Bearded Dragon Checklist and Questions.

logan4321":3lquvkz6 said:

In the next 6-8 months (Christmas/Birthday) I am going to start getting supplies for a juvenile bearded dragon. As you can probably tell after looking over this, I like getting my research and everything right. Especially before I will buy anything.

This is my current "check-list" and I would like your suggestions/tips. There is also some questions at the end.

1. 40G Breeder Tank - Can't decide between trying to find a 40 gallon breeder aquarium style, or saving up for a exo terra ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/exo-terra-large-low-terrarium-36x18x12 ) which is 36x18x12". Let me know if it is too small.
<<< get a 4ft x 2ft x 2ft with sliding glass doors on front and a solid lid. , even the 36x18x 12 only good as temporary rearing viv until it's about 12 - 16 months old..

2. 24" Reptisun 10.0 T8 Tube (20$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-t8-bulbs/1875-reptisun-100-uvb-t8-fluorescent-bulb-24-zoo-med.html?search_query=reptisun+10.0&results=29
<<<< get a 24" T5ho 10-12% UVB tube and reflector hood.

3. Fixture for the Reptisun (23$) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004WA4D/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_gltPub1QBB9EV
(Plus Command hooks to hold it in the tank) - (10$)

4. 100w Basking Bulb (10$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-basking-bulbs/2327-repti-basking-spot-lamp-value-pack-100w-zoo-med.html?search_query=heat+bulb&results=62
<<<< don't bother with a exoterra or other brand Neodymium (UVA) globe, buy a par38 colourless incandescent or halogen spotglobe

5. 8.5" dome fixture for the heat bulb: (13$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-hoods-domes-fixtures/626-clamp-lamp-85-zoo-med.html?search_query=dome&results=74

6. Thermometer (Already have a temperature gun)

7. Surge Protector/Timer (23$) - https://www.amazon.com/Century-Surge-Protector-Outlets-Timer/dp/B00MWHQZX0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1500440348&sr=1-1&keywords=reptile+timer#Ask

7. Herptivite (10$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-vitamins-supplements/1192-herptivite-33-oz-rep-cal.html?search_query=herptivite&results=6

8. Rep-Cal Calcium W/ D3 (6$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-vitamins-supplements/1191-calcium-w-vitd3-ultrafine-33-oz-rep-cal.html?search_query=Rep-Cal&results=298
<<< don't buy the VitD3 fortified version.

9. Plus a decent sized rock from outside as a basking platform.

Questions

1. I have a leopard gecko and use a thermostat from amazon to control the heating temperatures. Is that needed for a bearded dragon?
2. Is the listed vitamins and calcium a good choice?
3. The listed exo-terra, is it good for a juvenile to adult bearded dragon?
4. Plus, is a 100w heat bulb sufficient for the beardie.
5. I've heard about Mercury Vapor Bulbs and mixed opinions.. Are they any good?
<<< MVBs are good, but not dimmable , and very hard to get adequate UVA & UVB while getting good basking spot temperatures from one globe.
Best options
1) MVB + T5ho 10-12%UVB in reflector hood.
2) Par38 colorless incandescent or halogen spot globe + T5ho 10-12%UVB in reflector hood.

Click to expand...

logan4321":bp5l2r0v said:

This is my current "check-list" and I would like your suggestions/tips. There is also some questions at the end.

1. 40G Breeder Tank - Can't decide between trying to find a 40 gallon breeder aquarium style, or saving up for a exo terra ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/exo-terra-large-low-terrarium-36x18x12 ) which is 36x18x12". Let me know if it is too small.

The Exo Terra is OK. I have the 36x18x18 version and it's a bit small for an adult. The front opening doors are a huge help though. Petco is having a tank sale right now so you can pick up a 40g breeder aquarium tank for about $50 which will work almost as well for much less money. I would still plan on building a 4'x2'x2' or larger enclosure by about the first year or so.

2. 24" Reptisun 10.0 T8 Tube (20$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-t8-bulbs/1875-reptisun-100-uvb-t8-fluorescent-bulb-24-zoo-med.html?search_query=reptisun+10.0&results=29
The T8 isn't enough in this large of a tank. Go with a T5. They last longer, are brighter and stronger, and are one of the best investments you can make. http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

3. Fixture for the Reptisun (23$) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004WA4D/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_gltPub1QBB9EV
(Plus Command hooks to hold it in the tank) - (10$)
The set I linked to comes with a fixture and bulb. Just set it on top of the tank and build the basking area to within about 10-12'' of it and it will serve you very well.


4. 100w Basking Bulb (10$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-basking-bulbs/2327-repti-basking-spot-lamp-value-pack-100w-zoo-med.html?search_query=heat+bulb&results=62
Don't bother with the reptile specific bulbs. A PAR38 halogen flood light will be sturdier and is dimmable. You may need to try different wattages but I'd start with a 70w or a 90w and go from there. You can get these at most hardware stores or Walmart etc.

