Lighting

[Sk27]

I have a 4x2x2 enclosure I’m using an Arcadia 14% t5 bulb I’m not getting the uvb I want tested with solar meter not getting great coverage. I’m thinking of adding a 100 watt mercury vapor bulb with a 75 watt halogen on a dimmer t-stay. The reason being I know MVB is not able to dim I figure I can regulate temp with 75 watt halogen on a dimmer.

 

[Sadie]

I have a 4x2x2 enclosure I’m using an Arcadia 14% t5 bulb I’m not getting the uvb I want tested with solar meter not getting great coverage. I’m thinking of adding a 100 watt mercury vapor bulb with a 75 watt halogen on a dimmer t-stay. The reason being I know MVB is not able to dim I figure I can regulate temp with 75 watt halogen on a dimmer.

What do you mean by great coverage a 14% bulb is going to give out plenty of UVB rays------- how old is the bulb? You want the UVB in the tank distance 17-18 inches directly above the basking decor- MVB's are great for heat but NOT UVB - you haft to play around w/ distance for the UVB rays and then you will need to monitor the surface basking temps as well -

 

[Sk27]

What do you mean by great coverage a 14% bulb is going to give out plenty of UVB rays------- how old is the bulb? You want the UVB in the tank distance 17-18 inches directly above the basking decor- MVB's are great for heat but NOT UVB - you haft to play around w/ distance for the UVB rays and then you will need to monitor the surface basking temps as well -

I did not want to mount linear T5 fixture in the enclosure because it’s to long so it sits on screen top. I did raise basking spot but could not raise it more than 6 or 7 inches because of heat lamp.
With this set up at best I was getting a reading of 3 on solar meter and as low as a 2.
I did try a 100 watt mercury Vapor bulb now getting a UV index of 4.1 to 6 at basking area.
I have the solar meter so I will monitor closely. I do have a large cool side with very low if any UVB.

 

[Sadie]

I did not want to mount linear T5 fixture in the enclosure because it’s to long so it sits on screen top. I did raise basking spot but could not raise it more than 6 or 7 inches because of heat lamp.
With this set up at best I was getting a reading of 3 on solar meter and as low as a 2.
I did try a 100 watt mercury Vapor bulb now getting a UV index of 4.1 to 6 at basking area.
I have the solar meter so I will monitor closely. I do have a large cool side with very low if any UVB.

Sounds like the screen is blocking a lot of uvb thick screens and the distance will play a role in the uvi