Cataracts/Photo-Kerato-Conjunctivitis

[Ranteater]

Hi everyone, I'm new here and was hoping I could get some advice.

My baby, Spyro (5yr old female beardie) has recently seemed off and lethargic. She just hasn't been herself and has had a lot of trouble catching food herself.

Just yesterday I took her to the vet and the doctor told me that she may be getting the early onsets of cataracts. He's referred me to a specialist on reptiles, which I'm going to in a few days.

Anyway, what I'm really asking is for suggestions on lighting. Spyro currently has 3 lights above the mesh lid to her 40 gallon enclosure. She has her 100w basking light, her 15w UVB and finally her 75w purple light I keep on at night. The 2 latter lights are kept on from 8am-7pm.

I need to know what I'm doing wrong or if there are any other brands (Repzilla/ZooMed) lights that I should buy or be wary of. Please, Spyro means the world to me and I just want her to be okay ❤

 

[Ranteater]

Here is a pic of our setup (ignore the bed haha)

 

[KarrieRee]

Please get rid of the purple light --- they can cause eye damage --- if your dragon has onset of cataracts then this could be the cause --- the T 8 needs to go into the the tank - it looks like a T 8 basking distance needs to be 6-8 inches directly above the decor piece w/ NO plastic cover over the bulb -- dragons need dark and cool to sleep -- if your tank is dropping below 65 at nite then you would need a CHE ceramic heat emitter
Karrie

 

[Ranteater]

Please get rid of the purple light --- they can cause eye damage --- if your dragon has onset of cataracts then this could be the cause --- the T 8 needs to go into the the tank - it looks like a T 8 basking distance needs to be 6-8 inches directly above the decor piece w/ NO plastic cover over the bulb -- dragons need dark and cool to sleep -- if your tank is dropping below 65 at nite then you would need a CHE ceramic heat emitter
Karrie

Thank you so much Karrie!
I've heard T5s are better than T8s, but are brighter and so I'm worried about Spyro's eyes. Are T8s okay to use or would you recommend a T5? Also do you recommend any specific brands?

 

[KarrieRee]

First thing get rid of that purple bulb- no lights on in tank at nite--- the T 5 are a stronger bulb I would recommend a T 5 but your fixture is not for a T 5 you would need to buy a 24" fixture-- the T 8 bulb is good too just not as strong that is why the distance difference etc....if you want to change it out I would just get the Reptisun bulb for now then change out the whole thing in 6 months -- it's up to you-- I have a website to get the 24" fixture and bulb - the T 5's need to be changed out in a year
Karrie

 

[Ranteater]

Got it!

Just went to the pet store and got a CHE and threw out the purple light as well as got a replacement T8. Thank you so much again, I'll update again once I go to the specialist.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

When you place the T5 tube light, be sure it is directly overhead & alongside the basking
light, too. Do you plan on putting it on top of or underneath of the screen top?

Tracie