T5 light questions

[cody]

I want to get a t5 uvb. Do you recomend the zoomed fixture with the reflector? Or a cheaper fixture I can find will do. With the reflector, could it be on top of my screan? Or should I try and mount one under the screen. Is there a strict minimum distance it has to be because it's stronger?

 

[Mushuandcricket]

You want it under the screen.The screen will block some of the UVB. If you are using the T5Ho high output bulbs which I would recommend it would depend on how high the distance. Most enclosures would require a 10.0.

 

[jarich]

It really depends on your enclosure and the distances involved. You can have them on the screen if it is close enough to the dragons basking area. You generally do not want them closer than 12", but again if its on screen then that will be different too. I would recommend the Zoomed fixture with the reflector, yes. They are high output fixtures designed to maximize the output of the bulb. If you buy the cheap ones, you're limiting the output of the bulb and possibly the life you get out of it too.

 

[cody]

I think I'm gonna get a section of shelf racks that are made of metal grates and use that as the screen. it's really spaced out so I guess the amont of ubv blocked will be minimal

 

[jarich]

The easiest I have found is called hardware cloth. Its basically a wide gaped wire mesh, usually with either 1/2 inch or inch wide gaps. You can cut it with a good sturdy pair of scissors or wire cutters.

 

[cody]

Ok. I'm on the clock at home depot I'll look for that now

 

[cody]

I just have yet to find a way to mount a fixture under the screen directly overhead. A T5 10 with a reflector on top of a very spaced out grate should do. I hope

 

[jarich]

With that hardware cloth you can put it above. The hardware cloth will block out very little of the light