Lightning advice

[pablotola]

Hello, just upgraded my screen cage and got this quad T5 light fixture: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171621RA
I have a veiled chameleon in a 18 x 36 x 36 enclosure, I read that they would need a ReptiSun 10.0 or an Arcadia 12%
I had purchased 2 ReptiSun 5.0, was planning on using 1 and keeping the other as back-up.
What would be the ideal setup?
- 2 ReptiSun 5.0 + 2 6500K
- 1 ReptiSun 5.0 + 3 6500K
- 1 ReptiSun 10.0 + 3 6500K

Are Arcadia much better than ReptiSun, should I use Arcadia when replacing the ReptiSun?

Thanks.

 

[Decadancin]

You don't need to get a 10.0 or 12% T5. Especially in a smaller enclosure. Use the 5.0 for 6 months and change it after that. If you want to go with Arcadia, the T5's last a year. Best way to tell what lighting to use is to have a UV meter.

 

[pablotola]

You don't need to get a 10.0 or 12% T5. Especially in a smaller enclosure. Use the 5.0 for 6 months and change it after that. If you want to go with Arcadia, the T5's last a year. Best way to tell what lighting to use is to have a UV meter.

So 1 ReptiSun 5.0 + 3 6500K would be the right combination?

 

[nightanole]

"the good balast" with individual reflectors

https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-Agrobrite-FLT24-Fluorescent-System/dp/B002JQBQZQ

If you have individual reflectors you only want a 5.0/6% unless you have a meter, because you will go way higher than the top recomended range of 3 UVI if you have a 10.0/12%.

Then you can fill the rest of the quad with grow or 6500k lights for high light plants.

 

[pablotola]

"the good balast" with individual reflectors

https://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-Agrobrite-FLT24-Fluorescent-System/dp/B002JQBQZQ

If you have individual reflectors you only want a 5.0/6% unless you have a meter, because you will go way higher than the top recomended range of 3 UVI if you have a 10.0/12%.

Then you can fill the rest of the quad with grow or 6500k lights for high light plants.

This is what I have, it's a single reflector for all 4 bulbs. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171621RA

 

[Decadancin]

So 1 ReptiSun 5.0 + 3 6500K would be the right combination?

Yes, that is what I would suggest.

 

[nightanole]

This is what I have, it's a single reflector for all 4 bulbs. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171621RA

If it works it works, i would keep it till it croaks. Its kinda hit or miss with T5HO, since the "cheap" ones either dont supply enough voltage to keep the bulbs at optimal, or they just crap out after 2 years.