T5 or T8?

[ashcroft7]

I'm sure this has been asked many times before but am I a bit of a rush so need a answer

What's best for a panther chameleon in a 4ft high tank?
What's best for energy consumption, brightness and longitivty?
Thanks

 

[kdc5019]

What type of bulb are you looking for?
UVB? Daylight?

For UVB hands down T5 Arcadia bulbs! For 4ft tall you will need a 12% UVB. And you can get then at LYR. Todd is awesome!

As far brightness goes and energy efficiency T5ho are the way to go. T5hos are 40% brighter than T8s

 

[Decadancin]

I will agree. The high output T5 made such a difference when I switched! SO much brighter and with a dual (or quad like I use) fixture you can do the UVB and plant lights in one! The Arcadia fixture has a great reflector in it and this further intensifies the light. You can Easily use a 6% bulb in a 4' enclosure, but a 12% will work as well. If you have a very young panther I'd stick with the 6% and if it is too bright you can always add a piece of spare screen between it and the top of the enclosure (assuming its outside the cage). As for longevity, the bulbs will be good for at least a year! Arcadia is an awesome product.