Double dome is two better than one?

[DebbieKelowna]

I bought a zoomed bearded dragon kit 2 months ago....out of that the only thing I use is the double dome light fixture. Does the dome make a difference? Right now I am only using one side and have 100 watt basking bulb in it. After working all day I came home to say hi to Clyyde and the basking bulb had burnt out. Hopefully it wasn't all day but he did not look happy. I had an extra 75 watt bulb so I put that in until I could get another 100 watt. What I am wondering is should I get two 50 watts and have one in each dome then if one burns out then there is at least some heat? Or is the double dome crap like everything else in the kit and just use a regular dome?.....which I have as well.

 

[CooperDragon]

I think the double domes are designed with using a coil UVB in mind, which is of course not the best idea. I don't see why using two lower wattage basking bulbs side by side would cause an issue as long as you're getting the proper temps in the tank. The basking lights pretty much come down to getting the proper temps rather than configuration, brand, or strength. It's also not usually cause for panic if the basking light burns out during the day. It stinks, but it's not harmful for a little while. It's always good to have spare bulbs in the house though, in case the pet store is closed.

 

[DebbieKelowna]

I had 100 watt then replaced it with 75 watt and I'm getting the same temps. I am using a stand that I can adjust the dome. It's been a challenge getting the right temps.
I have had Clyyde for a week now and seems to be doing really well. The previous owner told me he would only poop in the bath.Could that be because he wasn't getting warm enough in his tank?they had it high 80s low 90s. He has been pooping in his tank the past few days and I have it high 90s low 100s. I do prefer him pooping in the bath but is it better for them when they can just go instead of holding it in until they have a bath?

 

[CooperDragon]

It's OK for them to go in the bath. As long as they have the opportunity to go every day, you can use that at the same time as a training tool to keep them from going in the tank. They don't really like being near their own poop so if you can train him to go in the bath every day around the same time it's a good thing, but not necessary.

 

[Taterbug]

I think the only advantage of using both domes would be to make a bigger basking area. I too only use the one basking light (no dome though). How are you taking the temps?

Yes, it's possible that he was only pooping in the bath because he couldn't poop on his own. It's also possible he just would rather. Of course it's better that they be able to poop when they need to, rather than relying on a bath so as long as your temps are correct, he is hydrated (good juicy food) and he has room to move around (exercise is a sometimes overlooked part of digestion) I wouldn't worry.

Sometimes all it takes is a schedule and you can condition your healthy dragon to poo in the bath. If food is served at a regular time, wastes will also come at a regular time. You may just need to work something out who him as far as schedule and routine.

 

[DebbieKelowna]

I use a digital thermometer with a probe at then end.
I would rather have him go in the bath and I think he would too the smell was not nice in the room and I could only imagine what it's like in his tank. My work schedule is usually 9-5 but I do work some evenings until 9:30. So usually the late evenings I don't give him a bath.When would a good time be to give him a bath after he eats? Is 1 hr long enough to digest food or should I wait longer?

 

[CooperDragon]

I work about the same schedule. Coopers lights come on at 6:45 and I get up at 7. I bring him to the kitchen and close the door to let him run around for a bit. I usually give him a bath then if he's getting one that day. I let him poop on his towel (this took a long time of training) and then open the door so he's free to roam around the house for a while. When I'm done with my breakfast I put him back in his tank and give him crickets and put his fresh salad in the tank for the day. When I get home I usually let him run around some more or if he's tired he just sits with me until he falls asleep. lights out is at 7/730 or so in the winter and at 930 or so in the summer. That's just an example based on what I do. It's far from the only way to do things but it works well for us. If you find a routine that works well for you, then that's probably the way to go.