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Exotic Pet Expo's UVB Coverage Calculator

Reptile • Amphibian • Tortoise • Lizard

This is only meant as a tool to aid not a definitive guide. Also see manufacturers suggestions.

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Animal Preset — sets recommended UVI target

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Enclosure Size

Length (in)

Width (in)

Height (in)

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UVB Lamp

Lamp Type

Lamp Length (in)

Mount Height above basking spot (in)

Mesh / Screen?

Peak UVI at basking spot

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Enter dimensions

Coverage Area

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of enclosure floor

Lamp / Enclosure Ratio

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lamp : enclosure length

UVB Distribution Heatmap (top-down view)

Low UVI

High UVI

Enter dimensions to see zone breakdown

RECOMMENDATION

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Lamp Reference — Typical UVI Output by Distance

Lamp	6" / 15cm	12" / 30cm	18" / 45cm	24" / 60cm	Best For
T5 HO 6%	2.5–3.5	1.5–2.5	0.8–1.5	0.3–0.8	Nocturnal / low-UV species
T5 HO 10%	4–6	2.5–4	1.5–2.5	0.8–1.5	Most diurnal lizards
T5 HO 12%	6–9	3.5–6	2–4	1–2.5	High-UV desert species
T8 5%	1–2	0.5–1	0.2–0.5	<0.2	Low-UV / forest species
T8 10%	2–3.5	1–2	0.5–1	0.2–0.5	Forest / semi-arid
MVB 100W	8–12	4–7	2–4	1–2	Desert species, large enclosures
MVB 160W	12–18	6–10	3–6	1.5–3	High-UV tortoises, outdoor sim.
Compact CFL 5%	0.8–1.5	0.3–0.8	<0.3	—	Very low-UV / nocturnal only
Compact CFL 10%	1.5–3	0.8–1.5	0.3–0.8	<0.3	Low-UV species only

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Ferguson Zone Reference (Arcadia / Frances Baines)

Zone	UVI Range	Description	Example Species
Zone 1	0 – 0.7	Crepuscular / shade dwellers	Crested gecko, most nocturnal geckos
Zone 2	0.7 – 1.0	Partial sun / occasional baskers	Leopard gecko, corn snake
Zone 3	1.0 – 2.6	Open shade / partial baskers	Blue-tongue skink, water dragon
Zone 4	2.6 – 6.0+	Full sun / intense baskers	Bearded dragon, veiled chameleon, tortoise

⚠ UVI values are estimates based on published lamp data and inverse-square-law modeling. Actual output varies by lamp age, reflector quality, mesh type, and ambient temperature. Always verify with a Solarmeter 6.5 or equivalent UVI meter. Replace UVB lamps every 6–12 months even if still producing visible light. This calculator is a guide only.