KarrieRee":2yqgk1ds said:Your T5 is how many inches from basking decor? It should not be more than 15 inches--- how old is the mercury vapor bulb and what brand is it? And yes I would say that is the reason for the abrasions etc on his feet --- I would keep him off the rocks concrete and just on the grass --- I would also look at getting him a piece of decor that sits under the basking light that would offer a nice gradient heat for him -- it would give him the options of different temps --- some thing like a good piece of wood decor from either outside or something from Petsmart like this https://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/PetSmart/5290971 this would be an example and you can lay it different ways for them to use ---
Karrie
KarrieRee":17ypitb1 said:Use these to lower the UVB 3 M command Velcro fasteners- picture hanging wire – long plastic zip ties potted plant wire hangers fishing line or shoe laces --- what are you using for the basking dome? You can use that as well but it needs to be lowered and if that bulb is over a year or if its a T 8 that would be 6 months--- how big is the tank ? And yes scratching at the glass means they want out--- I am not savvy on those all in one bulbs but since you have the T 5 I would ditch the all in one and go w/ a regular bright white basking bulb--- you can get the Exo Terra ones and I would start w/ the 100 watt but you need a digital probe thermometer for a actual basking temp -- you do have one of those correct -- him scratching at the glass is he getting any kind of black beard ? that would be distress --- you need to know what your basking temps are and I would not put up a permanent shelf thing in the tank they are too hard to keep temps and if you need to move it or replace it etc you cant! I have had more people get in trouble doing those and then not being able to get the UVB or basking temps correct w/ them and then you cant move them etc............. Its best to use decor that is easily moved like your UVB now it needs to be moved or lowered then get a piece of decor and set directly under it not to mention cleaning it --- all my decor pieces are movable and easy to clean -- my light fixtures stay in place -- I move the decor if I haft to
Karrie
KarrieRee":3e1srcaf said:Sorry I meant what the dome was being used to hang from --- should of clarified that -- the basking bulb is fine --- replace the UVB bulb now --- once you get his UVB situated I am hoping he will start eating -- those bulbs are crucial to their over all health and that included keeping parasites away -- proper temps and basking temps help them control those parasites -- head bobbing is a sign of mating he is showing dominance -- arm waving is a sign of submission -- about branches outside I am not sure how you would disinfect those I know people bake wood and such to kill what ever is in the wood but they are hard to keep clean - as for branches I am not savvy on those -- I would PM AHBD or claudiusx and ask them they would know -- what are you feeding your dragon---??? the whole diet tell me what your feeding him? I just thought of something your fixture can stay there where it is I want you to order a Arcadia 14% bulb -- your tank has the height that will allow that bulb --- that bulb has to have a height of 24" and it should work in that tank --- how long is your fixture?
Karrie
KarrieRee":p2gsvsiv said:https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/t5-uvb-bulbs/3168-14-uvb-t5-bulb-46-arcadia.html
How big is the tank ? You dont want a fixture the same length of the tank ---- he needs to be able to get out of the UVB rays w / out hiding from them-- fixture should only be 2/3 of the tank or half
You were asking about outside branches etc
No pine or sappy wood, put branches in preheated 250 oven for 40 minutes to kill possible pests .
Karrie
KarrieRee":vbwgbhn5 said:I would get a 24" fixture w/ a reflector w/ the 14% bulb --- then you can attach to the top of the tank where it is now- a 14 % bulb needs 24" for exposure - so w/ a piece of basking decor its gonna be about the correct height -- your tank is high enough for the 14 % Arcadia bulb --- it will need to be replaced once a year I recommend about a month before - so make sure you mark your calendar when you install it --- those 14% bulbs are strong so make sure your not lowering the fixture other wise it will be too strong -- you can always move decor piece easier than the fixture --
Karrie