Guide · UVB
UVB buyer guide: T5 HO, percentage myths, UVI & distance
Percentage numbers on the box are not a complete prescription. Buy linear T5 HO for diurnal baskers, mount it correctly, and verify distance — skip coil UVB.
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Who this is for
Keepers buying UVB for diurnal lizards (especially bearded dragons) and anyone confused by 5.0 / 10.0 / 12% marketing. Pair with the bearded dragon kit for a full BOM.
Non-negotiables
- Linear T5 HO for serious baskers — not coil/compact as primary UVB
- Proper fixture with reflector; replace bulbs on a schedule
- Account for mesh loss if the lamp sits above screen
- Create a gradient: brighter basking zone, shaded retreat
Percentage myths (short version)
“10.0” or “12%” describes a product line’s intent more than a guarantee of the UVI at your exact basking spot. Manufacturer distance charts and, ideally, a Solarmeter 6.5 reading beat guessing from the number on the tube. Ferguson zones are a useful framework for target exposure — not a sticker you put on the enclosure.
Starter T5 options
| Product | Price band | Best for | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Arcadia T5 HO 12% Desert Arcadia | $35–$55 (bulb) | bearded-dragon | Pro: Proven UVI output | Check price |
Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO 10.0 Zoo Med | $25–$45 (bulb) | bearded-dragon | Pro: Widely available | Check price |
Mounting & mesh loss
- Mesh can cut UVB substantially — don’t assume chart distances through thick screen
- Inside mounting increases output at the animal but needs safe fixtures and heat awareness
- Match tube length to enclosure width so the basking zone is covered without blasting the cool hide
What to avoid
- Coil UVB sold as a complete solution for beardies
- Windowsill “sunlight through glass” as UVB (glass blocks most UVB)
- Leaving bulbs years past replacement intervals
- UVB with zero shaded retreat
Setup checklist
- Choose T5 HO tube + compatible fixture
- Decide mesh-top vs inside mount; adjust distance
- Place basking platform at chart-informed distance
- Provide shade/hides on the cool side
- Log replacement date on the fixture
FAQ
Arcadia vs Zoo Med?
Both can work in a correct fixture at a correct distance. Arcadia publishes clear charts many keepers like; Zoo Med is widely stocked. We’ll expand a dedicated compare page in Wave B.
Do ball pythons need the same UVB?
Priorities differ — see the ball python starter kit. Don’t copy a beardie UVB layout blindly onto a humidity-focused snake setup.