Closing eyes alot

[Jackbashed]

My bearded dragon has been blinking her eyes a lot she's about a baby and is still very energetic so doesn't seem to bother to much. She will close her eyes the longest I've seen her do it for was about 20 seconds. Under her eyes they are a little pinkish red there is no crust at all and she still looks around with them. Any things I can do? If it's a bulb issue please tell me some BULBS I can get please non strip lights those will not work with my setup. (For light recommendations please tell me about uvb and uva that are good) Thanks!!! Ps. My little guy is shedding and is rubbing his head a lot to shed so this might be a factor!

 

[Jackbashed]

The light is 2-4 inches at the closest possible spot that my lizard can get to. She climbs up on her backdrop close to the light is there anything I can do to raise it away from her or is it fine right there?

 

[CooperDragon]

Is this the basking light or the UVB light? Either is much too close. I don't like having the basking lights closer than about 12'' because of their visual intensity and to help protect against burns. The distance to the UVB light depends on the light and fixture. I don't suggest putting those any closer than 6'' away due to their visual intensity.

 

[CooperDragon]

I posted on your other thread as well. The lighting is too close so I'd move that away. That's likely a factor but shedding could affect her as well. You'll see her close her eyes and bulge her eyes out during sheds but this is temporary.

What kind of UVB light are you looking for? If you can post some details of your setup I can try to help you. Dimensions of the tank, along with some photos would be helpful. You can upload photos here https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/ and post them to your thread using the XIMG button.

 

[Jackbashed]

this is my cage setup, on the one branch he can't climb up all the way so that's fine but he can climb up the backdrop and he's like 2-4 inches away!

(he can't climb up that branch) I will show you what lights soon when they cool off there hot.

 

[CooperDragon]

That's the Nat Geo 36x18x18'' tank? It's quite similar to the one I have (Exo Terra). I took the background out to provide more space (and bugs would hide behind it) and replaced that with a printed photo on the outside. I recommend using a 22'' T5 that sits on top over the basking area. That will provide really good levels of UVB. I'll post a photo of my setup so you can get an idea of what it looks like.

 

[Jackbashed]

That's the Nat Geo 36x18x18'' tank? It's quite similar to the one I have (Exo Terra). I took the background out to provide more space (and bugs would hide behind it) and replaced that with a printed photo on the outside. I recommend using a 22'' T5 that sits on top over the basking area. That will provide really good levels of UVB. I'll post a photo of my setup so you can get an idea of what it looks like.

Crap I have a problem, because the bugs were getting back there it's crapping stuck (glued back there) we were losing too much crickets back there soooo. Uhh

 

[CooperDragon]

Well, in that case you'll have to work with what's there. Try moving the lights as far forward as you can. The intensity decreases as you move to the side. That way when he climbs the back wall he will still be a safe distance from the lights. I moved my UVB light forward to create a gradient with lower UVB as you move back in the tank. You could also use adjustable lamp stands like I have to raise the lights further away. This will affect temperature and output though so you may need a different wattage basking bulb to achieve appropriate temps.

 

[Jackbashed]

Ok if I were to get a lamp holder or what ever would I need two for both lights also it would be raised over the cage so wouldn't it be blinding me or missing all of its heat if I were to raise it say 4 inches away how much more heat would i lose?

 

[Jackbashed]

Is there anyway I can block this off temporarily till I can get a real fix? Also if I got that 22"T5 how much heat does it give off also can you give me the fixture you use for it?

 

[CooperDragon]

You'll need a lamp stand for your basking light. Each stand holds one dome. I have two because one holds the basking light and the other holds a heat emitter for nighttime during the winter. This is what I have https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Reptile-Lamp-Stand/dp/B000255OUO PetSmart carries them too.

The domes reflect the light downward so it doesn't get in my eyes. It's hard to say exactly how raising the light will affect temps. I had to play around with it a bit and keep checking temps. I found that a 90w halogen flood light works well, providing between about 100-105 in the basking area and about 78 on the cool end.

The UVB light just sits on top of the tank toward the front. This is what I have http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/ It doesn't produce much heat, it's just slightly warm to the touch. The necessary fixture comes with it.

For now, I'd just move both of your lights forward so they're up against the doors rather than the back wall.

 

[Jackbashed]

I really appreciate how you have helped me I think that will be it if it's okay can I private message you if I have any more questions? Thanks I will get those lamps when I get crickets tommorow. Ps. That light is a little pricy $75 is kinda a lot I'll see later on in time when he gets a little older mad maybe but it as a present! :lol:

 

[CooperDragon]

Sure, feel free. The T5 is pricier than the T8 or compact bulbs but it lasts quite a bit longer. Instead of needing replacement every 6 months or so, it can go for well over a year. Mine is still producing excellent UVB levels at over 2 years. So the replacement/long run costs are the same or less.

 

[Jackbashed]

So you have a basking light and this as your uvb light? I'll take a look at it.

 

[CooperDragon]

Yeah my basking light is just a 90w PAR38 halogen flood light from the hardware store in a dome. Nice and bright, produces the correct temps, and it's dimmable. The UVB light is more important/picky. If you look at the photo I posted, the UVB light is going along the top front in a silver fixture. The dome hanging on the left is the basking light and the one on the right is a heat projector (no visible light) that kicks in when it gets below 70 overnight.