2 questions about my new terrarium

[Stuuuart]

I needed an upgrade for my one year old dragon. I saw this on sale for $99 and copped it.

http://www.petsmart.com/reptile/terrariums/national-geographic-trade-sanctuary-reptile-terrarium-zid36-21557/cat-36-catid-500028 (second size option 50 gal)

As you can see on the right side of the tank there is a mesh vent. As of right now I have his basking platform on the right side, but now I'm second guessing myself. Should the vented side be the cool side of the enclosure?

Also this terrarium does not lay flat of the ground as it is held up on four hard plastic legs. I have already put 5 real rocks in the tank weighing 5-10 lbs each. (And don't worry they do not get too hot they only feel slightly warm). Would it be too risky to add slate tiling as well? There does seem to be two layers of glass on the bottom side.

temporary setup-
http://prntscr.com/aol55u
http://prntscr.com/aol5ci

I am upgrading to a 36 inch UVB lighting hood.
Let me know if you think I should make any other changes as well!

 

[Rampagingraptor]

You should look at a different tank first, that one is 19 gallons, MUCH too small for an Adult Beardie. Sorry if you missed that.

 

[HKzForDayz]

Yes, 30 x 12 x 12 will not suffice for long, if all. It will be hard getting appropriate heat gradients at that heighth. IMO, nothing smaller then 36x18x18 will suffice. RIght now Petco is having their dollar per gallon sale on enclosures, a 40 breeder has those dimensions and is 40 bucks.

 

[Stuuuart]

You should look at a different tank first, that one is 19 gallons, MUCH too small for an Adult Beardie. Sorry if you missed that.

There is a bigger size option for 50 gal. I bought that one. 19 gal is def too small

 

[HKzForDayz]

Ah, makes sense lol.

 

[Rampagingraptor]

I relooked at the options, not sure how I missed that. Its a 36x18x18, which is alright. My bad that I missed that.
I personally think its too small still, but that's just me.

 

[Ed707]

It might not matter so much though as you already have a open top so heat will be escaping regardless. I would check temps and if they get to hot on the cold side or to cold on the hot side then switching them might help some. I don't know about the rocks, that's a judgement call on your end. I'd prolly put the slate tile in as it really doesn't weigh all that much but again it's up to you.

 

[ruben0311]

if you have the tile in it will more evenly distribute the weight of those rocks. get some little rubber feet or those plastic disks they use under table glass to create a more even dispersal. remember heat will rise, that mesh will more than likely be sucking in cooler air creating a nice air flow from outside right towards the top. im sure it doesnt matter what side you put the basking spot on as long as you are keeping your gradient good. just gotta test it out a bit. let me know how you like that cage, i was looking on getting it actually.