Arcadia T5 HO Dragon Lamp 14% UVB

T5 HO projects further than older T8 tubes, and the DragonLamp makes the most of it. How much UVB reaches your animal still depends on the fixture and reflector, the enclosure height, and any screen in the way, so follow Arcadia's projection guidance and check with a UV index meter if you can.

Who it suits

Reptiles that bask in strong sunlight:

• Bearded dragons and other agamids

• Uromastyx

• African tortoises, in setups suited to the species

• Iguanas, in setups suited to the species

• Desert monitors and other high-UV baskers

Some of these do better under 6% or 12%, depending on habitat, distance, and screen tops. Ask us with your animal and enclosure size and we will match the bulb to the setup.

Size and fixture

Check the wattage printed on your old tube or on the fixture and match it, since tube length and fixture length are different measurements. It fits Arcadia ProT5 and LumenIZE ProT5 fixtures of the matching wattage; for another brand, check the fixture takes this T5 HO tube. Run it with a reflector, which makes a big difference to how far the UVB projects and how wide it spreads. T8 fixtures will not work. The tube comes without a fixture, reflector, power cable, or mounting hardware.

Setting it up

• Find the target basking UV index for your species, and measure the distance from the lamp to where your animal will sit, not just the enclosure height.

• Mount it above the main basking zone so your animal can choose its exposure.

• Allow for mesh and screen tops, which reduce the UV that reaches the animal.

• Make a clear gradient: a bright UVB basking zone and a shaded retreat.

• Pair it with a proper basking heat source so heat and UV come from the same spot, as they do outdoors.

When to replace it

Arcadia lists a 12-month replacement interval, so note the date you fit a new tube. UVB output declines even while the tube still looks bright. Keep reflectors and covers clean, since dust cuts output.

Questions