Читать книгу Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Reptile and Amphibian - Javier G. Nevarez - Страница 35

T8 bulbs (25‐mm or 1‐inch diameter) are available in different lengths and fit into standard aquarium or reptile hoods. Some manufacturers further classify their bulbs by a number system ranging from 2.0 to 10.0. This number represents the percentage of light that is emitted in the UVB spectrum. A 5.0 has 5% of the emitted light in the UVB spectrum; a 10.0 has 10% UVB emission, and so on. Arcadia® has simplified the process by simply stating the percentage of UVB emission with their bulbs ranging from 6% to 14%.

Being a longer bulb also means there is more scattered radiation so the UVB exposure is not as focused. One recommendation is that the longest bulb possible be used to cover a wide area of the enclosure. An alternative is to use a shorter bulb in combination with a heat lamp while leaving the rest of the cage shaded. These bulbs emit UVB light at an average effective distance of 12–20 inches, depending on the brand and percentage of emitted UVB. It is generally recommended that animals should not be abe to get any closer than within 3– 4 inches of bulb’s surface. Bulbs need to be replaced every 6–12 months according to manufacturer’s recommendations.