Opinions?: Confused on Lighting thats “best”

[Skybug]

So in the reptile community, especially in the beardie community, ive noticed that theres much debate about uvb, i hope this post can dispel some of the myths/misinformation thats been spewed out from “corporate” which is where the lighting issue probably stems from (imo)


To be clear, we KNOW for a FACT that “coil” uvbs cause eye issues and offer little to no uvb, so these uvb’s are a Big No-No, we know this. We know that most uvb needs to be unobstructed and inside the enclosure,

Where I personally get confused is the terminology between t8,t5,5.0,10.0
I understand that one can be used in an aquatic setting ,

i guess my question or statement would be (without fighting) what is YOUR preferred uvb lighting? Maybe add links? This post isnt to start a debate, but to start a conversation, if you’ve come to argue, thats not going to help anyone, please only reply if you’d like to add to the conversation

 

[Skybug]

Like most inexperienced beardie owners, i was sold on the “beardie kit” when I first got my baby (a year ago) it was a 40gallon breeder with double hood and a coil uvb, it didn’t take long for me to find that the bulb was garbo, (a quick search of eye issue and coil uvb yielded results)

i then switched to a mercury vapor bulb for about a year, found good reliable brands, then i ended up switching them for a long tube uvb light “zoo med 18” 10.0 f15 t8, i was told , by you guys this bulb needed to be closer, so instead of lowering it to 5-8 inches (which is kinda impossible for a active type lizard)

i then switched to a “zoo med 22” reptisun 5.0 f24 t5 (also recommended by you guys) i just need some clarification please i still have both lights and fixtures btw so if i need to change/swap them again i can, keep in mind my beardie gets natural sun for 3+ Hrs some days, so she has NEVER been without uvb, i just want to give the best possible lighting i can. Ty again for who posts

 

[Sadie]

So in the reptile community, especially in the beardie community, ive noticed that theres much debate about uvb, i hope this post can dispel some of the myths/misinformation thats been spewed out from “corporate” which is where the lighting issue probably stems from (imo)


To be clear, we KNOW for a FACT that “coil” uvbs cause eye issues and offer little to no uvb, so these uvb’s are a Big No-No, we know this. We know that most uvb needs to be unobstructed and inside the enclosure,

Where I personally get confused is the terminology between t8,t5,5.0,10.0
I understand that one can be used in an aquatic setting ,

i guess my question or statement would be (without fighting) what is YOUR preferred uvb lighting? Maybe add links? This post isnt to start a debate, but to start a conversation, if you’ve come to argue, thats not going to help anyone, please only reply if you’d like to add to the conversation

Preferred UVB is the Reptisun T 5 or a Arcadia 12% bulb --- there has been test done on these bulbs and have been found to be the better on the market at this time -- it seems the Reptisun has been around for a while and still in my op is the best lighting - I can only go by results experience from using the bulbs - I have used both but I do prefer the Arcadias over all -- here is a link from another forum to educate some -- they do need to update the topic w/ the " under counter fixture from Walmart" is not a good idea --- the fixtures need reflectors in them to project the UVB rays downward to the dragon and also it intensifies the rays - you want both --- w/ out the reflector the rays are going all over the tank not doing the dragon any good --
T 5 are the stronger of the bulb - the T 8 are not as strong and more for aquatic use but can be used but distance for the T 5 and T 8 are different along w/ placement --- T 5's can go thru a wide hole screen but distance would need to be 8-10 inches over basking decor T 8 needs to be inside the tank as they cannot go thru screen and distance needs to be 6-8 inches above basking decor -- the 10.0 is for reptile and 5.0 for aquatic -- anyone who has changed their UVB's from a different bulb like a coil to a Reptisun or Arcadia is going to notice a difference in their dragon--- the only thing I can say is that the UVB and basking temps in the tank are the MOST important thing in the tank --- it controls the over all health and behavior of the dragon

Lighting Help for Newbies (: | Enclosures

I've been told I should make this, so here it goes LOL. :) Here is a basic lighting setup for a beardie. The cage in this picture is a 40 gallon breeder, but the same goes for larger and smaller cages as well. ( * = Optional ) Which UVB light should I use? The best UVB light is a ReptiSun...

www.beardeddragon.org

 

[Sadie]

Like most inexperienced beardie owners, i was sold on the “beardie kit” when I first got my baby (a year ago) it was a 40gallon breeder with double hood and a coil uvb, it didn’t take long for me to find that the bulb was garbo, (a quick search of eye issue and coil uvb yielded results)

i then switched to a mercury vapor bulb for about a year, found good reliable brands, then i ended up switching them for a long tube uvb light “zoo med 18” 10.0 f15 t8, i was told , by you guys this bulb needed to be closer, so instead of lowering it to 5-8 inches (which is kinda impossible for a active type lizard)

i then switched to a “zoo med 22” reptisun 5.0 f24 t5 (also recommended by you guys) i just need some clarification please i still have both lights and fixtures btw so if i need to change/swap them again i can, keep in mind my beardie gets natural sun for 3+ Hrs some days, so she has NEVER been without uvb, i just want to give the best possible lighting i can. Ty again for who posts

I just posted on your post --- please switch out the 5.0 to the 10.0 -- the distance needs to be 12-15 inches inside the tank directly above the basking decor

 

[Skybug]

My current fixture does have a reflective surface, so to be clear, for my current fixture, I want a 22”inch 10.0 t5?

 

[Skybug]

I just posted on your post --- please switch out the 5.0 to the 10.0 -- the distance needs to be 12-15 inches inside the tank directly above the basking decor

Does HO just stand for high out put? I swear they make this confusing on purpose.....

 

[Skybug]

Right or wrong? , i did look at the link u posted... im trying to be more educated on this matter.

 

[Sadie]

View attachment 26946
Right or wrong? , i did look at the link u posted... im trying to be more educated on this matter.

yes that is what you want and they do not expire till used so the extras will be fine --- its good to have them on hand --- they usually dont blow out but I did have one that flickered when I put it in and had to go to the back up 5.0 so that is what I am using now till end of this month then it goes to the Arcadia 12% bulb ---

 

[Skybug]

yes that is what you want and they do not expire till used so the extras will be fine --- its good to have them on hand --- they usually dont blow out but I did have one that flickered when I put it in and had to go to the back up 5.0 so that is what I am using now till end of this month then it goes to the Arcadia 12% bulb ---

I always buy extras, theres bound to be a dud or a broken one :/ , ill have to check out the arcadias once i use these, they are expensive ive heard, but im shure they’re good quality and worth it, thank you for the clarification.

 

[Sadie]

I always buy extras, theres bound to be a dud or a broken one :/ , ill have to check out the arcadias once i use these, they are expensive ive heard, but im shure they’re good quality and worth it, thank you for the clarification.

No they are actually cheaper- well depending on what site- Reptisuns on petmountain are cheaper than pangaea reptile but pangaea carries Arcadia's and they are less but not by much maybe a $1 - you haft to shop different websites biodudes had Arcadia for $30- I usually get my bulbs from pangea - flat shipping 3 day fedex $7

 

[Sadie]

My current fixture does have a reflective surface, so to be clear, for my current fixture, I want a 22”inch 10.0 t5?

Yes