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UVB buying guide · Australia

UVB that actually reaches the animal.

UVB is easy to buy and easy to get wrong. The tube strength, the reflector, the mesh in between and the distance to the basking spot matter more than the brand on the box.

Buying guideUpdated October 2026Written for Australian keepers

At a glance

Zone 3 — beardies, blue-tongues, water dragons
UVI ≈ 3–6 at the basking spot
Zone 2 — most pythons
UVI ≈ 1–3 at the basking spot
Zone 1 — shade-dwelling geckos
UVI up to ≈ 1
Tube type
T5 HO with reflector
Replace
About every 12 months (log the date)

Why T5 HO tubes win

Linear T5 high-output tubes spread UVB across a wide basking area and keep output more stable than compact coil bulbs. The reflector roughly doubles useful output, so the reflector is not optional.

Strength is about distance

A 12% tube 40 cm away can deliver less than a 6% tube 20 cm away. Mesh tops can block a large share of UVB, so a tube above mesh needs to be stronger or closer than one mounted inside. Give the animal a gradient: a strong zone near the basking spot and plenty of shade elsewhere.

Length and placement

Run the tube about half to two-thirds of the enclosure length, over the warm end alongside the heat source, so the animal gets UVB and heat in the same place — the way it would in sunlight.

Keep it safe

  • Use a guard or mount the fixture where the animal can’t touch it.
  • Keep basking surfaces at the recommended distance — closer is not always better.
  • Label the install date on the fitting.

What to buy

01

T5 HO 10–12% UVB tube + reflector

Best for: Bearded dragons, blue-tongues, water dragons

Why it’s on the list
Strong, even UVB over a wide basking area.
Watch for
Too strong if mounted close inside small enclosures.
Compare on Amazon AU
02

T5 HO 5–7% UVB tube + reflector

Best for: Pythons, geckos, shade-tolerant species

Why it’s on the list
Gentler output for zone 1–2 animals.
Watch for
May be too weak above thick mesh.
Compare on Amazon AU
03

Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO hood

Best for: All-in-one fixture for zone 3 species

Why it’s on the list
Tube, reflector and fitting in one hood.
Watch for
Check the length suits your enclosure.
View on Amazon AU
04

Solarmeter 6.5 UV index meter

Best for: Anyone who wants certainty

Why it’s on the list
Measures the actual UVI at the basking spot.
Watch for
An investment — worth sharing in a club.
Compare on Amazon AU

Lighting and ledges belong together

We design basking ledges at the right height under your UVB and heat, so the numbers work from day one.

See backdrop prices

Questions keepers ask

Do bearded dragons need UVB in Australia?

Yes. Indoor bearded dragons need a strong UVB source to make vitamin D3 and use calcium properly; a window doesn’t work because glass blocks UVB.

How long does a UVB tube last?

T5 HO tubes usually need replacing about every 12 months, even if they still glow. A UV meter tells you exactly.

Can I put UVB above a mesh lid?

Yes, but mesh blocks a significant share of UVB, so you may need a stronger tube or a shorter distance.

Keep reading

Reptile UVB placement guideBest Reptile Enclosures in AustraliaReptile Calcium & Vitamin Supplements in Australia

General information for Australian keepers, not veterinary advice. As an Amazon Associate, Oddball Animal Works earns from qualifying purchases. It never changes your price. About our links

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