Arcadia mvb distance

[fuzzhc]

I know it is preferred to use a basking and uv separate but I have had trouble with my vield in the past with mad when I first got him 3 years ago, this light set up gave me better results so I'm sticking with that. I use tubes and basking spots for my panthers.

Anyways I've recently bought a 100w arcadia mvb by mistake instead of the usual 80w one that I use for my adult vields enclosure. When I used the 80w at a distance of around 10" I got a basking spot of 95f. With the 100w at a distance of around 1' I'm getting 92f. I don't know why lol just am. My question is would I be able to raise the basking branch higher without exposing my cham to too much uv? Like would a distance of 10" or so be too close to the light even if it gives me a temp of 95+?

Note: I'm not too clued up on the uv output of mvbs as you can tell lol.

 

[NHenn]

I'm not going to be much help as I don't recommend the use of Merc Bulbs. I would not go over 95 as I feel that is already a bit too high for basking. I try to stick to 92 max.

As for UVB, you will need a meter. There isn't really any other way to tell.

As for your view on Merc over tubes, tube bulbs will produce a better gradient and stronger rings of UVB light within the cage so continuing to use a Merc bulb isn't really helping with past UVB concerns.

 

[fuzzhc]

Ok I'll stick to 92 then. With the last mvb bulb he was doing fine with 95, no burns, healthy appetite and never dehydrated.
I know but I couldn't possibly afford a uv meter, was just hoping someone knew the safe distance in general.

My view on uv is always tubes first so they can regulate their heat and uv intake, as I do with my panthers and monitor. But I just feel personally with this guy I've had better results using a mvb. Still achieving the same basking temps but replacing a tube and heat bulb for the mvb he picked up his appetite again and stopped with the trembling.

 

[Lovereps]

On Light Your Reptiles website here
http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/100waarmevad.html
the recommended distance for basking is 14-16 inches from the Arcadia MVB bulbs.
Naturally, you have to be mindful of the basking temperature, as NHenn has advised.
You could ask Todd at LYR if that takes into account the UVB lost when it passes through screening, if you don't have a UVB meter.
He is very knowledgeable about reptile lighting.

FWIW, this is why I prefer fluorescent tubes and an incandescent bulb, as I can vary the bulb wattage to warm the basking area correctly when the indoor temps change from season to season.