Is it true - uvb rays only stem 12" from the bulb?

Question

I am doing extensive research on beardies trying to gain my knowledge because I just adopted a two year old male. One of my questions on here got a reply stating that the uvb rays extend only 12" from the bulb, that if my beardie is farther away than those 12" it is not reaching him and is pointless.

The approximate length from light to beardie is 19", so do I need to fix this?

Answer 1

omg my feelings are so hurt!!! lol not really but kinda!! I got this information from the back of the UVB light box i bought for my mali. i have the box right here in front of me. it is a repti-glow (made by exo-terra) 20 watt, 24 inch (ok so i was wrong on the length before lol) desert 10.0 with a UVA output of 33% and UVB of 10% (this is the same bulb you would want for your beardie since they are both desert reptiles). the back of the box says, word for word

o

c**p

ok i was wrong lol

it says it is effective up to 20 inches

lol

i must have been thinking of the 5.0 i bought at first.

but it DOES say it is recommened with screen lids, because glass will filter out UVB

so u are ok!

Answer 2

For most tube bulbs this is true....it really depends on what wattage you get and the brand of light bulb.

Most manufacturers have a 1800 number you can call to ask certain questions...tell them the size of your enclosure and the size of your dragon and they will tell you what light you need...i recommend zoo med bulbs..they are not cheap but they are the best ones i have found so far.

Buyer beware of bulbs that say they are full spectrum...and arent!

You also want to change the light about every six months...the rule of thumb for a uva uvb bulb is if it shines with a hue of blue then its still good...if its shining white..it is no longer putting out any uva or uvb.....blue good...white bad.

feel free to email me if you have any more questions

Answer 3

Not completely true, but the intensity of the rays decreases the further from the bulb.  The type of bulb (fluorescent, fluorescent compact), number of bulbs used, brand( there are lights that produce UV that are not designed for reptiles but can still be used), rating (2.0,5.0,8.0,10.0), and light fixture (with /out reflectors) all can effect the distance and intensity of the UV rays at those distances.

Here are some good links about UV lighting

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/index.htm

http://www.anapsid.org/maincaptive.html

Answer 4

Most UV tubes that you buy will have instructions on the ideal distance, as well as when to replace. Id check what brand you have and look it up on a reptile website just to make sure.

That extra 7" will not completely cut off the access to the UVB, however the amount the bearded is exposed to will greatly reduced.

Find a log, branch or even brick to use as a basking area, just so it can get a bit closer.

Hope this helps! =)