I just realized that my old UVA/UVB bulb (which would have have needed to be replaced soon anyway) was thrown out when I moved a few months ago.
Now I need a new one, as I have a young blue tongue skink coming this week. I can take her out daily until the bulb arrives (Petco and Petsmart have limited selection), but I'm debating on the type of bulb I should purchase.
My first thought is to get a combination UV/heat bulb. I'm currently testing the cage set-up (40 gallon breeder, 16" tall), and it appears that a 150 watt basking light is too hot (107 F, maybe higher). So I need to invest in a 100 watt anyway. The problem seems to be that many UV bulbs have a limited reaching distance, and so several florescent and lower watt bulbs won't be suited for a 16" screen height.
When I factor in needing a 100 watt bulb, it appears that most UV/basking light combos (T-Rex, Sunforce) may not be able to reach. Zoo Med is what I used to use when I had a 24" tall cage, but it doesn't provide basking heat and so I'd have to have two very large light fixtures.
What do people on here with higher enclosures use? I don't mind running two lights if I have to. I'm considering keeping the basking light on one end and putting up an exo-terra repti-glo ( http://www.bigappleherp.com/Exo-Terra-Repti-Glo-10-0-Fluorescent-Lamps ) across the back. My only concern is if it will increase the heat, and exactly WHICH TYPE I should be using.
Another option is to use a stronger, 160 watt UV/basking combo and raise it higher off the screen using the old repti-lamp stand I have. This will increase the distance of the bulb from the ground, which may still be close enough for UV to reach while not cooking my poor lizard.
HELP! :worship:
Now I need a new one, as I have a young blue tongue skink coming this week. I can take her out daily until the bulb arrives (Petco and Petsmart have limited selection), but I'm debating on the type of bulb I should purchase.
My first thought is to get a combination UV/heat bulb. I'm currently testing the cage set-up (40 gallon breeder, 16" tall), and it appears that a 150 watt basking light is too hot (107 F, maybe higher). So I need to invest in a 100 watt anyway. The problem seems to be that many UV bulbs have a limited reaching distance, and so several florescent and lower watt bulbs won't be suited for a 16" screen height.
When I factor in needing a 100 watt bulb, it appears that most UV/basking light combos (T-Rex, Sunforce) may not be able to reach. Zoo Med is what I used to use when I had a 24" tall cage, but it doesn't provide basking heat and so I'd have to have two very large light fixtures.
What do people on here with higher enclosures use? I don't mind running two lights if I have to. I'm considering keeping the basking light on one end and putting up an exo-terra repti-glo ( http://www.bigappleherp.com/Exo-Terra-Repti-Glo-10-0-Fluorescent-Lamps ) across the back. My only concern is if it will increase the heat, and exactly WHICH TYPE I should be using.
Another option is to use a stronger, 160 watt UV/basking combo and raise it higher off the screen using the old repti-lamp stand I have. This will increase the distance of the bulb from the ground, which may still be close enough for UV to reach while not cooking my poor lizard.
HELP! :worship:
