Brumation

[diamc]

That's good to hear that he is more energetic now and ate some crickets. Had you made some changes that seemed to make a difference in him?

Good that you're using the Rep-Cal brand vitamins and calcium.

 

[FfelixalEx]

He had no worms yesterday. I also adjusted the basking lamp so before I get that thermometer at wal mart his temps will be cooler. I'm also gonna get the reptisun 10.0 for him. Anything else you would suggest? Thanks.

 

[diamc]

That's good that you adjusted the basking lamp, did you go with a lower wattage? Not sure if I mentioned it but you can actually use a standard household bulb for the basking bulb, there's no need to spend extra $ on a reptile bulb as they both give off UVA (but not UVB of course.) Were you going to order the Repti-Sun online or try to find one at a pet store? Make sure it is the Rept-Sun 10.0 strip fluorescent, not a coil or compact and also not the Repti-GLO.

Also, cutting back on the calcium to 5 days a wk, one feeding a day and then dusting with vitamins the other 2 days, one feeding a day is a good practice to start too.

Did you turn off the other UVB? Any idea when you are going to get the new UVB and digital with probe? When you get the new thermometer, let us know so we can explain just how to get the best readings unless you'd like me to tell you now.

 

[FfelixalEx]

I didn't change the wattage and I'm gonna get the reptisun at a local petstore, and the digital thermometer at wal-mart when my mom can take me, probably before Friday. He's doing better though. He's basking on a rock right now. Out of curiosity, is gaping good or bad? Thanks!

 

[Claudiusx]

I don't really think gaping is either or.

It just shows that they are thermoregulating. I guess it can be seen as good because your dragon is basking. But they gape to control their body temp when they are a little warm

-Brandon

 

[FfelixalEx]

Changed the bulb to a 75 wAtt it says 90 on the thermometer.is that Better for him? Thanks!

 

[Claudiusx]

Well, since its not the digital thermometer we can't be for sure yet, but I could assume that its a more comfortable temperature right now.

But like I said earlier, temperature isn't really something you want to be guessing at or assuming.

-Brandon

 

[Beardednoob]

Might want to call ahead and make sure the pet store carries the Reptisun 10.0's as I know a lot of the pet stores near me do not carry them.

 

[diamc]

Changed the bulb to a 75 wAtt it says 90 on the thermometer.is that Better for him? Thanks!

Dropping from a 150 watt in such a small tank to a 75 watt is much safer until you get the thermometer. Since the thermometer stuck on the glass is reading 90, it's probably still too high but we can't say for sure. Make sure you keep him VERY well hydrated until you get the probe thermometer so that he doesn't get dehydrated in case the temps are still too high for him. That's good that he's now wanting to bask, if he still wants to lay on the bottom after a few minutes or so, it is more than likely still too hot for him.

Please be sure to let us know when you get the new thermometer and UVB light so we can help you make sure they are set up exactly right, ok?

Great that you are making changes so that he can be happy & healthy, the sooner, the better.

 

[FfelixalEx]

He's basking now and I'm gonna mist him outside of his tank. I think it's better, bit I'll need the new thermometer to be sure. Thanks

 

[diamc]

That's good that he's basking. Misting is good but just wanted to let you know that baths help hydrate them more thoroughly and even giving oral fluids is a big help.

 

[szubelak]

It sounds like you really need to get that thermometer ASAP -

I too have my beardies in their own 40 gal breeder tanks and I only have 60 watt bulbs.

I'm not sure how important it is - but is the tank in a room with a ceiling fan? or is there an air vent right above the tank? I had to cover one of my vents because I didn't want the AC to be blasting into his tank - just something else to consider that could fluctuate his temps.

Oh and there are no local pet stores by me that carry the reptisun lights - I had to order mine online - www.petmountain.com - call around like mentioned above.

Good Luck!
Lesley

 

[FfelixalEx]

What size reptisun should I get? I have 30 inch long tank

 

[diamc]

Well, it's best to have it span about 2/3 of the tank so I would go with a 24" that way he can escape the UVB if he prefers.

 

[Beardednoob]

What size reptisun should I get? I have 30 inch long tank

I would get a 24 inch reptisun 10.0, in general the best rule is to have your UV source run 75-100% of the enclosure length. The lengths that reptisuns are available are 18, 24, 36 and 48 inches.