Clay Substrates and Mixes?

[SoonerThunderDad]

Would LED strip lighting work in place of the florescent option, or do LEDs cause problems?

 

[Taterbug]

Would LED strip lighting work in place of the florescent option, or do LEDs cause problems?

I -think- fluorescent is better but it depends on the quality of the LED. It won't cause problems but might not look as white to the lizard as it does to you. Fluorescent has a wider spectrum range so more likely to look white to lizards (who see light different from us) whereas at least some LED have very narrow spectrum peaks and are white to us but might look odd to a lizard. I use an LED panel in one of my snake cages and he basks under it so who knows how they see it.

 

[SoonerThunderDad]

Thank you Tater, I can't begin to express my gratitude for you, this site and it's other members for how patient and helpful you've been. I will probably start a thread in the next few weeks documenting the enclosure creation and hope you stop by to see the efforts you put in coaching me through the basic with setting up a live habitat.

 

[Taterbug]

Happy to help! I look forward to following your build progress.

 

[SoonerThunderDad]

Okay, another question has arisen. I have decided to make a 'thin' 3D background, but have been struggling with a theme. I have seen a bunch of different walkthroughs for creating the wall and have seen a ton of pics both with and without 'walkable' ledges. I read a bit and understand the importance of active stimulation needs, but was wondering about the usability of the wall ledges outside of providing a larger surface area. To my knowledge, dragons aren't the most graceful of creatures with their movements; and they aren't the best of agile climbers. Is there a majority truth to this? Are their pro/cons to the ledges outside what I have mentioned?

 

[Taterbug]

Ledges I've environmental enrichment and more options for thermoregulating depending on how you set them up. In my opinion dragons can be skilled climbers if they have practice. Most dragons just don't get enough practice to be very good.

 

[Rankins]

Tater, most of my reptiles (excluding BD) deficate in their soaking water. So I hardly ever need to change the aspen bedding for the snakes, gila monsters, and Mexican beaded lizards. But your setup does sound like its visually appealing. Much more natural...but you have been doing this stuff for awhile. I do worry that it might be a bit too cumbersome for a brand new dragon owner. Lots to learn...but if the research is thoroughly done anything is possible.