UVB light - does length matter?

[TexasPanther]

Hi, I'm planning on getting a chameleon sometime in the vague future. I'm planning on getting T5 light but at my local reptile shop they've had a few different options that were different lengths. Do the lengths affect the UVB given off? Or is it just for different cage sizes. What is ideal for a XL reptibreeze? 2'x2'x4'

Is there a preferred brand for T5 UVB bulbs?

Also curious if the different lengths make it harder to find the right lamp to hold it. I was wanting to get the lamp/hood part from home depot or similar to save a bit of money vs. the reptile specific stuff. Any recommendations there would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Syreptyon]

I believe the main difference is the surface area the lights will be able to reach. A longer bulb will make sure that UVB has access to different parts of your enclosure. I would use a 2' long light for the XL size. This is a good brand which a lot of members use: http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/bulbs/arcadia/

 

[nightanole]

T5 HO fixtures are expensive, you wont fine them at home depot. You will find them at aquarium and hydroponics stores. The length you are looking for is 22" for a T5 HO. Any smaller than that and it will be difficult to find bulbs/fixtures for. You would want a 5.0/6% for a 4ft tall cage.

 

[TexasPanther]

I believe the main difference is the surface area the lights will be able to reach. A longer bulb will make sure that UVB has access to different parts of your enclosure. I would use a 2' long light for the XL size. This is a good brand which a lot of members use: http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/bulbs/arcadia/

Thanks, that is actually one of the brands I was looking at