Bearded Dragon UVB Setup - What UVB lighting is the best? - Cookies Critters

[@alltaira5922]

WOW! Thank you for this video! I am building a 2 foot tall enclosure (2x2x4) and have been leaning towards the T5. Now I definitely know not to let anyone try to sell me on anything else for UVB lighting.

[@RandleRandleman]

1st timer, thank you very much for your advice. Helped me set up our tank.

[@Kooda50]

Thank you for this. there's so much out there that can mislead you into buying potentially dangerous situations for your BD. This was a huge help.

[@jaredskibbens553]

Best lighting video I have seen that gives actual facts and data, not just opinions. Thanks!

[@CookiesCritters]

Thanks for the feedback mate. Please feel free to ask any questions or request content for future videos. 👍

[@archaeopteris]

This was incredibly helpful. The visual measurements on the cardboard made it so much easier to understand than what other youtubers have done. Thank you!

[@CookiesCritters]

Thanks for the feedback. If there is something that you specifically want us to cover, please feel free to let us know.

[@sueodom9861]

Great video! Someone who actually gives some type of measurements for this to make some kind of sense. I'm getting my dragon in a week and just realized my enclosure was set up incorrectly. Just finished rearranging. Thanks for the info 👍

[@jodie020688]

Just what I was looking for. I have bought a baby beardie for my sons birthday which we pick him up next week after I have the viv set up.. Your videos have put me at ease to know exactly what I need to be doing and getting it correct the first time 😁

[@CookiesCritters]

Jodie Milner we are happy to help. Thanks for the feedback. If there are other topics you want covered please feel free to let us know.

[@plantingwithnat]

Love the video, I learned so much I used to have a beadie and I did it all wrong. Now I know what I should be doing. The picture graph was informative.

[@marcelladibrino6771]

Incredibly thorough and helpful!! The diagrams and actual demonstrations made everything very easy to understand. Thank you!!

[@asinglebladeofgrass3194]

Just read an article about the uvb bulb I use. Same exact light and bulb. This guys beardies legs were completely limp because the bulb was too weak. My beardies back legs are starting to get there and I never knew why for years but now I do. Thank you you just hopefully saved his ability to walk

[@CookiesCritters]

Hi mate. Hopefully your little one makes a full recovery. Too many people think that the old T8 or coil types are appropriate for all enclosures

[@lillian6555]

Absolutely loved this video! It was so informative and the best explanation of lighting yet. Thank you heaps!

[@CookiesCritters]

Thanks Lillian. We appreciate the feedback. Please let us know if you have any requests for future videos.

[@DELTAxxxELITE]

I just started building enclosures I’ll definitely direct people to this video for help with there Uvb setups

[@CookiesCritters]

Troy Martin thanks mate. The more people that know about it makes for a better understanding and health of beardies.

[@alainszyller615]

Thank you, very clear and useful !

[@shanesubashe787]

Great. Maybe add some info on using a solar meter 6.5 to measure UVI.

[@Weinmaste]

Dam sir, nicely done, I love the visual to see where the ranges are for setting up a good basking height, I'm about to get my 1st beardie next spring, this helps a lot to a new keeper like myself to try and get things right with lighting/uvb. I do appreciate!

[@CookiesCritters]

huskerpower- thanks mate for the feedback. I’m glad it helps.

[@dunno6442]

Hey mate how would you recommend lighting a 5x2x2?

[@noahnel7846]

I naturally trust an Australian's advice on bearded dragons

[@JosuesExotics]

Awesome video! Can’t wait to see more!

[@CookiesCritters]

Josue's Exotics thanks mate. 👍

[@Kooda50]

Is it safe to say that if I remove the reflector from my T5 (24 watt 10UVB 22" mounted inside), I can keep my safe distance similar to the T8? I'll be upgrading to a larger / higher profile enclosure within a few weeks but just want to confirm and keep my little girl within a safe zone. Thanks in advance.

[@Blue_oceans333]

Is a 10.0 uvb bulb of 25w with a reflector okay in a 60cm high enclosure ?

