Arcadia T8 90cm 30w UVB Tube
Wattage
30 W
Fitting
T8 tube (26 mm)
Part no.
AA2513 (Forest 6%), AA2511 (Desert 12%)
Replace every
12 months
Running cost a year
$39
Tube length
90 cm
Arcadia T8 90cm 30w UVB Tube
The 90 cm version of Arcadia's standard T8 UVB tube, for enclosures a 60 cm tube won't fully cover. The Arcadia T8 90 cm 30 W UVB Tube runs on a standard T8 ballast and is sold in two strengths - Forest 6% for shade and part-sun species, and Desert 12% for animals that need a stronger basking UVI - at a length built for mid-to-large vivariums and terrariums rather than the smaller enclosures the 60 cm tube suits.
UV Index at a given distance is the same figure Arcadia publishes for its shorter T8 tubes at the same strength - tube length changes how much of the enclosure gets even coverage, not the intensity directly under the tube. If your enclosure is tall rather than long, and your species needs a high basking UVI, the T5 HO range will get you there with more room between the lamp and the perch.
Key features
- Two strengths - Forest 6% and Desert 12%, on the one T8 fitting.
- Standard T8 fitting - runs on an ordinary T8 ballast.
- 900 mm length - suits mid-to-large vivariums and terrariums where a 600 mm tube would leave the far end under-lit.
- 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.
| 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 (UVI 0.95-2.00) - 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) - bearded dragons, uromastyx, tortoises, freshwater turtles and agamids, though the T5 HO Desert or Dragon tubes reach a higher index at a workable distance in taller enclosures.
Will it fit my enclosure?
At 900 mm this suits mid-to-large terrariums and vivariums, lighting most of a standard 3-4 foot enclosure's length. As with the shorter T8 tube, the published UVI range tops out under 5 for Desert and under 2 for Forest, so a tall enclosure or a species needing a strong basking UVI is generally better served by the T5 HO range.
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 | Desert and savannah species in modest-height, longer enclosures |
Specifications
| Fitting | Standard T8 - runs on an ordinary T8 ballast |
|---|---|
| Length | 900 mm (36") |
| Wattage | 30 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 | AA2513 (Forest 6%) - AA2511 (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: mid-to-large 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; 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 60cm 18W UVB Tube - the shorter size, same two strengths, for smaller enclosures.
- Arcadia T8 120cm 36W UVB Tube - the longer size in Forest 6%, for full-length coverage of large enclosures.
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
Does length change how much UV-B reaches my reptile?
No, not directly under the tube - UV Index at a given distance is the same for a given strength regardless of tube length. Length changes how much of the enclosure gets even coverage.
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%, with the enclosure height guidance in mind.
Can I use my existing T8 ballast?
Yes, provided it's rated for this tube's length and wattage.
Do I need a reflector?
Yes, for meaningful output - the figures above assume a reflector is fitted.
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.
