I'm very new with the whole bearded dragon life...
So I decided to do a very deep research before actually adopting my future dragon, I've done extensive homework on the topic and I still have a lot of questions...
(First thing is that im not sure if im in the right topic, I apologize if im not)
So I bought this 40 galon tank, that "includes everything I need", but I would like more guidence towards that because I feel like I am missing something..
So its the "Reptihabitat 40 galon one" it came with "reptisun 10.0 uvb and repti basking spot lamp 100w, it also came with Reptisand, but I am aware that that is not recommended for younger dragons, so I bought a terrarium liner in the mean time, I also bought a big tall log, a hiding spot, the plates for the food and for the water and it came with some food already..
Im aware of the food habits, I just wanna know if theres anything else that I might be missing or I should be aware of.. because I really wanna give this little one the best place he can have.
I appreciate all comments, answers, suggestions, anything
Hi. Those kits are junk. I'm glad you got rid of the sand. You need a good thermometer. A temp gun or a digital with a wire probe put on the basking spot are the only ways to get the correct temp. Also if that came with a coil/ compact uvb you want to replace that with a reptisun 10.0 T5 long tube about 18 inches would work and make sure that the basking light and uvb are next to each other so when he basks he also get uvb.
I appreciate the quick answer, it came with a thermometer too! Uhm what's the difference with the reptisun that you mention and the one that came with it? Other than the size?
Yea it came with the smaller one!
I'll buy the tube then, is that the last thing I need to get ready? I just wanna have a great place before I get my little one, thank you for the help!
That's not ideal in a 40g but it's a decent fixture. You need to remove the clear plastic that comes with it as that will intercept UVB. It's a T8 so it needs to be mounted inside the tank about 6'' above the basking area. If you move to a T5 with a reflector you can sit that on top and it will be effective at around 12'' above the basking area.
How do I ask for it or look it up online like on amazon?
Pet stores around here aren't that helpful, a guy told me that one that I had the smaller one was fine so I don't trust that place anymore, if you could send me a link or an example on how to look it up on amazon i would really appreciate that!!!
Would that be ideal for my 40 gallon cage? This whole lightning situation confuses me a lot and the pet store people insist that the compact light is more than enough lol
I also found this hammoc on amazon
Penn Plax Lizard Lounger, 100% Natural Seagrass Fibers For Anoles, Bearded Dragons, Geckos, Iguanas, and Hermit Crabs Triangular 10 x 12 Inches
But I don't know if that's ideal because of the whole mesh situation with their toes!
I appreciate all the answers, hopefully I can order everything today and get it soon so I can finally get my lil baby!
I would check etsy for a fleece hammock that connects using command hooks rather than suction cups.
As far as the light goes, that's an OK fixture but I believe it comes with a 5.0 bulb so you'd need to order a 22'' T5 ReptiSun 10.0 bulb to go with it. The 22'' bulb will fit right into that fixture and it will work well in your setup though. This is another really good option http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/
I'm going to place the order and wait for everything to be set before getting little one, just one last question! Where do you get a background for the 40 gallon tank? I went to a couple pet stores and it seems like they only have 20 or 30 gallon ones! And I haven't been able to find it on amazon
Thanks for the help again I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for all the helpful comments!
I had my background printed from a photo on a large printer from a photo shop so it would come out to be 36''x18'' to fit the back. A second photo on the side is 18x18''. If you have a high enough resolution photo most print shops can print it out for you to the dimensions you need then you can just tape (I use glue dots) to secure it to the outside of the glass.
I get the uvb light delivered tomorrow, I just added a hammoc and a little side mushroom that I thought would look good but im not loving it lol
Anyways, here are some pics, please do any comments, suggestions, recommendations, anything will be appreciated! I feel like it is a little too crowded... any advice on that? anything to add.. or to take off?