[@ohmymatchamia]

Hello I really need help asap because in my country I see only a few people selling uvb tube lights and I’m planning to use a tube light. Currently there’s only a few stocks left.. so my question is is it too strong if I use a Zoo med uvb 34” 39watts t5 10.0 HO for my 4x2x2 enclosure? If it is too strong what would you guys recommend? For now I only see a few reptisun uvb lights available in my country

[@dan32one44]

Good 👍 stuff..

[@crimsonjesus7803]

Thank you for the well thought out video. Best I've seen yet. Question: We are upgrading our adult beardie from a 36x18x18 (inches) to a 4x2x2 (feet). We will probably do either the Arcadia T5 12% inside of it or the 14% version of it, on top of the mesh. Question is, how should we mount a MegaRay MVB in this situation? We raised him in a 36x18x18 with a 24" T5 10% on top the mesh and a 100w MegaRay as his basking spot, in a wire fixture, also on top the of mesh. He has thrived and has a clean bill of health from our local exotic vet. Unsure if we should put the MegaRay MVB inside or not on the bigger enclosure (inside might be too UVB intense?) Thanks again.

[@CookiesCritters]

Hi Michael, thanks for the feedback. The 12% uvb on the inside of the enclosure would be fine as long as the basking spot is at least 30cm (1 foot) away. The basking sport would remain the same for the 14% on top of the mesh too. The MVB position will depend on the wattage of the globe. If mounted on the inside of the enclosure, a large wattage globe would discourage the dragon from basking and benefiting from the Arcadia UVB. The same high wattage globe on top of the mesh would adequately heat the basking spot without overpowering the uvb. A lower wattage globe could be used inside but it will depend on the manufactures specifications for uvb output, and wether the enclosure meets the right basking temps. Mercury vapour bulbs inside an enclosure can be an expensive trial and error. This is why we use the T5 uvb and a clear basking globe. The Arcadia is enough uvb to keep your dragon healthy.

[@crimsonjesus7803]

@@CookiesCritters Thank you for the response. We ordered the Arcadia 36" T5 14% fixture and bulbs today, to put on top over the mesh. We will trial and error the basking bulb placement with regard to distance from the T5 and basking spot tempterature.

[@JoeyMania91]

Great information! While wearing a Great shirt lol. And where did you get that fixture?

[@louiskane7621]

dont know if anyone gives a shit but if you guys are bored like me during the covid times then you can stream pretty much all the new movies on instaflixxer. Have been watching with my brother lately :)

[@charliealec3413]

@Louis Kane Yup, I have been watching on InstaFlixxer for since november myself =)

[@JoeyMania91]

Same person, different account lol.

[@herno1]

Great video! So for a 40 gallon tank, UVB light will be on top of the tank (outside the tank) the T5 will be best?

[@sandraazevedo4496]

Hi Sydney Reptiles! Thanks for your video. I have researched this topic all over the web and it's hard to get the same answer across the board. I currently have my 5 year old male bearded dragon in a 5ft x 2ft x 2ft wood enclosure with glass doors (Lights are suspended inside, no mesh). I don't think he is getting enough UVB. Since the tank is so large I am using a 150wt basking bulb that keeps it around 98-100F on one side of the tank, the "cool" side is typically 82-88F. Prior to the switch in UVB bulb, I had a 4ft ReptiSun T8 10.0 in the enclosure. Now I have the new T5 UVB from ReptiSun 5.0. The highest point in his enclosure he is sitting at 13-14 inches from both UVB and basking light. Should I have him closer to the UVB? And is it recommended to upgrade the UVB to the T5 ReptiSun 10.0 instead of the 5.0? (The new UVB is inside a T5 fixture with a reflector) If anyone else has recommendations I'd greatly appreciate the feedback. I have joined several reptile care groups on Facebook, forums, asked vets, researched online but nothing has been super helpful, just more varied information of the same ideas on enclosure set ups. I understand there are many variables that can make different bulbs more or less appropriate. Thanks in advance!

[@oceanseguin]

Hello I had a question concerning the effectiveness of a t5 12.0 Arcadia on top of a 22 inch enclosure mesh what would be the max basking height?

