Where to put T5 UVB fixture

[VJRDuran]

Hi,
We've had Scotter for several months now, and as I mentioned in another thread, we've had a hard time trying to find a light fixture to match UVB tube-type bulbs. I think we have finally put together a workable solution to get rid of the "bad" UVB bulbs that we had to use in a pinch. Please see attached photos and help us figure out the most beneficial place to mount the fixture.
Picture ending in 321 is Scooter's enclosure - a 5.5 foot long repurposed bookcase that is 30 inches wide. Scooter's basking area is in the lower left of this picture
Picture ending in 451 is the lid of the enclosure. Scooter's basking area is to your right.
PIcture ending in 505 is Charity holding the fixture in the middle of the enclosure attached to the underside of the top.
Picture ending in 522 is Charity holding the fixture to the support beam over the basking area.
Picture ending in 534 is Charity holding the fixture to the cover along the basking edge.
Picture ending in 552 is Charity holding the fixture to the side along the basking edge (this would emit light out instead of down.)
Picture ending in 634 is Charity holding the fixture to the end of along the basking area (this would emit light out instead of down.)

(You can see Scooter in several of the pictures.)

Your help would be appreciated.

 

[Tom]

You want it in the middle, but length wise. None of your pics show that configuration. You also want to run it with a reflector hood. You can get those at lightyourreptiles.com.

 

[VJRDuran]

You want it in the middle, but length wise. None of your pics show that configuration. You also want to run it with a reflector hood. You can get those at lightyourreptiles.com.

Thank you. I just checked to see if we are able to mount it lengthwise, and I think we can.

 

[Minority2]

Measure how far the substrate is from your lid. You don't want it too close to the tortoise but also not too far to where the bulb is not giving out enough uv(B). 12-18 inch is usually a good start. A solarmeter definitely comes in handy for this very task.

 

[VJRDuran]

Measure how far the substrate is from your lid. You don't want it too close to the tortoise but also not too far to where the bulb is not giving out enough uv(B). 12-18 inch is usually a good start. A solarmeter definitely comes in handy for this very task.

I just double-checked the measuring, and mounting it on the underside of the lid will give us the 12 to 18-inch space. Thank you.

 

[Quixx66]

we've had a hard time trying to find a light fixture to match UVB tube-type bulbs.

Me too. I still haven’t gotten the UVB lights. Out of stock everywhere, even the expensive ones. The fixtures are especially hard to find.

 

[Tom]

I just double-checked the measuring, and mounting it on the underside of the lid will give us the 12 to 18-inch space. Thank you.

With the new HO type bulbs, you really need a UV meter to get the mounting height correct.

 

[jaizei]

Thank you. I just checked to see if we are able to mount it lengthwise, and I think we can.

Your UVB light should be over the basking area; something like 522. You should also have additional light(s) (e.g., LED in the center) for ambient lighting.

 

[VJRDuran]

Your UVB light should be over the basking area; something like 522. You should also have additional light(s) (e.g., LED in the center) for ambient lighting.

Thank you. I will talk that over with Charity and see what we can do to add a little more lighting to the middle.

 

[KarenSoCal]

Me too. I still haven’t gotten the UVB lights. Out of stock everywhere, even the expensive ones. The fixtures are especially hard to find.

I have one of these fixtures. They are actually grow light fixtures, and a grow light bulb comes with them. But it is a nice fixture, and t5ho tubes fit. Also has a reflector with it.

The Bio Dude Solar Grow T5 HO Single Bulb Light Strip 24"

The Bio Dude's Solar Grow T5 UVB Strip Light is 24 inches of powerful reptile lighting. Shop reptile strip lights online with The Bio Dude.

www.thebiodude.com

I've also ordered from this place. I got t5 bulbs, but I see that they have fixtures as well. Only in 36" though. Just double check sizes before ordering.

Both of these vendors were prompt and courteous.

Arcadia ProT5 UVB Kit (Includes Hood)

ProT5 is a highly adaptable lighting kit with high quality internal electronics, a high effective but removable reflector, power cable, fittings kit, free link cable and choice of Arcadia Reptile HO-T5 UV-B lamp. ProT5 uses the very finest electrical components to ensure safe running and long...

reptilighting.com

 

[Quixx66]

I have one of these fixtures. They are actually grow light fixtures, and a grow light bulb comes with them. But it is a nice fixture, and t5ho tubes fit. Also has a reflector with it.

The Bio Dude Solar Grow T5 HO Single Bulb Light Strip 24"

The Bio Dude's Solar Grow T5 UVB Strip Light is 24 inches of powerful reptile lighting. Shop reptile strip lights online with The Bio Dude.

www.thebiodude.com

I've also ordered from this place. I got t5 bulbs, but I see that they have fixtures as well. Only in 36" though. Just double check sizes before ordering.

Both of these vendors were prompt and courteous.

Arcadia ProT5 UVB Kit (Includes Hood)

ProT5 is a highly adaptable lighting kit with high quality internal electronics, a high effective but removable reflector, power cable, fittings kit, free link cable and choice of Arcadia Reptile HO-T5 UV-B lamp. ProT5 uses the very finest electrical components to ensure safe running and long...

reptilighting.com

Thank you, I’ll look into that.