Hello,

I have a 50 gal enclosure for my Bearded Dragon, I am using a 12" UV bulb but it is not inside the enclosure, it actually sits on the screen top. Should I suspend it inside using zip ties or is it effective where it is?
Here's a pic to show you


what do you think?
Thanks,
SH

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~Chris

It is better I think to reach for the stars than to sit flustered because you know you cannot reach them, at least he who reaches will get a good view, a good stretch and perhaps even a low hanging apple for the effort.
-R.A. Salvatore

The UVB tube should be nearest possible to your Bearded Dragon and to the basking spot, where your Bearded Dragon spends most of his time.
I can't judge distances from your pic.

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Wish list: Blue Tongue Skinks and Uruplatus =)

First of all, the size of the mesh of the screen if small will stop the UVB from getting to your Bearded Dragon....a flourescent UVB bulb should be within 6 to 8 inchesfrom the lizard for proper UVB so yes....zip tying it would be an option to get it as close as possible....by the looks of the light it is pointing not even in the direction of the Bearded Dragon....maybe a different light fixture that reflects the lighting down towards the animal is a better idea....hope this helps a bit....good luck! Lyn

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Warmest Regards from Lyn

It also depends on the bulb type and age of the bulb. Get a UV meter as alot of us know that a bulb will still light over time,,,but not put out UVB.

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Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

I would also suggest going with a longer tube. This will put the light all over the tank. That 12 inch is basically useless unlessyour dragon is sitting directly under it. The way that florescent tubes work is there is a concentration of light in the center of the tube that gradually weakens the closer to the ends it gets. Longer tube equals more light intensity over a greater area.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!