T5 placement query

[Suzle87]

I had put this question on another thread but decided I was probably best off starting a new one...
I am planning on getting a t5 tube for my viv, I just have a couple of questions...
1) I have seen some at 10% and some at 12% ... which generally would be preferred for a IJ?
2) Do you get one the entire length of the viv (eg.4ft vivarium 46 inch tube)? or do I just get a smaller one and have it over the warm half?

...any more advice or info is much appreciated, I am looking into getting a complete kit, reflector and all ,so want to make sure I am getting the right thing before I splash the cash.

Thanks everyone for your continued help, I really do appreciate it

[kingofnobbys]

I put this together to help people work out the right distance from various UV sources and give guidance on effect of reflector (hoods & domes) and wattage and placement (above / under mesh lids):
https://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/vi ... 4&t=235611


I believe all species of BT require at similar UVA and UVB as bearded dragons (with the exception perhaps of Eastern BTS who are OK(?), , with 5%UVB to 6%UVB (ie 100 microW UVB / sq.cm) cf northern BTS and indo BTS who require a min of 10%UVB or 180-200microW UVB / sq.cm). My 2 easterns have 26W UVB200s as do my 2 eastern water skinks.

[kingofnobbys]

I had put this question on another thread but decided I was probably best off starting a new one...
I am planning on getting a t5 tube for my viv, I just have a couple of questions...
1) I have seen some at 10% and some at 12% ... which generally would be preferred for a IJ? …. I think you'll be more satisfied with the Arcadia T5HO 12%UVB , as the Zoo Med T5HO 10%UVB tubes have a problem lately with poor phosphor life (reports are they are decaying too fast and needing replacement in a few months cf the old chemistry phosphors which lasted up to 12 months).
2) Do you get one the entire length of the viv (eg.4ft vivarium 46 inch tube)? or do I just get a smaller one and have it over the warm half? 2/3 length of tank is ideal , so you can establish a UV gradient from high to zero flux.

...any more advice or info is much appreciated, I am looking into getting a complete kit, reflector and all ,so want to make sure I am getting the right thing before I splash the cash. check out the kits available from Arcadia reptile = they are called T5HO SLIMLINE LUMINAIRES, these are complete with an Arcadia T5HO tube to your spec (ie 6%, 12% or 14% UVB rating). I hot my set from Birmingham Reptile (I live in Australia and had the 4 luminaires posted to me).

Thanks everyone for your continued help, I really do appreciate it

[Suzle87]

Thanks for that kingofnobby's!
I will look into those and hopefully get it sorted in the next fortnight! i will probly get the one that is 2ft 9 as that seems to be the best option for 2 thirds of the viv. I bet having it posted to Australia cost a lot!!
I have had a look at your post that goes into it all in detail... i can understand the diagram of the gradient within the viv, but the rest of it i think may be a bit over my head so will have to have a proper look at it all again when I have more time later! Thanks for all your help

[kingofnobbys]

Thanks for that kingofnobby's!
I will look into those and hopefully get it sorted in the next fortnight! i will probly get the one that is 2ft 9 as that seems to be the best option for 2 thirds of the viv. I bet having it posted to Australia cost a lot!!
I have had a look at your post that goes into it all in detail... i can understand the diagram of the gradient within the viv, but the rest of it i think may be a bit over my head so will have to have a proper look at it all again when I have more time later! Thanks for all your help

Actually worked out cheaper ( I bought 4 of the 24" luminaires in one hit + a UK powerboard (so I only need one UK-AUS adapter)) …. buying 1 or 2 wouldn't have been cost effective overall though.

I wanted 3 units (bought a spare) and no one in Australia had the Slimline Luminaire kits , not even Arcadia Reptile (Aus) - they told me they could order in ( looking at a 3 month wait) so I imported .

[Suzle87]

I have 2 of the 3 things needed for his lighting now, T5 Tube 12% and reflector, just waiting for the controller to arrive.
I realised just that I may have got confused between northerns and IJ's... is 12% definitely okay for an IJ, im sure i read something on another post saying its too strong so now im worrying.... sorry i know i go on, I just really dont want to do anything at all to harm him.
please do get in touch with your thoughts/lighting setups.

[kingofnobbys]

I think 10% to 12% UVB is what you will need for BTs from Indonesia , they are not jungle dwellers. Indonesia straddles the equator so the UV is always extreme.