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 #1723291


LizardFreak*
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 Postitioning UVB bulbs

I know that they have to be no farther away than 12 inches but can you place them on the side of the tank? Or is that dangerous?



05/02/08  03:42pm

 #1723306


Uro_fan
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   Message To: LizardFreak*   In reference to Message Id: 1723291


 Postitioning UVB bulbs

The hot side is preferred as there is a direct correlation between d3 synthesis and proper body temperature.
05/02/08  03:57pm

 #1723334


LizardFreak*
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   Message To: Uro_fan   In reference to Message Id: 1723306


 Postitioning UVB bulbs

Thanks. But when I wrote this I wasn’t very clear, I really meant: can I put it on the back wall near the bottom of the enclosure on the hot side?
05/02/08  04:24pm

 #1723336


Packer
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   Message To: Uro_fan   In reference to Message Id: 1723306


 Postitioning UVB bulbs

Are you talking about actually placing them on the side of the tank, so that the light isn’t coming in vertically, but horizontally? I am confused as to what exactly you mean. If this is it, I believe that angling your UVB bulb away from vertical can be irritating to the eyes. Also, I am not sure how you could keep your uro from getting too close to the bulb, and still have the uvb actually shining on her. Again, I am not really sure what you mean...??
05/02/08  04:25pm

 #1723386


LizardFreak*
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   Message To: Packer   In reference to Message Id: 1723336


 Postitioning UVB bulbs

i did mean having the UVB bulb on the side of the tank, I asked this because some one I know was saying that they had done this with their bearded drgon enclosure. Also, are the sunseeker MVB bulbs any good?
05/02/08  05:00pm

 #1723397


Morsel
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   Message To: LizardFreak*   In reference to Message Id: 1723386


 Postitioning UVB bulbs

Glass will destroy the effects of any UV rays, UVA rays can pass through glass at 90% efficiency but shorter rays (like UVB) aren’t able to penetrate glass as efficiently. It’s better to have the light coming in through the top where it is screened and direct light is put into the tank rather than glass filtered light.

This is researched, please see Link for more information. I’ve also done this research in relation to green houses, reptiles and several types of insects (like bees) have issues surviving under the glass because of the lack of UVB rays penetrating through the glass.



05/02/08  05:09pm

 #1723405


LizardFreak*
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   Message To: Morsel   In reference to Message Id: 1723397


 Postitioning UVB bulbs

I would have the bulb inside the enclosure, not outside and this would be in a custom made enclosure too.

Thanks for your input though.
05/02/08  05:14pm

 #1723411


El toro
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   Message To: LizardFreak*   In reference to Message Id: 1723386


 Postitioning UVB bulbs

Do not place any UVB lamp so the light shines sideways. Always orient it so the light is reflected downward.

The distances are dependent on many things - always follow the instructions that come with your lamp. There are different recommended distances for each type of lamp (tube fluorescent, coil/compact fluorescent, and mercury vapor). There are even different recommended distances within the same lamp type: Mega Ray SB 160 watt has a minimum distance of 18", but a Mega Ray SB 100 watt has a minimum distance of 12". Be sure you know what you need for your enclosure and be sure to know how to use what you get.

Sunseeker is not a lamp I would ever choose for any reason (unless you like very expensive heat bulbs). You can do research on various types of UVB lamps here: Link. They even have independent tests of a variety of readily available lamps. Another excellent resource is the UVB Meter Owners group on Ya-hoo. You can find it through a google search and you don’t have to be a meter owner to join. It’s a WEALTH of information on lighting in general and UVB for reptiles specifically.
05/02/08  05:20pm


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