Arcadia T8 60cm 18w UVB Tube
Wattage
18 W
Fitting
T8 tube (26 mm)
Part no.
AA2512 (Forest 6%), AA2510 (Desert 12%)
Replace every
12 months
Arcadia T8 60cm 18w UVB Tube
A budget-friendly 600 mm T8 UVB tube in two strengths, for enclosures that don't need Arcadia's higher-output T5 HO range. The Arcadia T8 60 cm 18 W UVB Tube runs on a standard T8 ballast rather than a dedicated T5 HO controller, which makes it a lower-cost way to add UV-B to a smaller or mid-sized enclosure. It comes in two strengths - Forest 6% for shade and part-sun species, and Desert 12% for animals that need a stronger basking UVI.
T8 tubes read lower than T5 HO tubes at the same UV-B percentage and distance - that's the trade-off for the cheaper, more common fitting. For an enclosure this size that trade-off is often fine; for a tall enclosure or a species with a high UVI requirement, the T5 HO range gets you there with more room to spare.
Key features
- Two strengths - Forest 6% and Desert 12%, so you can match the tube to shade or open-basking species without changing fitting type.
- Standard T8 fitting - runs on an ordinary T8 ballast, more widely available and generally cheaper than a T5 HO controller.
- 600 mm length - suits small to mid-sized vivariums and terrariums.
- 6600K colour temperature with 12% UV-A.
- 12 month rated lifespan before UV-B output has declined enough to need replacement.
UV Index by distance
Arcadia's own reading with lamp and reflector, Solarmeter 6.5. Figures are published to 380 mm; Arcadia does not publish readings beyond that for T8 tubes, so the table stops there.
| Distance from lamp | Forest 6% - UVI | Desert 12% - UVI |
|---|---|---|
| 250 mm / 10" | 2.00 | 4.00 |
| 300 mm / 12" | 1.45 | 2.95 |
| 380 mm / 15" | 0.95 | 1.90 |
UV zone and which species it suits
Against our UV zone bands (Cryptophotic 0-2, Mesophotic 3-5, Euphotic 6-7, Heliophotic 8-10):
- Forest 6% sits within the Cryptophotic zone across its published range (UVI 0.95-2.00). Arcadia lists chameleons, day geckos, iguanas, water dragons, map turtles, dwarf crocodiles, rainbow whiptails and blue-tongued skinks.
- Desert 12% runs Cryptophotic to Mesophotic (UVI 1.90-4.00). Arcadia lists bearded dragons, uromastyx, tortoises, freshwater turtles and agamids, though for larger or taller enclosures Arcadia's T5 HO Desert or Dragon tubes reach a higher index at a workable distance.
Will it fit my enclosure?
At 600 mm this suits small to mid-sized terrariums and vivariums. Because the published UVI range tops out under 5 for Desert and under 2 for Forest, a species that needs a strong basking UVI in a taller enclosure is better served by the higher-output T5 HO range - a T8 tube mounted well back from the perch in a tall enclosure will deliver very little UV-B by the time it reaches the animal.
Which strength do I need?
| Strength | UV-B | Typical basking UVI | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest 6% | 6% | 0.95-2.00 | Chameleons, day geckos, water dragons, forest and part-sun species |
| Desert 12% | 12% | 1.90-4.00 | Smaller desert and savannah species in modest-height enclosures |
Specifications
| Fitting | Standard T8 - runs on an ordinary T8 ballast |
|---|---|
| Length | 600 mm (24") |
| Wattage | 18 W |
| UV-B output | Forest 6% / Desert 12%, sold as separate variants |
| UV-A output | 12% |
| Colour temperature | 6600K |
| Rated lifespan | 12 months before replacement |
| SKU | AA2512 (Forest 6%) - AA2510 (Desert 12%) |
Not included
Tube only. A T8 ballast and a reflector are required to run it at the output shown above and are sold separately. Fit a guard wherever the animal can reach the fitting.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for: small to mid-sized reptile and amphibian enclosures, matched to species by strength as above.
Not suitable for: tall enclosures or species needing a UVI above roughly 4 at the basking spot - step up to Arcadia's T5 HO range for those; nocturnal species with no UV-B requirement.
Safety
Do not look directly at an operating UV-B lamp. Position the fitting so the animal cannot make direct contact with the tube. Fit a guard where climbing access is possible. UV-B does not pass through ordinary glass or most acrylic, so mount with a clear path to the basking area.
Care and maintenance
Replace on a 12 month cycle regardless of whether the tube still lights - UV-B output falls well ahead of visible light failing. Keep the tube and reflector free of dust.
Goes well with
- Arcadia T8 90cm 30W UVB Tube - the next size up, same two strengths, for longer enclosures.
- Arcadia T5 60cm 24W UVB Tube - a higher-output T5 HO alternative at the same 60 cm length, in Forest, Desert or Dragon strength.
Warranty and delivery
Arcadia does not publish a fixed warranty term on UV-B tubes - they are a consumable with an expected 12 month working life, not a defects item. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless. This is a glass fluorescent tube; standard freight applies, packed to avoid breakage in transit.
Common questions
Is T8 as strong as Arcadia's T5 HO tubes?
No, not at the same UV-B percentage and distance - T8 reads lower. It's a cheaper, more widely available fitting that suits smaller enclosures and lower-UVI species well.
Which strength does my reptile need?
Match your species to the table above. Shade and part-sun species suit Forest 6%; open-basking desert and savannah species suit Desert 12%, though check the enclosure height guidance if your species needs a high basking UVI.
Can I use my existing T8 ballast?
Yes, provided it's rated for the tube's length and wattage - this is a standard T8 fitting, not the high-output T5 fitting the rest of Arcadia's range uses.
Do I need a reflector?
Yes, for meaningful output - the figures above are measured with a reflector fitted, and a bare tube reads lower at the same distance.
How often does it need replacing?
Every 12 months, on a calendar reminder rather than by eye - UV-B output drops well before the tube stops producing visible light.