[@nannyjpg5784]

I am building a 4x2x2 melamine enclosure, and I have a 36 inch t8 linear tube 10.0. I am undermounting the fixture inside under the top. Is this going to be sufficient enough.

[@CookiesCritters]

Does the T8 have a reflector?

[@thelowmein9143]

So what temperature should a bearded basking spot be? Seems easier to adjust the heat lamp than the uvb source.

[@CookiesCritters]

A bearded dragons basking spot should range from 42-45 Celsius. If you need to increase the distance of the basking spot, increase the basking light wattage to increase the heat. This will discourage the dragon from venturing too close. When increasing the basking light strength, make sure the enclosure is adequately ventilated to ensure that the cool side remains around 28-30 Celsius.

[@TheKapsu]

Hi there. Thanks for the great informations. I am just confuse cause the arcadia website states that minimum height for bearded dragon should be 12inches for the arcadia T5 24W. But you have mentioned minimum is 25cm/9.8inch. Which one should I go with.

[@henrysabondo4230]

arcadia

[@prestleywright7291]

Thanks for the video! I have question though. I just bought a 3 foot Arcadia 14% t5 uvb bulb and I was wondering if it would be too much uvb for my beardie if I put it inside the tank instead of on top of the mesh. My tank is 21 inches high:)

[@CookiesCritters]

Yes the Arcadia 14% uvb is too strong for inside that enclosure, it will need to be placed above the mesh.

[@miliyanaleksandrov]

Have you treated coccidia? And also can I make reflector?

[@CookiesCritters]

Yes we have had to treat some of the new dragons that we bought into our collection. You will need a vet to do a feacal screen first to determine the level of pinworms and coccidia. They will most likely prescribe your dragon Baytril or similar. In regards to a reflector, yes you can make one at home. You just need a reflective foil material and create a curve in it. If you don’t have anything, you could go to a sheet metal supplier and ask them for an off cut.

[@GAMBiT_89]

Does the tube light fixture need to be reflective. Having a hard time finding any that are reflective

[@CookiesCritters]

Most T5 fittings should be reflective. There are heaps on eBay. Without a reflector, even a T5 globe is running at about half its strength.

[@GAMBiT_89]

@@CookiesCritters thank you for the info. I’m trying to get that exact one u have in your ultimate bearded dragon setup. That one looks real nice. Man I don’t kno how you don’t have more subs. I’m going to start spreading your channel as much as I can. Keep at it man

[@CookiesCritters]

@@GAMBiT_89 thanks mate. Really appreciate the support.

[@teamninjabug8287]

I have a 20L tank for a baby beardie. Tis around 30cm tall with a mesh top. What would be the recommended type of UVB to use if it's on top of the mesh?

[@CookiesCritters]

A 10% T5 uvb will be fine for above the mesh. The biggest problem is that your enclosure is too small and getting the temperature zones right will be nearly impossible. You will find that to achieve a basking temp of 40-45 degrees Celsius, your enclosure won’t have a cool spot for the beardie to escape to.

[@nomeatrevi7266]

What would you recommend for a low-profile cage? I have a bearded dragon, and the cage is 37 cm tall (91 cm wide and 45 cm deep). I bought a Reptisun T5 10.0 fluorescent bulb (22 inches) and a Reptisun T5 HO reflector. I place the reflector on the mesh lid and not really sure if it’s too strong or weak. Will it be better to simply mount the bulb without reflector inside the enclosure (under the mesh lid)?

[@MetzilVenus]

I have bought a 14% and 12% UVB Arcadia T5 24 watt bulb with the reflector, which would be 35cm away from the beardie, are both of these too strong? Do I need to use a 10% UVB bulb? This video has helped me wrap my head around UVB a bit better but I still suck at this :(

[@CookiesCritters]

When you say 35cm, is that to the basking spot or the floor of the enclosure?

[@scam8293]

Thanks!

[@GAMBiT_89]

Getting a 4x2x2 Wood Panel Reptile Enclosure by Zen Habitats. Would a T5 tube light be correct. And a 10in basking dome?

[@CookiesCritters]

The T5 uvb is correct. Aim for a tub that is about 2/3 the length of the enclosure. The basking light doesn’t need to be in a dome fitting. Domes just direct the light and heat more efficiently

[@GAMBiT_89]

@@CookiesCritters thanks a lot. Your video was the only one that went in depth for ppl that don’t know a lot and are trying to learn. Hell of a job

[@CookiesCritters]

@@GAMBiT_89 thanks mate. Appreciate the feedback 👍

[@karastover8963]

You're advice on keeping my beardie at 113 is working but now it's too hot and too cool. I have 100 warrs and I turned on a 75 watt. I have to keep turning the 75 off and on because it gets too hot. If I only used a 160 watt that has uvb uva and heat work better? I will keep the 10 uvb on his other favorite side of hanging out on his hammock .

[@CookiesCritters]

Hi Kara. Thanks for the feedback. What size enclosure do you have your little one in and does your enclosure have a thermostat to control the lights?

[@CookiesCritters]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f562Y62Nepp-eJY check out our bearded dragon enclosure setup tutorial.

[@karastover8963]

@@CookiesCritters Thank you!

[@karastover8963]

@@CookiesCritters has a exo terra and it's about 22 gallons. No I haven't... everyone I look at on Amazon has bad reviews. Any suggestions?

[@CookiesCritters]

@@karastover8963 no worries. I always recommend using either melamine or PVC enclosures. Glass enclosures don’t hold heat well. In regards to the dimensions I recommend a 4’x2’x2’ enclosure. This will last your beardie a lifetime.

[@stephenbeeby8850]

Thanks, great start on my research journey. We are getting a couple of Eastern Bearded Dragons. Do they require different UV levels to the Central Bearded Dragons?

[@CookiesCritters]

Thanks for the comment. All bearded dragons benefit from a uvb10%. The main environmental difference is the temperature requirements for all the Pogona species.

[@breaunasreptileworld]

@@CookiesCritters my dad is so anointing because he thinks reptile sun coil Uvb IS OKAY FOR HIM HELP ME HE DOSET HAVE ENOUGH ENERGY

[@daveboxwell3151]

Where can you obtain those UVI charts from? I would like to reference my T8 light against the height aand temps of his basking log using a infrared spot thermometer.

[@mailmanx69]

I just ordered a 4x2x4 enclosure for my painted agama. I would like to re-use a 3-ft T5 HO UVB bulb that I already have. However, since the cage is tall and UVB dramatically decreases with distance, would it be a good idea to add a second 3-ft fixture with another T5HO UVB bulb?

[@CookiesCritters]

Michael Preyer depending on the % strength and brand of the T5 will determine how far the UVB is useable. Adding an extra tube won’t increase the distance that the UVb is projected. I know brands like Arcadia and ZooMed, their T5 10-14% tubes have usable UVB down to 85cm away from the globe.

[@mailmanx69]

@@CookiesCritters Thank you for the quick reply! That makes sense. I'll stick with one tube, a 14% Arcadia, and just hang it low enough to be right for the basking spot. THANKS!

[@CookiesCritters]

Michael Preyer happy to help mate.

[@melbournecyclingsegments7510]

Great vid! Thanks. Question on minimum distance to a t5 reptisun 10, with reflector and mounted inside the tank (no mesh). You recommend minimum of 25cm, zoomed site says 15cm. In your opinion is this too close?

[@ShyGotta_a3]

It’s hard finding a t5 24inch ubv fluorescent bulb. That’s the only thing that will fit in my pvc enclosure

[@SteveHarrington.]

Hello ! I’m soon getting a bearded dragon and I have a reptisun T8 24 inch light bulb , what hood would you recommend for it ?

[@CookiesCritters]

The size of the hood needs to match the wattage of the globe. The zoomed 30” 17watt hood holds the 24” 17 watt globe. My recommendation is to upgrade to a T5 rather than buying a T8. T5 has a better output and longer lifespan.

[@kerm9807]

I have a T5 12% in a 4ft/2ft/2ft Inside the vivarium. Would the dragon benefit from a 14% T5?

