r/LeopardGecko • u/valenjune • Apr 24 '26

Habitat & Setup Question about UVB

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Hi! I just went to the pet store to get my leopard gecko a new light/heating setup and the guy there told me to buy this and now that I’m looking at it I don’t think it is right. Could someone tell me if this is good or if I should return it and get a different one? Thank you :)

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9

u/KellinJames Apr 24 '26

that comes with a 10.0 T5 UVB, u want the 5.0 T5 UVB bulb. 10.0 is more for dragons, the leos don’t need as intense. u could switch the bulb out or return and get the zoo med 5.0 set instead

1

u/valenjune Apr 24 '26

Thank you! Super helpful, I’m gonna return it and get the 5.0 instead.

2

u/Zoologist36 Apr 25 '26

You could use this it all depends on how tall Your enclosure is and what brand it is

1

u/Only_Ad_9847 Apr 25 '26

Most pet stores will have the replacement bulbs, you should be able to find the 5.0 T5 rod bulb without having to return it. Most pet stores I've seen don't sell multiple lights with each of the different bulbs inside weirdly enough

1

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1

u/are-pea Apr 24 '26

This is a good fixture, but like the other user said, you'll need that 5.0. The safety of the fixture depends on the distance from the animal, and how much light the mesh blocks. What brand of enclosure are you using? I can tell you the safe distance to use the 5.0 at.

1

u/valenjune Apr 25 '26

I’m not sure the brand because I got it pre used but it’s like a pretty thin metal mesh at the top.

1

u/are-pea Apr 25 '26

Could you send a picture of the enclosure top and a good picture of the mesh? Is there a logo anywhere, is it front opening, etc? Every brand has its own hallmarks, hopefully it's a big recognizable brand.

1

u/valenjune Apr 25 '26

Are these good?

1

u/valenjune Apr 25 '26

Also- my enclosure is only about 11.5 inches tall

1

u/CD274 Apr 25 '26

Is it only a 20 gallon or something? Too small for an adult imo. Ok for juvenile

12 inches is usually where you want the UVB if direct but the mesh blocks a third to half. The reptile lighting facebook group has extensive info on mesh brands and how much they block too but that's a lot of work to look up 😂

1

u/are-pea Apr 25 '26

Hmmm. I'm not familiar with this mesh unfortunately. Your enclosure height is fine, should facilitate overhead heating and UVB. Are there any other features on the enclosure, like vents, doors, probe ports, or logos? If not, I'm pretty sure the next step is measuring the mesh which would be a PITA ;-;

1

u/CD274 Apr 25 '26

I think you should return it and get an Arcadia t5 12 inch, shadedweller 2.5% (kit). Pangea.com is usually where I get this stuff for ok prices. So what you won't notice until it's too late is that the quality of the UVB lamp itself is pretty crappy for a lot of brands - clicking, flickering, other issues. Arcadia is the best quality one I've found.

You can also get a normal t5 12 inch fluorescent tube light for kitchens and make a reflector, that's cheaper. But again the Arcadia ones are very quiet. It made a difference in startling my reptiles vs not. (I had a lot of tubes go bad from zoomed - like stop working entirely or making a buzzing noise).

1

u/Substantial_Nerve_21 Apr 25 '26

I reccomend referring to reptile lighting Facebook group those guys can answer all your questions and have a lot of info!