Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 Bulb, 8 Watt, Arboreal

Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 Lamp 8 Watt Arboreal Lamp – UVB lighting for arboreal reptiles

The Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 Lamp 8 Watt Arboreal is specially designed for reptiles that primarily live in trees, shrubs, and other sheltered environments.

Many climbing reptiles move among leaves, branches, and shady spots throughout the day. Although some species are primarily active at dusk, they can also benefit from natural UV radiation during the day.

The Arcadia ShadeDweller Arboreal makes it possible to recreate these conditions in a terrarium.

With a UVB percentage of 2.4% and a UVA percentage of 12%, the lamp emits a relatively mild amount of UV radiation.

This makes the lamp particularly suitable for species that easily climb to the top of the terrarium and can therefore get close to the light source.

The compact T5 lamp has a power rating of 8 watts and is 30 centimeters long.

Specially developed for tree-dwelling reptiles

The name “Arboreal” refers to animals that live primarily in trees and shrubs.

For these reptiles, the vertical layout of the terrarium plays an important role.

Climbing species use branches, cork bark, and plants to move around the enclosure. This allows them to easily get close to the UVB lighting.

If a powerful UVB lamp is placed too close to the animal, the exposure level may exceed the desired level.

The Arcadia ShadeDweller Arboreal is designed to create a suitable, relatively low UV index in terrariums where reptiles can get close to the lighting.

Among other things, this lamp is of interest to:

• Crested geckos
• Eyelash geckos
• Certain smaller day geckos
• Gargoyle geckos
• Some climbing snake species
• Certain amphibians with low UVB requirements

The correct UVB lighting varies by species. Not every day gecko or other tree-dwelling reptile species has the same UV requirement.

2.4% UVB for a mild UV zone

The Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 Lamp 8 Watt Arboreal produces 2.4% UVB.

This relatively low percentage was deliberately chosen to provide reptiles with access to UV radiation under suitable conditions without creating an unnecessarily high UV index.

UVB radiation supports the natural production of vitamin D3 in many reptiles.

Vitamin D3 plays an important role in the absorption and utilization of calcium, which is essential for, among other things, healthy bone development and normal muscle function.

The Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 Lamp 8 Watt Arboreal provides a way to support these natural processes.

However, the UVB percentage does not directly indicate how much UV radiation the reptile actually receives.

The final UV index depends on the distance from the lamp, the reflector used, the presence of mesh, and the animal’s position.

Ideal for vertical and densely planted terrariums

In a vertical terrarium, many climbing reptiles are often found in the upper half of the enclosure.

Horizontal branches, cork bark, and large plant leaves are often placed here so the animals can rest on them.

When the UVB light is mounted above the terrarium, the distance between the lamp and the animal can be relatively small.

The Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 Lamp 8 Watt Arboreal was specially developed for situations like these.

Because of the lower UVB output, you can create a suitable lighting zone for reptiles that like to stay higher up in the terrarium.

The lamp is therefore particularly well-suited for tropical terrariums containing bromeliads, ferns, climbing plants, and other natural decorations.

Always provide plenty of sheltered areas where the animal can completely avoid UV radiation.

12% UVA for more natural light and behavior

In addition to UVB, the Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 8-Watt Arboreal lamp also emits UVA radiation.

UVA is a component of natural sunlight and can be detected by many reptiles.

In various reptile species, UVA light plays a role in recognizing food, the environment, and other members of their species.

The Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 Lamp 8 Watt Arboreal produces 12% UVA and has a color temperature of approximately 5,800 Kelvin.

This creates bright, natural-looking light that is suitable for use as part of daily terrarium lighting.

For additional visible light and to support plant growth, the UVB lamp can be combined with a compatible Arcadia JungleDawn LED Bar.

Compact 30-centimeter T5 lamp

The Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 Lamp 8 Watt Arboreal has a power rating of 8 watts and a length of 30 centimeters.

The lamp uses T5 fluorescent technology with a tube diameter of 16 millimeters.

Thanks to its compact size, the lamp is suitable for small and medium-sized terrariums where a targeted UV zone is desired.

When used with a suitable reflector, the UV radiation is efficiently directed into the terrarium.

This allows you to create a well-lit area while keeping other parts of the enclosure shaded.

The lamp is designed for use in a compatible 8-watt T5 fixture.

Natural UV Gradient Using the Light & Shade Method

Arcadia develops its UVB lighting based on the principle that reptiles must be able to regulate their own exposure to UV radiation.

This approach is also known as the Light & Shade Method.

In the wild, reptiles move between sunny and shady areas.

