Arcadia Lighting - convince me

[muji]

I'm glad to see this coming from a breeder such as yourself... I have not noticed any bleaching out or eye issues yet.. But this forum will be the first to hear if I do. What % bulbs are you using? And with what species?

We're only using 6% t5's but the output does vary from bulb to bulb using the solar meter, and almost trebles that of t8's. pardalis seem to be fine on them but personally prefer t8's in combination with metal halide. Bradypodion look good under t5 (transvaalense,thamnobates and damaranum).We also keep T.johnstoni,T.laterispinis,T.fuellibourni,C.parsonii,F.laterallis and F.minor.

I think the t5 is an excellent bulb, but I do feel they need to be raised above mesh considerably as with metal halide bulbs.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

Do u guys place the t5's above the mesh and by how much do u raise them?
We made the switch 8months ago and I have mixed feelings about them. We keep many different species of cham and tbh they were doing absolutely fine on t8's. Some of our species almost looked bleached out on t5's. We found better results by raising them at least 4 inches above viv and covering half to filter out the rays. solar meter readings r much higher and longer lasting with these bulbs but my personal feelings r they r too bright for certain species and can affect their eyes.
I had a long conversation with Frances Baines( uv guide) about them and she explained the output is similar to that of metal halide lighting.
The proof will be in a years time to see how good they r???????

I didn't notice any of those side effects. Their colors actually got much more vibrant once I switched.

 

[deadhd5]

I switched to Arcadia T5HO for my panthers, but stuck with an Arcadia T8 for my Jackson. All three seem to enjoy the Arcadia better than their previous reptisuns.

All bask under the arcadia lights. However, I can't conclusively say why because there is an increase in the heat emitted from the T5HO lights, which may be why the panthers are basking under them, as opposed to superior UVB.

I have noticed increased activity with all 3 after converting to Arcadia, but again, I have no controls, so this is not scientific.

One thing I can say with confidence is that the cages are much brighter than with T8's and look fantastic. My plants are thriving when before they did not (I utilize dual bulb fixtures with one UVB and one 6500k tube).

 

[Venutus1]

Thank you.

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has "discovered" Arcadia bulbs!
Especially the HO t5's.
I appreciate your business and all of your support and kind words!

I have been following this thread, but have been so busy..
(CRaZy BusY..as you can all imagine! LOL)
that I do not have as much time to participate and post on Cham forums as much as I would like to...
and it keeps getting busier thanks to you all!


Anyway, the evidence for Arcadia is easy to sum up in one simple expression...

"The proof is in the pudding!"

You know what your animals were like before Arcadia...
and now after switching to Arcadia....

It's like they "see the light" for the first time!

You know, I only use the best over my own animals.
(I have been keepng reptiles since 1976 and using UV since 1978)

and I get the same results with Arcadia on my own animals.

I just got an Allisoni anole given to me 2 months ago that had been kept only under an exo-terra bulbs for about 1.5 years.

Now it is under Arcadia.

It is a completely different animal... for the better!

Instead of still being lethargic, hiding and generally suffering from the reptile version of S.A.D. (permanent seasonal affective disorder)...

It is now amped up and so healthy
Scampering all over the cage, the color has come out and it is eating me out of house and home!

Yes indeed....
"The proof IS in the pudding!"

Thank you.
Cheers.
Todd
www.lightyourreptiles.com
[email protected]

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

Thanks for chiming in Todd! What is the functional difference between the different types of bulbs (T5, T8, etc) and I assume the 6% would best over 36" tall cages? Do you have to elevate them off the screen at all or can they just sit on top like normal?

 

[pigglett79]

I have the T5 HO, and we did rig the aquarium attachments with some wood to raise them up a few inches from the screen. These bulbs do put off some heat so I didn't want them directly on the screen.

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

Is it just the HO bulbs that give off decent heat? I don't want that...I like the current UVB bulb's lack of heat production.

 

[deadhd5]

Is it just the HO bulbs that give off decent heat? I don't want that...I like the current UVB bulb's lack of heat production.

My Arcadia T8 bulb gives off similar (low) heat to reptisun 5.0

The Arcadia T5's give off significantly more heat, but also significantly more lumens.

 

[crocky]

Is it just the HO bulbs that give off decent heat? I don't want that...I like the current UVB bulb's lack of heat production.

Yeah. The T5 HO will put off a little heat but definitely not like a heat bulb for basking. To me it is minimal. I will put a temp probe under mine tomorrow if you want me to
The T8 bulbs should not.

 

[Venutus1]

Thanks for chiming in Todd! What is the functional difference between the different types of bulbs (T5, T8, etc) and I assume the 6% would best over 36" tall cages? Do you have to elevate them off the screen at all or can they just sit on top like normal?

Hi Ferretinmy shoes.

A T-8 bulb is the standard diameter we are all familiar with.
They are what is called NOMINAL OUT-PUT
They are not High (light) out-put

It is the Zoo Med bulb diameter and the Arcadia t8 diameter bulbs are the same same size and wattage bulbs. The Arcadia just last 25% longer.

A T5 bulb is a skinny diameter bulb.
They come in 2 wattages , out-put levels.

They come in LOW = Nominal Out-put..
one example is like Zillas skinny tube bulbs that are low wattage and made in China. I do not sell those nor do I ever plan to.
(you can read between the lines there? LOL. )
They are not HO (= High Out-put) bulbs and for the money, & they are not much different out-put wise than Nominal Out-put t-8's.

t5s also come in High Out-put (or "HO")

These are the Arcadia German Made HO t5 Bulbs.

