Dragon Smart Lighting Standard for Bearded Dragons

This page exists to give you a clear, correct UVB recommendation without quizzes, guessing, or overthinking.

UVB output is determined by distance to the basking surface, not enclosure size.

A quick note on UVB quality

Not all UVB lamps behave the same, even if the percentage printed on the box looks right.

Some lower-quality or high-variance lamps produce inconsistent UVB and lose output quickly over time. That means a setup that was correct on day one may no longer be correct a few months later.

The UVB options we link on this page are chosen for stable output and long-lasting consistency, so the distance recommendations above stay valid for the life of the lamp.

Measure one time so you can buy it one time.

Step 1: Measure the Correct Distance 📏

Measure from the UVB lamp to the highest point your dragon can bask.
Usually the top of a basking rock, branch, or platform.

Do not measure to the floor.

This single measurement decides everything.

Step 2: Choose Your Mounting Method

Select the option that matches your setup:

Inside the enclosure
No mesh between the lamp and your dragon.

Above mesh
Mesh blocks a significant amount of UVB.
We assume about 35% loss, but some screens block more.

UVB Mounted Inside the Enclosure (No Mesh)

Use this table only if your UVB is mounted inside the enclosure with no mesh.

Distance to Basking Surface	UVB Output
8–12 inches	6% UVB
12–16 inches	12% UVB
16–20 inches	14% UVB

UVB Mounted Above Mesh (≈35% UVB Loss)

Use this table only if your UVB sits on top of screen or mesh.

Distance to Basking Surface	UVB Output
6–10 inches	6% UVB
8–12 inches	12% UVB
12–16 inches	14% UVB

Based on your measurement above, choose your UVB below:

6% UVB Kit Short Distance

12% UVB Kit Standard Distance

14% UVB Kit Long Distance or Dense Screen Penetration

If You’re Between Two Options 🤔

Choose the lower UVB output and adjust distance if needed you can move your dragons a bit closer to increase UVB exposure as long as it is inside of the normal range.

Stronger UVB is not automatically better.

Target basking UV Index is around 3–6.

Why This Page Exists ❤️

Rosie is a rescued bearded dragon with metabolic bone disease caused by improper UVB lighting.

This page exists to prevent that outcome.
Not by selling stronger bulbs, but by getting UVB distance and placement right.

Common Mistakes to Avoid ⚠️

Choosing UVB based on enclosure size alone
Forgetting that mesh reduces UVB output
Assuming higher percentage is safer or better
Guessing instead of measuring

This replaces quizzes and conflicting advice.

Measure correctly. Select once. Move forward with confidence.