5. 8.5" dome fixture for the heat bulb: (13$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-hoods-domes-fixtures/626-clamp-lamp-85-zoo-med.html?search_query=dome&results=74
These are fine and I have some but you can get more bang for your buck at a local farm store with a brooder lamp fixture. Rated to 300w have a hook you can use to hang them from an adjustable lamp stand. http://www.theisens.com/indoor-lighting/bayco-brooder-lamp-182-sjeo-x-6-fl-302pdq8


6. Thermometer (Already have a temperature gun)
Great! These are nice to have.

7. Surge Protector/Timer (23$) - https://www.amazon.com/Century-Surge-Protector-Outlets-Timer/dp/B00MWHQZX0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1500440348&sr=1-1&keywords=reptile+timer#Ask
These are great to have and will allow you to control the UVB and basking light easily. If you don't need so many outlets, one like this will do https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TSERGW/

7. Herptivite (10$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-vitamins-supplements/1192-herptivite-33-oz-rep-cal.html?search_query=herptivite&results=6

8. Rep-Cal Calcium W/ D3 (6$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-vitamins-supplements/1191-calcium-w-vitd3-ultrafine-33-oz-rep-cal.html?search_query=Rep-Cal&results=298
I prefer Repashy products in general. I would definitely go with a plain calcium without D3 or with low D3 when using a high end UVB light. An all in one product like Repashy Calcium Plus will cover the calcium and vitamin. If you want to use them separately I'd go with Supervite and SuperCal NoD.

9. Plus a decent sized rock from outside as a basking platform.
You can also use big flat pieces of wood. I have some driftwood in my tank. Just rinse the wood and bake it in the oven at around 250 or so for around an hour to sanitize. Don't bake rocks though.

I also advise getting some good Sprayers (I like target's house brand, they don't leak). Use vinegar/water mixture for cleaning and get a bottle of F10SC for sanitizing https://www.beanfarm.com/products/f10sc-veterinary-disinfectant-100-ml-3-4-oz?variant=24905406857
Questions

1. I have a leopard gecko and use a thermostat from amazon to control the heating temperatures.
Is that needed for a bearded dragon?
Not needed but very nice to have if you have extra money in the budget
2. Is the listed vitamins and calcium a good choice?
3. The listed exo-terra, is it good for a juvenile to adult bearded dragon?
4. Plus, is a 100w heat bulb sufficient for the beardie.
5. I've heard about Mercury Vapor Bulbs and mixed opinions.. Are they any good?
Some are good, some aren't. The PowerSun bulbs are decent. I like MegaRay bulbs the best so far. I don't use them in the main enclosure but I have some set up on lamp stands around the house to act as portable basking sites when my dragon is roaming about (which is quite often) and they work quite well for that. In the main enclosure I prefer using a T5 tube and a halogen basking bulb so I can control UVB output and heat independently.

Click to expand...

logan4321":3si5xnh7 said:

In the next 6-8 months (Christmas/Birthday) I am going to start getting supplies for a juvenile bearded dragon. As you can probably tell after looking over this, I like getting my research and everything right. Especially before I will buy anything.

This is my current "check-list" and I would like your suggestions/tips. There is also some questions at the end.

1. 40G Breeder Tank - Can't decide between trying to find a 40 gallon breeder aquarium style, or saving up for a exo terra ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/exo-terra-large-low-terrarium-36x18x12 ) which is 36x18x12". Let me know if it is too small.

I would recommend getting/building a 4x2x2, it will last the whole life of your beardie.

2. 24" Reptisun 10.0 T8 Tube (20$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-t8-bulbs/1875-reptisun-100-uvb-t8-fluorescent-bulb-24-zoo-med.html?search_query=reptisun+10.0&results=29

I started out with the t8, but actually switched to the t5 just 6m later - it is a better bulb, actually cheaper, and only needs to be switched 1 a year, instead of every 6m.

3. Fixture for the Reptisun (23$) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004WA4D/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_gltPub1QBB9EV
(Plus Command hooks to hold it in the tank) - (10$)

4. 100w Basking Bulb (10$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-basking-bulbs/2327-repti-basking-spot-lamp-value-pack-100w-zoo-med.html?search_query=heat+bulb&results=62

No need for the fancy 'reptile specific' bulbs, just get a standard halogen, it does just the same thing.

5. 8.5" dome fixture for the heat bulb: (13$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-hoods-domes-fixtures/626-clamp-lamp-85-zoo-med.html?search_query=dome&results=74

6. Thermometer (Already have a temperature gun)

Perfect! Honestly, if you have a temp gun, there is no need for a thermometer, but it can help if you need to quickly check temps.

7. Surge Protector/Timer (23$) - https://www.amazon.com/Century-Surge-Protector-Outlets-Timer/dp/B00MWHQZX0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1500440348&sr=1-1&keywords=reptile+timer#Ask

7. Herptivite (10$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-vitamins-supplements/1192-herptivite-33-oz-rep-cal.html?search_query=herptivite&results=6

8. Rep-Cal Calcium W/ D3 (6$) - http://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-vitamins-supplements/1191-calcium-w-vitd3-ultrafine-33-oz-rep-cal.html?search_query=Rep-Cal&results=298

You'll want the one WITHOUT d3 (made this same mistake)

9. Plus a decent sized rock from outside as a basking platform.

Questions

1. I have a leopard gecko and use a thermostat from amazon to control the heating temperatures. Is that needed for a bearded dragon?

A thermostat isn't needed, but a dimmer for the baskinging bulb is - this one is the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DI241/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i2?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=B0000DI241&pd_rd_r=5YAYTAFY89P5W4YRCVQ1&pd_rd_w=Ph8s1&pd_rd_wg=MlaHI&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=6582ZTRQW3WFPTK22GJD&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=781f4767-b4d4-466b-8c26-2639359664eb&pf_rd_i=desktop

2. Is the listed vitamins and calcium a good choice?
3. The listed exo-terra, is it good for a juvenile to adult bearded dragon?
4. Plus, is a 100w heat bulb sufficient for the beardie.
5. I've heard about Mercury Vapor Bulbs and mixed opinions.. Are they any good?

Click to expand...