Arcadia T5 D3 12% with reflector with PowerSun Mercury Vapor 100W

Question
QUESTION: Hi Tracie,
I have a Bearded Dragon in a 4x2x2 viv. The Arcadia lamp is mounted on the top in the middle. I have the lamp closest to the hot side, and have good readings for shade on the cool side (30 uWcm2). The Arcadia lamp is 15 inch from the basking spot. The mercury vapor bulb is 12" from the basking spot. The combination of the two give me readings of 120 uWcm2, which I understand is equal to 3.0 UVI. My temps on the basking spot is 102-104. The temps on the cool side are 80-82 degrees. Is this setup ok? I have a 36x 5 inch screened cutout on top with three 3" circular vents in the back.

ANSWER: Hello Sally,


That is a great sized tank, that is the size we use also.  
Those readings are fine & the temperatures are great.  I wish more people would spend that much time for planning on the UVB placement & lighting.  
The UVI is variable, depending on the light you are dealing with.  That reading of 120uW/cm2 is great so it should yield between 3-5 UVI.
The Arcadia D3 12% tube bulb has a very safe spectrum.  The Powersun has been known to cause some eye issues due to some low wavelength but with it combined with the Arcadia D3 12% should be fine.  
Great job on the setup!
If you can, post a picture of your setup.  

Tracie
























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

QUESTION: Hi Tracie,
Thank you for confirming my set up. Yes, I will get back to you, and post a picture. I will watch for any signs of eye problems, and will adjust if needed. I know MegaRay and T-Rex are probably better, but I can only use a 100 watt MV due to heat. I am glad that using both Arcadia T-5 D3 12% with reflector and the PowerSun 100 watt MVB are ok together!!!!

Sally

Answer
Hello Sally,

You are welcome!  
No, actually the Megaray & T-rex are not better.  They both succumbed to some glass trouble several years back.  They still reportedly have isolated incidents.  I am not sure you can even get the T-rex light anymore.
Yes, that combination should be fine.  You have them placed strategically & safely in a large tank which is ideal.

Let me know how it works out.

Tracie