Some animals expose themselves completely to sunlight, while other species absorb UV radiation only partially from a shelter.

With the Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 Lamp 8 Watt Arboreal, you can create a similar light distribution.

Place the lamp above a suitable UV zone and use branches, plants, and cork bark to create natural shaded areas.

This allows the animal to choose for itself when to expose itself to UV radiation.

A properly configured UV gradient is just as important as the choice of UVB lamp.

UV index and recommended mounting distance

The Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 Lamp 8 Watt Arboreal is designed for a relatively low UV index.

When used in the corresponding ShadeDweller ProT5 Arboreal fixture, the following indicative values are known.

These values apply to measurements taken without a mesh cover between the lamp and the measurement point.

A mesh cover can significantly reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching the terrarium.

The reflector, the age of the lamp, and the exact mounting position also affect the UV index.

Therefore, it is best to use a suitable UV meter to check the actual UVB exposure.

The correct UV index and mounting distance must always be tailored to the species being kept.

High-quality German T5 technology

The Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 Lamp 8 Watt Arboreal is manufactured using high-quality German lamp technology.

The T5 fluorescent lamp is designed to provide reliable UVB output throughout its recommended service life.

With a power consumption of just 8 watts, the lamp is also relatively energy-efficient.

Arcadia recommends replacing the lamp after approximately twelve months.

Even if the lamp still produces visible light, UVB output may decrease over time.

For an accurate assessment of the UV index, you can use a suitable UV meter.

Suitable as a replacement bulb for the ShadeDweller Arboreal Pro T5

The Arcadia ShadeDweller Arboreal 2.4% UVB T5 Bulb is intended as a standalone replacement bulb for the corresponding ShadeDweller Arboreal Pro T5 fixture.

So when the existing UVB lamp needs to be replaced, you don’t have to buy the entire lighting set again.

You simply replace the T5 lamp in the existing fixture.

The lamp can also be used in other compatible 8-watt T5 fixtures with the correct dimensions and electrical specifications.

Always check whether the existing fixture is suitable for an 8-watt, 30-centimeter T5 lamp.

The lamp is supplied without a reflector, power cord, or fixture.

Difference between ShadeDweller Arboreal 2.4% and ShadeDweller 7%

Arcadia has developed several ShadeDweller bulbs for reptiles with varying UVB requirements.

The ShadeDweller Arboreal 2.4% and the standard ShadeDweller 7% have the same wattage and size, but differ in UVB output.

The Arboreal model is particularly interesting for reptiles that can get close to the light.

The standard ShadeDweller 7% is suitable for applications where higher UVB output is desired.

The right choice always depends on the species, the mounting distance, and the layout of the terrarium.

Combine with appropriate heat and daylight lighting

The Arcadia Shadedweller 2.4% UVB T5 Lamp 8 Watt Arboreal emits UVB, UVA, and visible light, but is not a heat lamp.

For reptiles that require supplemental heat, UVB lighting must therefore be combined with a suitable heat source.

Depending on the species, this could be, for example, a halogen basking lamp, a Deep Heat Projector, or another suitable terrarium heater.

For densely planted tropical terrariums, supplemental LED daylight lighting may be a good option.

A suitable Arcadia JungleDawn LED Bar provides additional visible light and can support the growth of terrarium plants.

This allows you to create a lighting system in which UVB, daylight, and heat can be individually tailored to the needs of the animals and plants you’re keeping.

Technical Specifications

Package Contents

The package contains one Arcadia ShadeDweller Arboreal 2.4% UVB T5 lamp, 8 watts and 30 centimeters long.

This applies only to the replacement UVB bulb.

A T5 fixture, reflector, and power cord are not included.

Instructions for use

Use the Arcadia ShadeDweller Arboreal 2.4% UVB T5 Lamp exclusively in a compatible 8-watt T5 fixture.

Turn off the power completely before installing or replacing the light bulb.

Install the light according to the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure it is securely fastened in the sockets.

Place the lighting above a suitable UV area and make sure the animal can also retreat to fully sheltered spots.

Take into account the distance between the light and the highest climbing and resting spots in the terrarium.

Glass blocks virtually all UVB radiation, while mesh can reduce UVB intensity.

Therefore, it is best to check the actual UV index using a suitable UV meter.

If necessary, use supplemental heat and natural light to create a suitable living environment.

Replace the UVB lamp according to Arcadia’s recommendations, usually after about twelve months.

Return a used T5 lamp to an appropriate lamp collection point. Do not throw the lamp away with regular trash.