[@juggy730]

I am building a bearded dragon enclosure around 1200mm Wide 600mm Deep 600mm high. I have the same light fitting with reflector as in the video. Could you recommend if I should use the reptisun T5 24 watt HO in either 5.0 or 10.0. could you recommend an Australian supplier? Thanks

[@CookiesCritters]

Use the Reptisun 10.0. If you already have the fitting use what you have. Otherwise I would recommend the 39watt fitting as it is 90cm long and covers over 2/3 of the enclosure. I use amazing amazing in VIC for my globes.

[@juggy730]

@@CookiesCritters thanks for the quick reply

[@CookiesCritters]

@@juggy730 no worries

[@unluner7751]

do I have my basking light and usb light on at the same time ?

[@CookiesCritters]

Yes. Have both lights on at the same time and make sure they have an overlap. Doing this will ensure that the bearded dragon will get uvb while basking.

[@thelowmein9143]

so its preferable to have UVB of zero at substrate level? So the dragon has to use the basking spot and climb to get proper UVB? If so, then why the 2/3 length of enclosure rule? Unless they are elevated and in their basking spot aren't they too far away any way? In other words, do we WANT the UVB at substrate to be zero? Or are we trying for the substrate level to be the minimum 2.9?

[@CJoefarhat]

Great video!

[@CookiesCritters]

Thanks mate. Appreciate the feedback 👍

[@SaMaNtHa.2023]

Thank you thank you thank you much appreciated:)

[@CookiesCritters]

Samantha Kew thanks for watching and for the feedback. 👍

[@mannyzuccarelli]

Amazing, thank you

[@CookiesCritters]

Manny Zuccarelli no worries. Thank you 👍

[@pilarbradford3526]

Got my beardie with the zoomed beardie kit I used everything in there except the sun and I’m not 100 percent sure if the lighting is the best

[@CookiesCritters]

Are you using a coil, T8 or T5 uvb? What are your lighting concerns?

[@remedy334]

Can you tell me the right uvb length and watt for a 20gallon beardie tank

[@CookiesCritters]

If you have a 20 gallon long tank and it is 30”, I would recommend a 2’ T5 24watt fitting and globe. If you have a 20 gallon tall tank and it is 24”, I would recommend a 1’ T5 15watt fitting and globe. Either way, when your beardie is an adult you should consider an upgrade to a 4’x2’x2’ enclosure. They are better for achieving the correct temperature and uvb gradient. They also give an appropriate amount of space for your beardie to move around comfortably.

[@remedy334]

@@CookiesCritters thanks I appreciate it is there any way you can send me the links to for those and possibly a link to the 4x2x2 also

[@CookiesCritters]

@@remedy334 hi mate. The T5 fitting can be purchased from EBay and I recommend speaking with a reptile enclosure builder as most of the product available at pet stores aren’t appropriate for bearded dragons. If you are in Australia I can help with the lighting and enclosure.

[@robertmv5616]

Nice Video

[@CookiesCritters]

robertMV thanks mate.

[@Poggerz17]

Do they need uvb lighting at night times?

[@CookiesCritters]

No uvb or light at night. You need to replace the natural sun patterns (day/night cycle). I don’t even give my beardies heat at night as they need a cool change to slow down their metabolism. Constant heat will also lead to dehydration and other health issues.

[@paulricketts5197]

Will two 18” t8 put out enough uvb to reach 40cm or 16inch

[@CookiesCritters]

Extra T8 tubes won’t increase the strength of the globe. Only the T5 are high output. It could be cheaper just to upgrade to 1 x T5 uvb.

[@ayaethh]

I bought a 40 gallon tank but I don’t know what brand or what uvb rood to get it

[@CookiesCritters]

ZooMed ReptiSun and Arcadia T5s are industry leading brands. Their UVB output and lifespan are consistently reliable. I’ve found that cheaper uvb globes and tubes cost more in the long run with either replacing them more frequently or the health effects on the dragons.

