Beardie 1 year old and measuring 8 inches

[Beardie829]

Hi! I bought my beardie at a pet store about a year ago maybe a little over as a "fancy". When I bought him, he was only a few weeks old. Now hes only measuring right at 8 inches long. He has all lights necessary. He has never eaten a lot and honestly I've never seen him drink water even though a water bowl is kept in his closure, I mist him regularly, and bathe him a couple of times a week. Hes always been a more laid back kind of guy but not lethargic. I was just wondering what might be the cause of his lack of growth and why he wont eat more than 5-10 crickets every 2 days... thanks in advance!!

 

[KarrieRee]

Well by correct lighting what kind of lighting do you have ? UVB? etc.... also where is it placed in or on top of mesh/ tank? Lighting has everything to do w/ their growth
If you can please post pics of the tank and lighting
thanks
Karrie

 

[Beardie829]

Honestly I cant keep up lol.. I know I have uvb, heat, and theres one more light that I'm not sure what it is tbh, I was just told I had to have it. & it sits on top of mesh top.

 

[KarrieRee]

Is it a coil ? Please post pics of the tank and lighting and we can help from there
Karrie

 

[Beardie829]

I'm trying but I cant figure out how to upload another pic

 

[KarrieRee]

click in XIMG in the post reply and your previous pics should come up click on add new image or download new image something like that
Karrie

 

[Beardie829]

Okay. Going to try. Thanks

 

[Beardie829]

My old pics pop up but it doesn't give me any option

 

[melissamott124]

In the bar at the top of the website click "User Image Uploader." It'll give you directions from there on how to upload pics!

 

[Beardie829]

Finally! Sorry about that. Need to clean his cage and ain't nothing fancy but this is it.

 

[KarrieRee]

Ok so is it a coil? Thats what I am thinking-- if it is here is what we recommend on the forum--
Which UVB light should I use?
The best UVB light is a ReptiSun 10.0 fluorescent tube HO (Or Arcardia 12% in the UK). Compact or coil bulbs do not emit the proper amount of UVB light for a bearded dragon, and should not be used. Other brands, such as the Zilla Desert Series and ReptiGlo have been known to cause eye problems and other health issues with bearded dragons, and should be avoided. The reason that some UVB lights (Zilla, ReptiGlo, coils/compacts, ect.) are considered dangerous is because the wavelength of UVB that they emit is shorter and more intense than the wavelength of the "safe" lights (ReptiSun, Arcadia).
UVB lights should be replaced every 6 months. The T5’s are a strong bulb and only need to be replaced once a year – the T 8 every 6 months--- where as the T 8 are not as strong—they need to be placed inside the tank the T 5 10.0 bulb approx 10-11 inches from basking spot – the T 8 approx 6-8 inches from basking spot—the cover needs to be off the bulb for full effect of the UVB rays-- this is or could be the reason why hes not growing--- this lighting plays a huge roll in his over all health and behavior
Karrie

 

[Beardie829]

 

[Beardie829]

Okay. thanks so much for all your help!!

 

[Beardie829]

Is this what I need??

 

[melissamott124]

Is this what I need??

Yes, make sure to also get the associated hood that will fit the length of the light bulb you want also.