T5 tube solarmeter question

[redt]

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone out there with a solar meter has This UVB light, as I plan on getting one next year but want to know how high to hang this light for the time being. I have it at about 17 inches right now but I’m seeing so much mixed information about height for these t5 tube lights. I was hoping someone with a solar meter could tell me what theirs reads around 17 inches or where the ideal distance is.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I am sure someone does, since the brand is among the recommended ones. Maybe @Alex and the Redfoot can help you?

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone out there with a solar meter has This UVB light, as I plan on getting one next year but want to know how high to hang this light for the time being. I have it at about 17 inches right now but I’m seeing so much mixed information about height for these t5 tube lights. I was hoping someone with a solar meter could tell me what theirs reads around 17 inches or where the ideal distance is.

I measured 5.0 lamps a while ago. Meaningful UV levels (UVI3-4) were at 8-10". 10.0 tubes in the same fixture should be okay at 15-17".

In general, shorter tubes have a bit lower UV levels than long ones (so 15W have lower UVI at the same distance than 24W and 24W have tad lower UVI than 39W). Difference is not very significant but measurable.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone out there with a solar meter has This UVB light, as I plan on getting one next year but want to know how high to hang this light for the time being. I have it at about 17 inches right now but I’m seeing so much mixed information about height for these t5 tube lights. I was hoping someone with a solar meter could tell me what theirs reads around 17 inches or where the ideal distance is.

Is the light for your redfoot?

 

[redt]

Is the light for your redfoot?

Yes this is for a redfoot

 

[redt]

Is the light for your redfoot?

I measured 5.0 lamps a while ago. Meaningful UV levels (UVI3-4) were at 8-10". 10.0 tubes in the same fixture should be okay at 15-17".

In general, shorter tubes have a bit lower UV levels than long ones (so 15W have lower UVI at the same distance than 24W and 24W have tad lower UVI than 39W). Difference is not very significant but measurable.

Thanks for the reply, so you would say the light should be around 10 inches above him?

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Thanks for the reply, so you would say the light should be around 10 inches above him?

If you have a 5.0 lamp - yes, 10-11". If you are going to buy a replacement tube - get the one marked 10.0 and put it at 17-18".

Two kinds of lamps - 5.0 and 10.0 have different amount of UVB. And generally, it's better to put light sources higher to get more even light intensity distribution (more comfortable for tortoise's eyes).