Ceramic heat emitter size

[Davey]

Hi
I have a 4x2x2 vivarium In the Process of decorating for a bearded dragon,just not sure as to what size heater to use,I have a 250w ceramic heat emmiter that my girlfriend got when she was away,will this be to big,I will b using a thermo control II thermostat to control the temps, just new to all this and am not sure, thanks

 

[Luthien]

You don't need a heater with beardies unless the room your keeping it in is SUPER cold which isn't good for the beardie any way.

The lights should be enough to heat your tank, you need a basking light which keeps your temps between 100-110F and a UVB which keeps your cool side between 75-85F. You might have to play with the wattages for awhile to get the right temps.

Heaters are dangerous for beardies even with a thermostat to control them. Your beardie can't feel if his skin is getting too hot and will burn himself.

 

[cybercat]

Ceramic heater are not needed as they are only used a night. Since night temps can be as low as 60 we do not use heaters at night. Basking heat you want as light since it is used durning the day. UVB helps dragon absorb calcium so is also needed. Undertank heater is Not needed. So you only need two bulbs one for UVB and one for basking spot. You can do it with one bulb called a murcury vapor but you must be careful on how close you have it.

 

[Davey]

Ok thanks for the replies, I'll be buying a basking spot lamp for during the day just still not sure if it'll be too cold at night as th temps do drop to 62.

 

[Luthien]

Ok thanks for the replies, I'll be buying a basking spot lamp for during the day just still not sure if it'll be too cold at night as th temps do drop to 62.

As long as they don't go far below 60 your beardie will be fine. You have to remember that in the wild the temps do drop at night so their systems can handle it and it's actually good for them to have the temp change.

 

[Davey]

So would it be a good idea to have a CHE on the thermostat at night so it defiantly doesn't drop below 60,I worry that when it gets a little colder outside it will drop below 62 in my house. Thanks for the replies I just wana make sure my dragon has the best possible health.

 

[Davey]

Just checked my temps(4am) and reading 57.2

 

[Luthien]

Just checked my temps(4am) and reading 57.2

That is a little low for a beardie at night. I would suggest getting a night lamp for your beardie. It's safer then a CHE and warms the tank better as well.

 

[Davey]

Ok cheers for the input, off to do more research.

 

[Luthien]

No problem! Any more questions feel free to ask!