UVB lights

Question

Bruce's new VIV   QUESTION: I placed my 4 month old beardie in a new setup. Went from a 10 gallon to a 50 gallon (fish tank that I used before). However, I'm using the same lights: 75W basking bulb and a 26W Repti Glo 10.0 UVB. I'd like to get the Repti Sun 10.0 tube light. What light fixture should I get w/ the tube light? I heard about the UVB light that I have can cause eye problems.Another good light is the ZooMed Powersun light.  Since, I already have a ceramic light fixture(that holds the coil uvb light), do you think I should just purchase  the MVB instead? Also, should I get a stronger basking light? Do I need to buy a screen to cover the tank?

ANSWER: Hello Don,

Yes you are correct that the Reptiglo 10 coil light can cause eye issues.  It also is not nearly strong enough in UVB emissions for a bearded dragon.  The wavelength is not conducive to D3 synthesis so you do need a better light.
Actually, the Zoomed Powersun 100 watt has recently had some problems & they are not fixed yet.  I would recommend the Megaray mercury vapor light or the T-rex active UV heat MVB.  That would be your best option since you already have a ceramic light fixture.  Just make sure that it will support 200-250 watts for safety.  
Until then, move the coil over beside the basking light on one end to help protect his eyes from the bulb.  

Has he had any eye problems as of yet?

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: No problems with his eyes yet, as far as I can see.  He does blink or close one eye, at times, while he's basking.  Is this normal?

Also, I heard lots of good things about the Reptisun 10.0 fluorescent  lights.  Do you recommend this and what size should I get, as well as
any fixtures that are recommended?  If I do get the, MVB, it'll most
likely be the T-rex.

Thanks so much for the quick response!

Answer
Hello Don,

Great he doesn't have any problems with his eyes that you can tell.  Yes, they do have a tendency to open & close their eyes while they are basking, from time to time.  
The Reptisun 10 tube bulb is a great light & very safe, too.  You will need a length that will stretch out for roughly half to three quarters of the length of your tank.  Then, make sure that your basking light is placed directly beside the Reptisun 10 tube bulb at one end of the tank to ensure there is a nice bright basking spot where he can warm up while getting his needed UVB exposure.
The fixtures I recommend are just basic ones with reflective backing.  I wouldn't get a hood as they are expensive & they don't allow enough ventilation I feel.  Home Depot or Lowes do carry good florescent light fixtures with reflective backing.  So you will need to check the fitting number T-8, T-10 or T-12 on the tube bulb so you can get the correct fitting at the store.
The T-rex MVB is from the same lighting filament as the Megaray, with Bob Mac's permission.  So, the quality is great.

Tracie