All fired up.

[theoc1172]

I have to say that a 100 watt basking bulb in only a 10 gallon tank seems like a lot of wattage. You're using an infrared temp gun to check the temps? If so, what distance do you hold it from the area you're checking?

He is adorable, I just saw his picture. Love the way he was posing for you.

I noticed that you're using a red basking bulb, I wanted to recommend that you use a bright white basking bulb instead as the red ones are rough on their eyes and they do much better with the white bulbs. Is the Repti-Sun bulb a 10.0 and a fluorescent tube bulb? What distance do you have that bulb?

We always like more pictures. :wink:

The 100 watt bulb seems to be fine as his basking rock sits kinda low. As far as the temp gun, It is actually a laser. I am lucky enough to have access to it from where I work. The distance from the surface doesn't matter. It's still accurate. Now, as far as the red bulb goes, I was told to get red because they cannot see red, therefore, leaving it on at night is ok as it doesn't bother their eyes. Have I been mislead? I am, admittedly, a novice and am trying my best to do everything I can to ensure that he is healthy and happy. I have noticed that there are many differing opinions on many of the same subjects so it does get a bit confusing. Now, the uvb light is not a tube bulb but I am having a custom viv built for me and I plan to upgrade his lighting when it is completed. I want to try one of those Arcadia T5's but I'm not having much luck finding one here in the states. And thank you for checking out the pics. :lol: The "Lounge Lizard" one is my fav, for sure. And, as always, all help and opinions are GREATLY appreciated.

 

[Claudiusx]

Now, as far as the red bulb goes, I was told to get red because they cannot see red, therefore, leaving it on at night is ok as it doesn't bother their eyes. Have I been mislead?

Unfortunately, yes you have.

Bearded dragons don't see light how we do, they can see wave lengths that we cant. If we can see the light, a reptile with better vision than us definitely can see it. It will disturb their sleep. It might look like just a dim red color to you, but to them it might look much brighter. Not to mention they have a "third eye" on the top of their head, that they use to sense light waves too. So even with eyes closed, any light is going to disrupt their sleep.

-Brandon

 

[theoc1172]

So, what color should I be using for heat? He seems to be sleeping fine.(In several interesting positions, I might add.)

 

[bunnyrut]

So, what color should I be using for heat? He seems to be sleeping fine.(In several interesting positions, I might add.)

i would go for a ceramic heat emitter. it gives off heat, but no lights.

 

[theoc1172]

Awesome. Thank you for the tip. I love this place.

 

[diamc]

Great that you're going to be getting the Arcadia T5, that is my next investment. I hear they are awesome and very bright too.

The reason I mentioned about the 100 watt bulb in only a 10 gallon tank is because one of our tanks is a 40 gallon breeder and we only need a 60 watt basking bulb and a 40 watt bulb on the cool side to get temps of 103 and 80, with the distance of the basking log at 14" away from the light. I use a digital probe thermometer as well as a laser gun and have noticed that it makes a big difference in the distance that you hold the gun. The owner of ReptileUV told me that the gun should be held 2" from the area you're testing. I was surprised at the different readings I got when I did that rather than the 6" distance I was using. So, that was my reason for mentioning it.

 

[theoc1172]

I did test the gun I am using and the readings are the same, regardless of distance. I wonder how much the general temp of the house/room factors in. I do tend to keep it a bit cool in the house. Usually between 65 and 68. I check the temps in the enclosure regularly and his basking area fluctuates between 95 to 108 and his cool side stays around 68 to to 75.

 

[Claudiusx]

Hi there,

The simple fact that your temperatures fluctuate so much leads me to believe your way of measuring might not be too accurate. there should not be a 13 degree change in temperate ever. Temperatures should only be fluctuating two or so degrees at most! Unless one day its snowing and the next day its scorching hot...

Just for peace of mind, I would recommend you pick up a digital with probe, just to either confirm or deny that your temp gun is accurate. They are pretty cheap you should be able to find one for under 10 dollars. A small price to pay for a good second opinion.

I really don't see how a 100 watt bulb in a 10g can be only that hot. I use a 50 watt in one of my 40G breeders and it gets the temp to 106...

-Brandon

 

[theoc1172]

I honestly can't explain the temp flux. I am in New England and the temps here do get wacky. We just had an entire week of 70 degree weather and the following week, it dropped back into the 40's. And it's still getting into the 20's at night so the temps in the house do change as I rarely move the thermostat. He really seems fine. Eating like a horse, relieving himself on his rock(rrrrr)regularly, very alert and lively. The last thing I want is to put him in at any health risk, so all of these suggestions are much appreciated.

 

[Claudiusx]

Hi there,

Any updates for us?

-Brandon

 

[theoc1172]

Well, let's see.... He loves Reptiworms and has figured out that they are in his food dish, he shed quite a bit of old skin and his new one is really cool, he had his first bath last night and seemed to enjoy it, and he's eating me out of house and home. lol. So far, so good. Oh, and I'm having a custom viv built for him. Can't wait for that.