Equipment Review and Discussion :: 13 watt vs 26 watt 5.0 UVB

[shortt]

I'm still setting up my tank for the up coming Turtle addition now I'm on to the UVB bulb. Currently its a 50 gallon tank using a milk crate on its side with the opening facing the other side of the tank length wise. I'm going to block off the small section it leaves open and put my water heater in the corner away from the upcoming turtle. I'm using egg crate on the top to keep the turtle out as the water is level is going to be kept at about 12.5 inches till I can built an ATBA.

The basking area right now has two 8.5 inch clamp lights. One for an standard light bulb for heat (wattage unknown yet need to test with the egg crate on top) and one for UVB. Since the standard light burns hotter I have it face at the basking area so the blub is not facing the open water (hoping to minimize the possibility of a splash). The UVB bulb is going to be the other way around since it doesn't burn as hot so it might take a small splash better.

My question is should i get a 13 watt or a 26 watt bulb for my uvb? I'll be picking up a ReptiGlo brand 5.0. What are the pros and cons of each wattage beside you know power usage. Will a 13 watt put off the same uvb as a 26 watt but the 26 watt will simply be brighter?

[meltedspork]

The wattage doesn't effect the amount of UVB, that is rated by the 10.0, 5.0, or 2.0... 5.0 is what is recommended for RES. The wattage effects how wide the light area will be (in combination with the size of your clamp light). I use the 26 watt which covers a good portion of the extra large turtle dock from about 10-12 inches above it. I think that the 26 watt is what most would recommend, especially with an 8.5 inch clamp light.