These are a premium bulb and they put out much more light and UV.
About 70% more visible light!
(remember ... UV IS Light Energy too. )

For comparison... the standard t8 48" inch NO (nominal out-put) bulb is 36 watts.
The stanadrd t5 HO bulb is 46" long and is 54 watts.

They do run hotter, but they are not that hot.
They can not be used as basking bulbs since they are not that hot and do not project heat.

The Arcadia HO t5's are the Mercedes Benz of all flo. UV light bulbs.
BUT HERE IS THE KICKER....
They cost LESS to use in the long run because they last longer and give you more UV for your money.

The Arcadia HO t5s out-put decays only about 30% in one years time as (thoroughly!) tested by Frances Baines.

Even after a year.. the Arcadia HO t5's still provide MORE UV than a brand new exo terra or zoo med T8 bulb w/ the same UV rating.

I know a few folks will chime in,
but the LYR customers with chameleons using the Single Arcadia HO t5's have been very pleased....
And now...
the ones using the new double bulb HO t5 fixtures with the 6% Arcadia bulb and the 6.5k Super Day-light bulbs e-mail me daily telling me about their experiences with them and how their animals are reacting to the improved lighting.
& I couldn't be more pleased.
(And the bearded dragon crowd has gone off the charts with Arcadia HO t5. they have gone bonkers for the HO t5 12% bulbs because they bring out so much natural color in their beardies.)

The fixtures can just sit on the screen like any other strip fixture.
That is what I do.

Some folks like to raise the lights up using blocks of wood, or hang them. .. or whatever creative they come up with.
This will spread the light pattern out more.

But is is not unnecessary to raise it just for the sake raising it up so that the fixture does not "touch" the screen.
That in itself does not matter.

One reason one may want to raise or lower the light is to simply adjust the distance of the whole light unit from the animal (basking spot).

To try hit the desired UV levels at the place where the actual animal hangs out.
I hope that made sense?? I seem to be rambling LOL

These Arcadia HO t5's have been used in Europe for quite a few years.
They are not that new.
Just new to us Americans.
They were practically unknown to the whole North American reptile community until I started importing them about 2 years ago.
The European reptile community is overall ahead of the US reptile community, but now we are catching up!

Beware of copy-cats trying to cash in and sell "HO" or T5 reptile bulbs.
Like anything, all the "me too's" start to come out of the woodwork with cheap knock offs once someone gets a good thing going.

(arrgh -I already have allot of that to contend with going on now with the Jungle dawn™ LED vivarium products.)

Anyway, I hope this helps.
Thank you
Cheers.
Todd

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

That does clear up a lot! And I'm glad to see they have been on the market much longer than the US has seen them. Thank you for such a detailed response full of data as this has helped convince me!

 

[Venutus1]

That does clear up a lot! And I'm glad to see they have been on the market much longer than the US has seen them. Thank you for such a detailed response full of data as this has helped convince me!

I think you will be very pleased.

Remember too, you or anyone are welcome to call LightYourReptiles.com if there are more detailed questions that need answers for.

Phone number is on the web-site.

The only thing I remind folks is that it has gotten quite busy.
So if the answering machine pics up...
PLEASE leave a message and I always call right back.

Or e-mail me at [email protected]

All e-mails are answered usually in a few hours or less.

Thank you!
Todd

PS
when e-mailing, it is helpful to include pic(s) of your set-up(s).
nothing fancy...even cell phone pics are ok.
so I can see what one has to work with.
Thanks.

 

[pigglett79]

I have to say I have been very impressed with Todd and his products. He helped me pick the set up that was best for my new cages. I did go with the double fixture and upgraded to the arcadia plant pros in the second slot. I have been very pleased and my chameleons have been active. The plants are also looking wonderful.

 

[sharlaxle]

So I just ordered my double bulb, and just a quick question. Does the day bulb give the plants the needed light, or should I keep using my plant light? I have the T5 and day buld coming, but I currently use a LED grow light for my plants. Just curious if I can retire the plant lighting.
Thanks all.
Sharl

 

[crocky]

^^ I have the double bulb T5ho as well. I use the 6% UVB and the 6500k day light from LYR and my ficus and pothos is doing really well.

Also I agree with pigglett, Todd gives excellent customer service. Can't beat Great CS as well as Great product!

 

[Venutus1]

So I just ordered my double bulb, and just a quick question. Does the day bulb give the plants the needed light, or should I keep using my plant light? I have the T5 and day buld coming, but I currently use a LED grow light for my plants. Just curious if I can retire the plant lighting.
Thanks all.
Sharl

Hi Shari,
Thanks for your order!

The doubles should have enough light for your set up... but if you have heavy plant growth and it isn't so bright it freaks the chams out... then you can keep the plant light on if you think you still need it.

That is really all that matters, just as long as the chams are OK with the light levels, you can have it pretty bright.

Some folks keep the cages real bright just as long as they have a good shaded area and /or dense plant to retreat into...
just like in the brush in the wild.

Cheers!

 

[Decadancin]

I also have the fixture right on the top of the enclosure. I have two thin strips of wood that it lays on just to make sure there isn't added weight to the screen itself, (quad fixture) but have noticed only minimal heat output from the fixture. As stated, Zaphod does "bask" under the UV, but not for heat. He appears to be doing his best impression of an iguana at Bass Pro Shop in Ft. Lauderdale . When he's had enough, he goes exploring. I have felt the screen with the fixture on, and have no fear of burns from this light.

 

[nick barta]

I have the T5 6% and 6500 combination, and I have seen great results not only in chameleon activity and viewing, but my plants are thriving. Todd is the best in customer service, and one of the most knowledgeable people in reptile lighting around.

 

[dom1959]

i agree with nick,
great experience with todd
and my 2 set ups i could not be happier with!