BrightStar
Hatchling Member
I'm new here, and hoping for some advise on buying supplies and equipment for my very first bearded dragon. I've wanted a beardie since I was 16, but only recently have circumstances allowed this to become a reality. I am now 36.
In the past few weeks, I've been doing lots of research and reading any bit of information and advise I can find. Although I have to admit that although I've read beardies make excellent first lizards, I'm a little overwhelmed with the vast difference in opinions on how to provide ideal care.
So, my first question is regarding getting the right cage. Since I'm quite frankly a liability when left alone with even a screwdriver, I'm having my cage custom built for me.
I won't actually be able to go ahead with the order until early October, but I'm hoping for advise and comments from you all before then, so I can be sure I'm buying what my new dragon needs. I'm getting the cage from BigAppleHerp - I like their customer service so far, and their prices seem comparable to other places I've seen. ( here's a link to the cage ). Plus, the cage looks like it should work for a dragon.
The cage will be 72" x 24" x 24". My first question is whether this is too high? Wiil it make it difficult to keep temperatures right? Are there any other problems with this cage size that I might not be aware of? ( I know a baby might find it too large, so I have plans to partition it into a smaller cage for the first few months if need be. )
My second question is regarding UVB light. I've read that the UVB should run the length of the cage. I'm looking into a ReptiSun 10.0 as these seem to be what most people on here recommend. The largest size ReptiSun is (if I remember correctly) is 48". Is this enough, or should I buy two 36" and place them in a row to cover the whole cage length?
Final question (for now), with the cage size I've described, should I go for the ReptiSun t5 or t8?
Thanks (and sorry for the long post).
In the past few weeks, I've been doing lots of research and reading any bit of information and advise I can find. Although I have to admit that although I've read beardies make excellent first lizards, I'm a little overwhelmed with the vast difference in opinions on how to provide ideal care.
So, my first question is regarding getting the right cage. Since I'm quite frankly a liability when left alone with even a screwdriver, I'm having my cage custom built for me.
I won't actually be able to go ahead with the order until early October, but I'm hoping for advise and comments from you all before then, so I can be sure I'm buying what my new dragon needs. I'm getting the cage from BigAppleHerp - I like their customer service so far, and their prices seem comparable to other places I've seen. ( here's a link to the cage ). Plus, the cage looks like it should work for a dragon.
The cage will be 72" x 24" x 24". My first question is whether this is too high? Wiil it make it difficult to keep temperatures right? Are there any other problems with this cage size that I might not be aware of? ( I know a baby might find it too large, so I have plans to partition it into a smaller cage for the first few months if need be. )
My second question is regarding UVB light. I've read that the UVB should run the length of the cage. I'm looking into a ReptiSun 10.0 as these seem to be what most people on here recommend. The largest size ReptiSun is (if I remember correctly) is 48". Is this enough, or should I buy two 36" and place them in a row to cover the whole cage length?
Final question (for now), with the cage size I've described, should I go for the ReptiSun t5 or t8?
Thanks (and sorry for the long post).