Calcium powder confusion!

[taylorg1]

I am currently using a reptisun 10.0 T8 tube for Titan and it is mounted 7 inches from his basking spot. I am confused on what calcium supplement I should use. Right now I am using repti-calcium w/out d3, but I did some research online and it said I should be dusting with d3 since the T8 bulb is a bit weaker than the T5. I am super confused should I be dusting with or without d3?? Thank you.

 

[CooperDragon]

It's a bit of gray area, but generally I would use calcium with D3 when using a T8 bulb due to their lower UVB output. When you start getting into T5 bulbs and MVBs then I usually recommend not using the D3.

 

[kchap]

It's a bit of gray area, but generally I would use calcium with D3 when using a T8 bulb due to their lower UVB output. When you start getting into T5 bulbs and MVBs then I usually recommend not using the D3.

I use a T5 bulb for my guy and it's mounted inside his tank, there's no cover on the fixture. I've been using the T5 bulb for over a year now and I've always used the calcium with D3, just recently I've seen people say that you shouldn't use the calcium with D3 but I don't know why. I've also seen people say that T5 bulbs need to be on top of the tank instead of mounting them inside because their output is so high. Can you explain why? I'm so confused and now I'm worried I'm doing something that could be unhealthy for my beardie.

 

[CooperDragon]

Based on my measurements the T5 should be 12'' or so above the basking spot because that's the optimal distance for UVB exposure. Closer than 12'' without a screen will cause pretty intense UVB exposure if there aren't plenty of hides in the enclosure.

 

[Taterbug]

It's a bit of gray area, but generally I would use calcium with D3 when using a T8 bulb due to their lower UVB output. When you start getting into T5 bulbs and MVBs then I usually recommend not using the D3.

I use a T5 bulb for my guy and it's mounted inside his tank, there's no cover on the fixture. I've been using the T5 bulb for over a year now and I've always used the calcium with D3, just recently I've seen people say that you shouldn't use the calcium with D3 but I don't know why. I've also seen people say that T5 bulbs need to be on top of the tank instead of mounting them inside because their output is so high. Can you explain why? I'm so confused and now I'm worried I'm doing something that could be unhealthy for my beardie.

By no cover do you mean over the bulb or no reflector on the fixture?

The D3 supplement confusion is understandable.

Synthesized D3 from UVB is self limiting in the body. The dragon won't make more than it needs and stores what it needs to of it. Dietary D3 is already in the active form and the body can't regulate it the same and that can lead to problems if too much is used.

So to me this is why using the best lights and limiting the amount of D3 makes sense. The dragons body knows better than I do what it needs and when.

 

[grkmikey]

Ok guys I need some help with calcium/supplements. I have a reptisun 10.0. What supplements or calcium do I need, and how many times a week do I dust food? I have a baby bearded dragon. Thanks