Do you really need the lights installed inside?

[Mango44]

If you have the lights on top of the screen will your bearded dragon eventually get sick?

I spent $300 and $200 lights and am considering how it’s possible to even put the lights inside the box without any place for it.

Is giving some extra vitamins enough for the 30% lack of uva and b from it being on the screen? Has there been any long term studies on this?
Thanks

 

[KarrieRee]

If you have the lights on top of the screen will your bearded dragon eventually get sick?

I spent $300 and $200 lights and am considering how it’s possible to even put the lights inside the box without any place for it.

Is giving some extra vitamins enough for the 30% lack of uva and b from it being on the screen? Has there been any long term studies on this?
Thanks

If your using a tank that is 24" high you need to have it in the tank - the screen and distance is going to block or/ be too far away for him to get adequate UVB-- please post a pic of the top of your tank - we can help you get it inside the tank - there are several ways to hang or cut the screen or take the screen off -

 

[AHBD]

Can you post a few pics of your enclosure from the front and also the top to show the size as well as what type of screen you have ? Two feet wouldn't be too high in general because there would be elevated basking spots that would put the dragon much closer to the lights.

 

[Claudiusx]

No, you don't need to have them in your tank.

The only goal with UV is proper distance. There are multiple factors that go into determining what the proper distance is for your setup, including the type of bulb you are using.

For instance, if you are placing the lights outside of the tank, your UVB will typically also be sitting on some type of screen. This screen will filter out some of the UVB which only means your basking spot needs to be slightly closer to the bulb than it would be if there was no screen obstructing some of the rays, or you need a stronger bulb such as the 14% instead of the 12%

Let us know which UVB you are using, and we will help you set up your enclosure to ensure your dragons exposure is proper at the basking site.

-Brandon

 

[Mango44]

If your using a tank that is 24" high you need to have it in the tank - the screen and distance is going to block or/ be too far away for him to get adequate UVB-- please post a pic of the top of your tank - we can help you get it inside the tank - there are several ways to hang or cut the screen or take the screen off -

 

[ChileanTaco]

Looks to me like a fine mesh. In that case I would replace it with a very wide mesh (like chicken wire or "hardware cloth" with 1 inch wide). But see also what others might suggest.

 

[AHBD]

If the screen this size [ pen shown for scale ] then it's O.K.
There is a type of screen that has smaller holes so they would reduce the uvb exposure more but could still work if the uvb is strong enough.

 

[KarrieRee]

That is a wider hole type - try the on top of screen but you want the distance 8-10 inches directly above the basking decor piece

 

[Mango44]

I might attempt zip ties or chain links to hang it, when I order new bulb, it doesn’t seem that bright in there anyway besides he’s basking area. There’s side panels have slots where I can put the cord through too.