Uvb

Question
Hey again:-) I have the exo terra night cycle UVB unit in my bearded dragons viv. it's a 2 bulb unit I've got a 10% bulb and a 2% bulb and was just wondering if I could use 2 10% bulbs is there a limit on how much UVB she should be getting? thanks so much for your help.

Answer
Hello Shane,

The Exoterra UVB lights are not good lights though, I hate to say!  Are you using the Reptiglo 10 tube bulb & a lower one?
Yes, technically you can use 2 10% tube bulbs in a dual fixture, by all means.  Be sure to keep the bulbs 6-8 inches away, as well as mounted along side of a bright white basking light, too.
Since you are in the UK, I would opt for the Arcadia D3 12% tube bulb, or the Reptisun 10 tube bulb.  The emissions are much safer & stronger, too.
As far as a limit on UVB, there really are no parameters as to "how much" they need.  Rather, it is measured by the UVB to UVI ratio.  In natural sunlight, they can get upwards of 300+ on the uW/cm2 which is strong, but that is the high noon to early afternoon times where they don't tend to bask much.
A good uW/cm2 to look for is an average of 75-200uW/cm2 for strength on the emissions with the UVI being between 4-6 but no higher than 7 for safety.  The nanometers of wavelength needs to be 305-315 for optimal D3 synthesis, too.
I hope this helps out!




Tracie