Arcadia Lighting - convince me

ferretinmyshoes

ferretinmyshoes

Veterinarian
Staff member
So it's time to change the bulbs over the chams again. I've seen lots of threads on the arcadia lights, but of course now that I'm looking can't find the good ones. Basically I'm looking for evidence (not just hype) on if it's worth it to switch to the arcadia UVB lights or stick with good old reptiglo/reptisun. Convince me. ;)
 
ferretinmyshoes said:
So it's time to change the bulbs over the chams again. I've seen lots of threads on the arcadia lights, but of course now that I'm looking can't find the good ones. Basically I'm looking for evidence (not just hype) on if it's worth it to switch to the arcadia UVB lights or stick with good old reptiglo/reptisun. Convince me. ;)
Click to expand...

ferretinmyshoes, just want to thank you for posing this question. I'm looking forward to the replies as well
 
Sure, I will get you some pics with UV readings tomorrow.

Put it this way... My 9month old Arcadia 6% t5ho bulb, still put out more than some BRAND NEW 5.0s.
 
I'd love to see some readings! I've heard good things about them, but am wary of longterm effects of anything that hasn't been on the market very long. But I can be convinced. ;)
 
After much research and reading about lights I made my decision last August to switch all our lighting over to Arcadia and we could not be happier. We breed chameleons so we had a lot of lights to purchase and we noticed a overall difference in the chams. They seemed more active and I would say their colour and appetite improved as well. Our babies our hatching out as I type this and I purchased more Arcadia bulbs in January to use on them so I am looking forward to see the difference there might be by using these lights on the growing babies. We purchased ours from forum sponsor Light Your Reptiles and Todd was so helpful and you can't beat the prices he has and he had them shipped to us right away. You will have to take my word on it and take the plunge and purchase them and you will see for yourself it was money well spent. I truly do believe that those lights along with a great gut loading diet equal pretty awesome chameleons:)
 
Only one of our cages has the T5 and the rest are T8 and I also use Arcadia's Euro Range 5% and can say that they are all equally producing great results.
 
The t8s are not HO though right? I have the T5 HO and I love them although I don't really have anything Dayna to back up the love...Lol other than I have run HO lights for many years on my tanks and the difference in growth and color of my corals from HO and non HO was significant, the output was so much better than standard bulbs. I know that is comparing apples to oranges but I wanted to be a part of this thread so I can learn what I should say as to the effects on chams next time someone ask :D


Also Todd has been great answering all my questions!!!
 
Todd is the best guy to answer any of your questions you might have about the Arcadia lights he was so helpful with us and took the time to explain everything and also Hoj is another good guy to ask as he uses them as well.
 
Hopefully Todd will chime in. He has a great link to some research comparing output and distribution of various UV bulbs.
 
coldbloodedAL said:
Sure, I will get you some pics with UV readings tomorrow.

Put it this way... My 9month old Arcadia 6% t5ho bulb, still put out more than some BRAND NEW 5.0s.
Click to expand...

ferretinmyshoes said:
I'd love to see some readings! I've heard good things about them, but am wary of longterm effects of anything that hasn't been on the market very long. But I can be convinced. ;)
Click to expand...

coldbloodedAL; How long have you been using Arcadia bulbs?

ferretinmyshoes; Arcadia has been manufacturing reptile lamps for a good many years and have manufactured aquarium lighting since the 60's. I think they have a very good track record in the UK. Europeans tend to be several years ahead of us in aquarium and vivarium technology.

I would be interested in hearing from more people in the US that own Arcadia lighting.
 
dlegare said:
coldbloodedAL; How long have you been using Arcadia bulbs?

ferretinmyshoes; Arcadia has been manufacturing reptile lamps for a good many years and have manufactured aquarium lighting since the 60's. I think they have a very good track record in the UK. Europeans tend to be several years ahead of us in aquarium and vivarium technology.

I would be interested in hearing from more people in the US that own Arcadia lighting.
Click to expand...

Almost as long as they have been available here.
 
Hey Dayna, I can only comment on my T5 HO Arcadia bulbs. I love the output that they have. I do not have a solar meter, so I am going by the research that others have shown, but as for the cost of bulbs, the frequency of changing pays for that on its own. I did get a quad fixture for Zaphod's setup, with one Arcadia 6% and the second it was installed I noticed a change in his behavior. The enclosure was brighter and it was the first time I'd ever seen Zaphod basking under the UVB light! He still does this at least once a day. My blog has some pics and info about it. https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/decadancin/754-winter-lighting-schedule.html Todd has some great info, and also some links to some Arcadia sites. I agree with the awesome customer service part, as well! ;) Hope this helps :eek:.
 
I recently switched over all my lighting to Arcadia t5's. The difference is amazing. The chams are more active, have increased appetite and they love to bask under the new fixtures, which they never did with t8's. the plants have really benefitted too. The light penetrates much deeper into the 4' high viv.

So far it was one of the best decisions I have made as a keeper.
 
Do u guys place the t5's above the mesh and by how much do u raise them?
We made the switch 8months ago and I have mixed feelings about them. We keep many different species of cham and tbh they were doing absolutely fine on t8's. Some of our species almost looked bleached out on t5's. We found better results by raising them at least 4 inches above viv and covering half to filter out the rays. solar meter readings r much higher and longer lasting with these bulbs but my personal feelings r they r too bright for certain species and can affect their eyes.
I had a long conversation with Frances Baines( uv guide) about them and she explained the output is similar to that of metal halide lighting.
The proof will be in a years time to see how good they r???????
 
muji said:
Do u guys place the t5's above the mesh and by how much do u raise them?
We made the switch 8months ago and I have mixed feelings about them. We keep many different species of cham and tbh they were doing absolutely fine on t8's. Some of our species almost looked bleached out on t5's. We found better results by raising them at least 4 inches above viv and covering half to filter out the rays. solar meter readings r much higher and longer lasting with these bulbs but my personal feelings r they r too bright for certain species and can affect their eyes.
I had a long conversation with Frances Baines( uv guide) about them and she explained the output is similar to that of metal halide lighting.
The proof will be in a years time to see how good they r???????
Click to expand...

I'm glad to see this coming from a breeder such as yourself... I have not noticed any bleaching out or eye issues yet.. But this forum will be the first to hear if I do. What % bulbs are you using? And with what species?
 
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