UVB placement confusion

[RachelV]

Hello all, I am so confused about where to put the UVB light fixture in our tank. It seems like there is so much contradictory info out there. I am second guessing how I should have it. We have a standard 40 gallon tank with a screened top. I just got the Reptisun T5 HO 24” hood. Do I leave it on top of the mesh or mount it inside? And depending on where it should be placed, should I use the 5.0 or 10.0 bulb? Our Beardie loves hanging out on her hammock, so I need to be sure she is far enough away from the UVB. I usually read it should be 8” away from where she lays, is this correct? Any clarification is appreciated. Here is a photo of the set up. TIA!

 

[Emilia Thuet]

Yup the T5 should be 6-8 inches away, if you ever get a T8 that one can be 12-15 inches away. you should get a 10.0 bulb, the 5.0 does not produce enough UVB for them. The holes in the mesh are a little too small for the proper amount of UVB to get through so you should mount it on the inside of the tank. I used large zip ties to do it and they hold very well. Can I ask how old your beardie is?

 

[Frank the baby beardry]

This a great question you can definitely leave it on the top. Also is you beardy a baby or adult

 

[RachelV]

Yup the T5 should be 6-8 inches away, if you ever get a T8 that one can be 12-15 inches away. you should get a 10.0 bulb, the 5.0 does not produce enough UVB for them. The holes in the mesh are a little too small for the proper amount of UVB to get through so you should mount it on the inside of the tank. I used large zip ties to do it and they hold very well. Can I ask how old your beardie is?

Thanks for the response. She is 1 years old. With the 10.0 bulb does the distance need to be farther than 8”?

 

[RachelV]

This a great question you can definitely leave it on the top. Also is you beardy a baby or adult

She is 1 years old

 

[Frank the baby beardry]

She is 1 years old

Then get here a upgrade. You need at least 75 gallons or 48 by 20 by 18 but you should get 120 gallons 48 by 24 by 24.

 

[Broly]

Yup the T5 should be 6-8 inches away, if you ever get a T8 that one can be 12-15 inches away. you should get a 10.0 bulb, the 5.0 does not produce enough UVB for them. The holes in the mesh are a little too small for the proper amount of UVB to get through so you should mount it on the inside of the tank. I used large zip ties to do it and they hold very well. Can I ask how old your beardie is?

It’s the other way around.. T5 is stronger than T8

 

[Emilia Thuet]

It’s the other way around.. T5 is stronger than T8

for what the placement? for the beardie to get the most efficient emount it has to be around 6-8 inches

 

[Broly]

for what the placement? for the beardie to get the most efficient emount it has to be around 6-8 inches

From what I know - T5’s are higher output than T8’s. T8’s should be inside the vivarium around 8” from the beardie. T5’s approx 12-15” away from the beardie (without screen blockage - I presume screen blockage would mean they should be a little closer). And yes, the 10.0 is deffo, the 5.0 is not sufficient - x

 

[Broly]

And a reflector should also be used

 

[Emilia Thuet]

From what I know - T5’s are higher output than T8’s. T8’s should be inside the vivarium around 8” from the beardie. T5’s approx 12-15” away from the beardie (without screen blockage - I presume screen blockage would mean they should be a little closer). And yes, the 10.0 is deffo, the 5.0 is not sufficient -

oh dear lord me and my dyslexia, I think I just confused myself, so sorry if I confused you more, I suggest to just ignore my comment and hopefully someone with brains can help you out. so sorry again.

 

[Broly]

oh dear lord me and my dyslexia, I think I just confused myself, so sorry if I confused you more, I suggest to just ignore my comment and hopefully someone with brains can help you out. so sorry again.

There’s no need to apologise - it gets confusing! I used to kinda assume a T8 would be stronger just because it was a higher number, lol but it’s just the mm of the tube thickness I believe. T5’s are generally better than T8’s so for someone without one or purchasing new a T5 is preferred

 

[Emilia Thuet]

There’s no need to apologise - it gets confusing! I used to kinda assume a T8 would be stronger just because it was a higher number, lol but it’s just the mm of the tube thickness I believe. T5’s are generally better than T8’s so for someone without one or purchasing new a T5 is preferred

..... well excuse me then I have to go raise my beardies UVB a couple inches, no wonder they haven't been a fan of basking recently, lol