Brumation

[Beardednoob]

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.

Hmm did I contradict this? I didn't mean too. I had heard 75-100% span of the enclosure. Is this false information?

 

[diamc]

Well, it is a good idea to not have the whole tank covered in case they do want to be away from the UVB sometimes. So, 75% would also be ok.

 

[FfelixalEx]

Ya but the hood is 30 inches and that's as long as my tank (for the 24) so idk where to put my basking light if it takes up the entire thing. so would it be bad to get the 18?

 

[Beardednoob]

Ya but the hood is 30 inches and that's as long as my tank (for the 24) so idk where to put my basking light if it takes up the entire thing. so would it be bad to get the 18?

You wouldn't get a whole hood, just a fixture for the linear bulb. This usually leaves enough room for a basking dome. What type of enclosure do you have? Meaning what is the top like? Screen mesh? Open?

 

[FfelixalEx]

Screen top

 

[Beardednoob]

Screen top

Does the screen pull on a track or does it simply lift off?

 

[FfelixalEx]

It pulls off on a track

 

[Beardednoob]

It pulls off on a track

So it slides forward?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=22808&cmpid=07csegb&ref=3312&subref=AA&CAWELAID=691917003
That is an example of a linear fixture that can hold a 24inch bulb.
Can you give me an example of what your fixture looks like?
Or does it look like this?

All this will add up I promise. LOL I know it is like 20 questions but, I just want to get my information right.
Also I am very curious, how is your little dragon today and can we get any pictures?

 

[FfelixalEx]

It's like that. I havent bought it, because I like your advice and I know that with it I'll get the right one. Would you recommend a zilla or zoo med fixture

 

[Beardednoob]

It's like that. I havent bought it, because I like your advice and I know that with it I'll get the right one. Would you recommend a zilla or zoo med fixture

I would go with who is known to have good quality. I wanted to know what fixture you have currently. That particular fixture is what I had with my first dragon. I had concerns too and found out quickly that, that slimline was my problem. After replacing it I noticed a difference in my dragon within 2 hours. I had been given information from a petsmart employee that the slimline would be perfect. I had only been on this forum for about 2 weeks at that point in time. So needless to say I was hesitant to think the UV was the problem but, it was. Unfortunately the fixture itself is poor quality too. You will want a new fixture and light. My effort in asking you so many question was to explore the possibility of using your current fixture and just replacing the linear tube. If possible I would look into getting a zoo med fixture for the reptisun 10.0, my second option would be to get a exo terra fixture for the reptisun 10.0

You can see on this page the sizing chart near the bottom. It refers to each size reptisun, you do not want a 18 as it is a 5.0 and not a 10.0 another reason to not reuse the zilla slimline. Bearded dragons will do best under a 10.0 when it comes to linear bulbs.
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752589

This link has the zoo med fixture it is a 30" fixture and will take a 24" linear bulb.
http://www.petmountain.com/product//11442-517291/zoo-med-reptisun-terrarium-hood.html
This link is for the reptisun 10.0
http://www.petmountain.com/product//11442-504983/zoo-med-reptisun-10-0-uvb-bulb.html

I hope that didn't confuse you at all, if it did just say and I will try to reword it better.

To set up the configuration of you lights you will want to slide the top forward allowing the linear fixture to be unobstructed. Any obstruction of the UV light can diminish the UV rays being put out. The dome for the basking light can be place to one side of the enclosure on the screen lid. You will want a perch or a piece of decor that will allow your dragon to get 6-8 inches from the UV source (reptisun), while still in it's basking spot. When you get the digital thermometer with probe, you will want to place the probe directly on the spot your dragon sits when basking. This will give you the most accurate reading.

Knowing is half the battle!

 

[FfelixalEx]

Thanks! I'm getting the 24 and 30 case! Thanks for all your help I'll keep you posted. :wink:
THANKS!

 

[Beardednoob]

You are more then welcome. I am glad I am able to help. :wink:

 

[FfelixalEx]

I'm working on getting the digital thermometer, it was out of stock at pet mountain, but everything else I have. I even got him a hammock so he can get close to the reptisun10.0 thanks for the info

 

[Beardednoob]

I'm working on getting the digital thermometer, it was out of stock at pet mountain, but everything else I have. I even got him a hammock so he can get close to the reptisun10.0 thanks for the info

Make sure you dragon cannot get any closer the six inches. General rule for reptisun 10.0's is 6-8 inches (is this still current?). The thermometer you can get from a local pet store too. Petsmart has some and so does PetCo. Most likely any local pet store chain will have them. The exo terra and zoo med thermometers I use all the time and haven't ever had any issues with either. :wink:

 

[FfelixalEx]

I've got everything now, the reptisun 10.0 and reptisun hood, reptihammock, and digital thermometer. It has the probe and it says his basking spot is 107. He's even more active now with the reptisun with it being on for only 2 hours.