UVB & Solarmeter 6.5 R

[KateJenx]

Hey guys! Sorry for the bombardment I'm new to the forum & have so many questions that I haven't been able to find the answers to in social media groups!

So in previous years we've always used the Exo Terra T5 VHO 12% however we purchased a Solarmeter 6.5 R as I wanted to know the actual number he was recieving!

I tested a brand new 12% bulb at the manafactures distance guideline and it read at a 1.2! We then bought the T5 VHO 14% 300, hung it at manafactures distance guideline of 30-50cm away from his shell and it was reading at a 2.5. We lowered the bulb and it's now at 25 cm away from his shell but it's reading at a 5.00 in the middle of the bulb and 4.2 at the ends.

Should I be concerned about the bulb being too close to him or trust the Solormeter and keep it at a distance that's lower than reccomended??

Thank you guys! Again sorry for all the posts I just worry so much!

 

[KateJenx]

Sorry guys I can't figure out how to edit the post I don't know how I wrote it's reading at 5.00 in the middle & 4.2 end (typo) it's not its reading at 3.00 in the middle and 2.4 at the ends

I also wanted to add the bulb is in the matching Exo Terra Terrarium Top with built in reflector

 

[zovick]

Those readings (3.0 at center and 2.4 at the ends) are ideal. i would keep the bulb at the distance where you got those readings.

 

[KateJenx]

Oh that's brilliant thank you so much! I was worried it was reading too low as I've read it should be 3.00 - 7.00

Thank you so much for the reassurance!

 

[Tom]

I agree those readings are okay, but they seem very low for 12% or a 14%. I wonder if your meter is off.

I prefer Arcadia. I think their stuff is better quality. I wonder if another keeper or reptile shop near you is running an Arcadia HO tube that you could test your meter under?

 

[KateJenx]

I agree those readings are okay, but they seem very low for 12% or a 14%. I wonder if your meter is off.

I prefer Arcadia. I think their stuff is better quality. I wonder if another keeper or reptile shop near you is running an Arcadia HO tube that you could test your meter under?

I also thought she same that the readings seemed low when the bulb is at the distance is it! I bought two bulbs at the same time to make sure the reading was correct and it wasn't the bulb that was dodgy and did a quick search of how to check the Solormeter was working by covering the sensor with my hand and taking a reading and it read at 0.00 also the Solormeter is brand new and only purchased a couple of months ago. I will go to my local pet shop tomorrow as they also have a Solarmeter 6.5 and will ask them to compare readings of the same bulb!

Thank you for the help!

 

[Tom]

I also thought she same that the readings seemed low when the bulb is at the distance is it! I bought two bulbs at the same time to make sure the reading was correct and it wasn't the bulb that was dodgy and did a quick search of how to check the Solormeter was working by covering the sensor with my hand and taking a reading and it read at 0.00 also the Solormeter is brand new and only purchased a couple of months ago. I will go to my local pet shop tomorrow as they also have a Solarmeter 6.5 and will ask them to compare readings of the same bulb!

Thank you for the help!

UV levels in the UK are lower than here, but have you tried it outside, mid day in summer time? You should be able to look up online what is normal this time of year for your area.

 

[KateJenx]

Thank you I'll try that!

 

[KateJenx]

UV levels in the UK are lower than here, but have you tried it outside, mid day in summer time? You should be able to look up online what is normal this time of year for your area.

Hey! Just been doing some deep diving and a lot of people have found the Exo terra uvb is a lot less strong than the Arcadia... I'm going to guess that's why my readings are what they are at the distance they are mounted! Does anyone know if I can run an Arcadia bulb in a Exo Terra bulb holder or do I need to purchase the entire Arcadia set up?
Thank you

 

[jaizei]

If the wattage for the bulbs is the same, it should be fine.


Switching to Arcadia is a good idea; I don't like having the lights as close as the Exo Terra would need to be.

 

[Markw84]

I would recommend getting the Arcadia fixture to go with the tube. In my testing, there is a big difference in the UVB levels depending upon the fixture used. The quality, surface and shape of the reflector makes a big difference.

 

[KateJenx]

If the wattage for the bulbs is the same, it should be fine.


Switching to Arcadia is a good idea; I don't like having the lights as close as the Exo Terra would need to be.

Thank you I definitely will do!

 

[KateJenx]

I would recommend getting the Arcadia fixture to go with the tube. In my testing, there is a big difference in the UVB levels depending upon the fixture used. The quality, surface and shape of the reflector makes a big difference.

Thank you so much! Is this the one people use please?