[@ayaethh]

@@CookiesCritters thank u so much

[@CookiesCritters]

@@ayaethh happy to help

[@landonlikesjazz3420]

@@CookiesCritters what bulb fixture do I need for a zoo med reptiSun tube ?

[@CookiesCritters]

@@landonlikesjazz3420 you will need a T5 uvb fitting. Depending on the length of your enclosure will determine the wattage of the fixture. 3 foot enclosure will need a 24watt (2 foot) fitting. 4 foot enclosure will need a 39watt (3 foot) fitting.

[@ianbrommy781]

What is the effect of glass screens on UVB?

[@CookiesCritters]

Glass panels such as Aquarium lids will block 100% of the UVB. It is the same as placing your glass enclosure near a window with full sun, The glass will block all UVB.

[@ianbrommy781]

Cookies Critters thanks mate 👍

[@kathleenpatrick6921]

Ok so I use a red light for like 20 mins before she goes to sleep to make that light transition is that ok??? I know a red light isn’t good for them I turn off all lights when she goes to sleep

[@CookiesCritters]

Kathleen Patrick hi Kathleen. They don’t need a red light to transition into night time. It will do more harm than good. Please remove the red light all together. 👍

[@mikerotchburns7287]

METALLICA!! 🤘

[@CookiesCritters]

Rock Gods

[@k_w06]

Hello. I need some help. I have a t8 bulb 24" and i need a fixture! Ive looked everywhere and cant seem to find one. Please if anyone runs across this help. Thanks.

[@CookiesCritters]

T8 globes are slowly being phased out, because of this it will be difficult to find the T8 fittings. My recommendation would be to upgrade to a T5. They are readily available and the fact that the globe lasts 12 months not 6, means they are cost effective too.

[@k_w06]

@@CookiesCritters is a t5 bulb with a 16 inch tall tank safe?

[@CookiesCritters]

@@k_w06 is the uvb mounted over the mesh or under?

[@k_w06]

@@CookiesCritters i dont have it mounted yet at all because i need a fixture. i bought the bulb (t8 24") but i need a fixture. i heard t5s are supposed to be approx 14 inches away and i cant do that when my tanks only 16 inches tall (i was told it just wouldn't make sense). i plan to have it mounted inside tho but i cant find a fixture for it. i was wondering for recommendations for t8 light fixtures.

[@CookiesCritters]

@@k_w06 the uvb needs to be approximately 12” away from the basking spot if mounted under the mesh. If mounted over the mesh it can be 8” away from the basking spot, this is because the mesh will block 33% of the uvb output. My recommendation is to get a T5 as you will need an enclosure upgrade by the time your beardie is 10-12months old. They need at least 4x1.5x2 foot enclosure when they are fully grown. Starting with the right uvb means you won’t need to upgrade that when you upgrade your enclosure. In a larger enclosure you can then mount the uvb under the mesh.

[@springtrapnibba]

For some reason my 10 month old female is suddenly scared of her uvb, she won't come out or if she's already out she'll hide from it, I was told the world looks different under uvb to them but I think being scared of it's abit ridiculous

[@CookiesCritters]

What season are you in at the moment? If you are coming into winter she may be beginning to brumate. Bearded dragons shouldn’t be scared of their UVB unless it is too strong.

[@springtrapnibba]

@@CookiesCritters winter just finished, I just choked it up to she forgot what things look like under uvb and forgot it's not dangerous, I stopped using the tongs to feed her and instead used a dish for feeders and now she thinks the tongs are a enemy. But I'll try a less intense bulb to see if that works

[@CookiesCritters]

@@springtrapnibba the globe needs to be a 10% minimum. Some people use higher strength globes and tubes inside the enclosure. Especially in lower enclosures this can be dangerous. When was the last time the uvb was replaced?

[@springtrapnibba]

@@CookiesCritters this is actually a new bulb, replaced it 4 days ago

[@springtrapnibba]

@@CookiesCritters she did go 10 days without uvb because I caught covid, she still acts normal thought minus the uvb fear

[@The_Real_Adachi]

What would you recommend for a 2 foot tall terrarium?

