now I read on everything that those bulbs are for a larger enclosure. So I just ordered a 5.0 UVB. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I hope I'm doing the right thing, I know too much UVB can be really bad.

 

[PatsyB]

I got that same tank from petsmart, and I bought a tube light set up - had to get a black light and fixture to get close to the 18W needed in the 10.0 UVB bulb I found on chewy.com Now I read on everything that those bulbs are for a larger enclosure. So I just ordered a 5.0 UVB. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I hope I'm doing the right thing, I know too much UVB can be really bad.

What size is your tank?

 

[KatKuMo]

Mine is a 40 Gal tank, 36x19x16

 

[PatsyB]

Mine is a 40 Gal tank, 36x19x16

Sorry, you did say that originally. I have heard of people using a T5 5.0 bulb when the bulb was mounted inside the tank. The 10.0 bulb though is the standard bulb to use. If you provide places for your dragon to hide from the light they will be just fine.

There are other factors to when it comes to bulbs. The T5 size UVB bulbs are becoming the norm to use because they put out more UVB. The T8 bulbs are perfectly fine to use but aren't high output like the T5. T5's can be placed over the mesh screen of the tank and still provide ample UVB where T8 should never be placed over the mesh and mounted inside the tank.

 

[KatKuMo]

Right, the little chart that was in the zoo med bulb shows that, as well. My fixture is a T8, so I'm on the right track, finally, with my lighting and distance, but I do need to provide a hide for him, as he's outgrown the one that's in there. I hate that I've done the wrong thing, but hopefully I haven't done any serious damage.

 

[PatsyB]

Right, the little chart that was in the zoo med bulb shows that, as well. My fixture is a T8, so I'm on the right track, finally, with my lighting and distance, but I do need to provide a hide for him, as he's outgrown the one that's in there. I hate that I've done the wrong thing, but hopefully I haven't done any serious damage.

You didn't hurt him using a 10.0 bulb. Honestly, If I was using Reptisun bulbs inside the tank I would use a 10.0.

 

[KatKuMo]

Isn't there such a thing as too much UVB? My new bulb is already on the way, I'll pay attention to any changes.

 

[PatsyB]

They can get too much UVB but they also seem to know to walk away from it when they don't need it.