10.0 uvb

[fuzzhc]

I've always used reptiglo 5.0 linears for my panther but since moving her to her 4ft cage she has spent less time directly under the uvb and more time exploring. I've noticed more people saying 10.0 linears are more than safe enough to use. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[nightanole]

10.0 or arcadia 6% are fine for 4ft cages (the dead zone starts around 24-30" from the bulb. This would not work with a 2ft cage since there would be no dead zone other than underneath foliage.

Unfortunately we cannt replicate the sun that has a variable uv index and angle throughout the day...

 

[Olimpia]

Yes, for a 4' cage I think the 10.0 is more than safe enough but stronger/better than the 5.0.

Edit - Just to echo the comments below, I agree, Zoomed Reptisun bulbs are better, in my opinion.

 

[Big Gulp]

And go with the Zoo Med Reptisun over the Reptiglo.

 

[Balizar]

I have tested out a bunch of different lights and cages with my uvb meter. A 10.0 is the best way to go for larger cages and 36" cages. A lot of people do not realize how much uvb the screen actually blocks. The screen also greatly reduces the depth of the light. I have 6 cages that are 4ft and 4 that are 36" and all get better than safe reading throughout the cage. I have tested with 5.0 lights as well as 10.0 and all brands except arcaidia. I prefer Zoo Med.

Edited = I have done all of my testing with 48' inch T8's... I am going to start on a T5 tonight. Just curious what the reading difference will be between the T5s and T8s as far as depth and degradation over time.

 

[fuzzhc]

Thanks for the heads up guys! Unfortunately I don't know anywhere in Glasgow that sells zoo med bulbs and I wouldn't trust buying off amazon lol. I'm going to pets at home tonight so I'll pick up a repti glo for the time being. Are reflectors/hoods a necessity?

 

[Lpsouth1978]

I would say that while not an absolute necessity, a reflector is recommended. Without one you will lose A LOT of light that would otherwise be directed into the cage.

As far as ordering Zoo Med bulbs from amazon - That is where I get all of my bulbs from. If I go to the stores locally to get them, I pat twice as much for them.

 

[fuzzhc]

Cool thanks. I've never actually used them in my smaller enclosurers and for my vieleds 4' I use a mvb and dome so not got any experience with the larger enclosures and tubes lol. I've just read on some cases the bulbs from amazon have read 0uvb output and I don't have a uv meter so wouldn't risk it

Edit: would it do any harm to have the old 5.0 along side the 10.0? For added light that is, enclosure seems a tad dark. Also is there any difference in output to wattages? Lol sorry for all the questions