UVB Tube distances

[hylaphone]

Hi folks, I am building a new table for my Russian.
It will have an integrated hood, for a 4' light.
This light will be 10" to 12" from the substrate.
I'd prefer to keep the UVB and heat source separate.

With this close distance, what is my best option for a bulb?
T5 HO? 5.0? 10.0?
Or T8?

Thanks so much --

 

[Yvonne G]

I think it says on the package not to have it any closer than 12", but I'm not sure.

 

[Tom]

T8 10.0 will probably serve you best here. They really don't generate all that much UV, so the closer distance will be helpful.

I think an HO unit would make too much UV for that distance.

5.0 bulbs are a waste of time. The UV output at even as close as 6" is negligible according to my meters.

Your really ought to check this with your own UV meter.

 

[hylaphone]

Thanks for the suggestions.
Might rework the table to accommodate T5 HO, as the T8's seem less and less common.