Cage Setup

[Abriana8]

Hey guys, just wanted some opinions on my beardies setup.
He's in a 55 gallon with repticarpet, a reptisun t8 uvb bulb, and a 160watt MVB. his basking platform is made from bricks and he has two levels. The top of the platform is about 10-12" from the MVB. Basking temps are usually about 100*, 105* max, 95* minimum with the cool side of the tank around 75*. He has a hide, and a driftwood stick as well. He hasn't left his hide at all today, but the hide is new to his tank. Does anyone have any suggestions for creative tank set ups that utilize space well?

 

[CooperDragon]

Can you post some photos of your setup? You can upload photos here https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/ and post them using the XIMG button.

Which brand of MVB are you using? 160w is pretty powerful so 10-12'' might be too close for the UVB output. It may be too intense at that range. Your temperature gradient is good but if you raise the MVB to get it to a safe distance (usually 12-18'' or so with that wattage) the temps might go out of whack. That's why I prefer using a T5 tube for UVB and a separate light for basking heat in the main tank.

 

[Abriana8]

I was struggling to get high enough temps with regular heat bulbs. When I adopted him he had a standard heat bulb and the UV light he came with as well. He never went under the UV light thus why I got a MVB. It's an exo terra solar glo. He spent the first week and a half basking under it constantly. I don't know if he's just semi brumating or what. I've heard multiple reviews on the lamp I'm using, and so far it's been good but will probably move to a powersun or megaray next. I will post pics when I get home!

 

[CooperDragon]

I've read mixed things about those Solar Glo bulbs. The PowerSun or MegaRay are good options. I use MegaRay bulbs as portable basking spots and they are great. You might consider moving to a T5 UVB light instead of those though so you can ensure proper temps. I've had good luck using PAR38 halogen flood lights for heat. My 90w GE bulb produces plenty of heat at about 24'' above the floor of the tank.


His behavior could be brumation related as well. It's certainly the right time of year for that and a lot of them seem to be brumating this year. If his weight is stable and you don't see other signs of problems then I'd let him sit on the cool side if that's what he seems to prefer.

 

[Abriana8]

Update: I came home 10 mins after his light timer went off. He was on his basking platform wide awake so I took him out. He had a bath and is now roaming all around thanks for the advice! I ask a lot of questions as a newer beardie owner

 

[CooperDragon]

That's good to hear! Feel free to ask as many questions as you'd like. We're here to help and discuss to give our scaly buddies the best life possible =)