[@CookiesCritters]

If it’s for a bearded dragon and mounted inside the enclosure, I would use either the ZooMed Reptisun 10% or the Arcadia 12%. If the uvb is mounted above the mesh I would use the Arcadia 14%.

[@mikerotchburns7287]

I've got a 4L x 2W x2H with hood mounted above the mesh. What dod you recommend?

[@CookiesCritters]

The Arcadia 14% T5 uvb will be the best. If you can’t get the 14% the next best will be the Arcadia 12% T5 uvb.

[@jacobaltman102]

Hopefully i get a response soon so i currently have my beardy in a 75 gallon and my bearded dragon is 3 years old, i need a new wattage for my basking and a whole new uvb fixture bcz i have an 18” fixture, do i want the uvb fixtured to cover the whole length of my tank or how much. I am also confused on what wattage for the uvb like theres a 24w and a 54w and i dont know whats best for my dragon, what i saw on amazon was a zoo med reptisun 48” hood with a 46” bulb which was a T5 5.0 bulb 24w and it was 46” (that fit in the fixture) but i was told to go with a T5 10.0 bulb but idk if the same wattage or not please help :( i prefer the long bulbs vs coil bulbs

[@CookiesCritters]

Hi mate. The rule of thumb with uvb is you want 2/3 coverage. If you have a 3 foot enclosure you want a 2 foot fitting. Our recommendation for bearded dragons is a minimum of a 4 foot enclosure with a 3 foot uvb fitting. The fitting you will need is a 39watt T5. If mounted on the inside of the enclosure, The uvb tube you will need is a ZooMed 39 watt T5 10.0 or Arcadia 39 watt T5 12%. If mounted on top of a glass enclosure, the light will need to penetrate through mesh. In this case I would recommend the Arcadia 39watt T5 14%.

[@jacobaltman102]

@@CookiesCritters what are your thoughts on mercury vapor bulbs? I hear they need to be on a lamp stand or is that only if it gets too hot so they raise it?

[@CookiesCritters]

@@jacobaltman102 I don’t recommend mercury vapour bulbs in melamine enclosures. They create so much heat that the enclosure can get too hot. All mercury vapour globes need to be on a thermostat.

[@tweetylynn123]

does the wattage of the uvb matter? like i have a 39W T5 tube for my beardie when i use to have a 24W T5

[@CookiesCritters]

The wattage only determines the length. A 24w is 60cm and the 39watt is 90cm. The wattage/length is important to ensure the correct UVB coverage in the enclosure. You want the uvb to cover about 2/3 the length of the enclosure.

[@tweetylynn123]

@@CookiesCritters Got it! Is it okay if it covers the whole length of the enclosure?

[@CookiesCritters]

@@tweetylynn123 ideally you don’t want to exceed 2/3 - 3/4 the length of the enclosure. This allows the enclosure to have a UVB zero zone on the cool side. If you have already purchased and installed the fitting, make sure you provide the dragon a hide so they can get out of the UVB if required.

[@tweetylynn123]

@@CookiesCritters Okay! thank you for the replies

[@CookiesCritters]

@@tweetylynn123 no worries. Happy to help. 👍

[@allyjones7225]

Honestly this just made me more confused and now I’m worried I’m doing something wrong

[@CookiesCritters]

What are you confused about. Hopefully I can clear it up 👍

[@allyjones7225]

@@CookiesCritters I’m mostly just trying to figure out if I should use my tube lamp or the round one but the previous owners gave me both and the way they sit on the tank it looks like they should both be on but some people tell me that is too much

[@allyjones7225]

@@CookiesCritters or honestly there are sooo many brands that it kinda messes me up too

[@CookiesCritters]

@@allyjones7225 do you know if it is a T5 or the older T8 (thick) tube uvb. Also what brand is it.

[@allyjones7225]

@@CookiesCritters it’s a T5 but it’s only 6 inches away from the basking spot

[@ajstarfire9520]

he looks like drew mcatire from wwe

[@CookiesCritters]

Aj Starfire is that a good thing? 🤷‍♂️

[@ajstarfire9520]

@@CookiesCritters yes