Best UVB lights for bearded dragons (T5 HO desert setups)
Bearded dragons need a strong, linear UVB source over the basking zone — not a weak coil bulb jammed in a dome. This guide compares Arcadia and Zoo Med T5 HO options using manufacturer outputs and modern husbandry mounting guidance.
Quick comparison
| Option | Type | Best for | Watch-outs | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcadia ProT5 Kit — Desert 12% | T5 HO linear kit | Adult desert lizards when mounted at recommended distance over basking zone | Must match tube % and distance to enclosure height; replace on schedule | Strong pick |
| Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO 10.0 | T5 HO linear tube (+ separate fixture) | Keepers standardized on Zoo Med fixtures / replacements | Buy a quality T5 HO reflector fixture — tube alone is not enough | Strong pick |
| Compact / coil UVB in a dome | Spiral CFL-style | Emergency bridge only | Narrow cone, uneven coverage, widely criticized for adult dragons in large enclosures | Avoid as primary |
| “UVB” LED bars without verified UVB output | LED | — | Many decorative LEDs do not produce meaningful UVB for vitamin D3 synthesis | Verify or skip |
Arcadia ProT5 Desert 12% kit
Arcadia’s ProT5 kits pair a reflector fixture with a Desert 12% T5 HO tube aimed at desert species. Follow Arcadia’s published distance charts for your mesh type and tube length so the basking zone lands in a useful UV index band — not “more is always better.”
Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO 10.0
Zoo Med’s ReptiSun T5 HO 10.0 is a long-standing high-output linear tube for desert reptiles. Pair it with a T5 HO fixture that includes a proper reflector; Zoo Med publishes mounting distance guidance for HO tubes.
What the husbandry sources agree on
- Linear T5 HO over the basking half beats a single compact coil for adult dragons in 4×2×2+ enclosures.
- Distance matters. Too close risks overexposure; too far (or behind glass) wastes the tube. Use manufacturer charts and measure.
- Replace on schedule. UVB output declines long before the tube “looks” dead. Follow Arcadia/Zoo Med replacement intervals.
- Mesh reduces output. Fine screen can cut UVB substantially — Arcadia and keepers often recommend compensating with distance or a mesh cutout under the lamp.
Related guides
Sources
- ReptiFiles — Bearded Dragon Care Sheet (enclosure lighting & husbandry overview)
- Arcadia Reptile — ProT5 / Desert lamp product guidance and distance charts (manufacturer)
- Zoo Med — ReptiSun T5 HO product information and mounting guidance (manufacturer)