I've been reading through this board for weeks now, gathering information. A lot of information to go through for sure. This is my first post.
My son and I decided on a Bearded Dragon as a "shared" pet. He wanted a pet, and I knew that if he chose not to take care of it, it had to be something I would be interested in taking care of. We will get a baby dragon.
I found an old dresser and have stripped it down except the back - it's still painted green. I haven't decided if I want to strip that and sand it as well. I will stain this and coat it with water-based polyurethane. I believe that is the accepted method.
It measures 52.5W x 27.5H x 17.5"D. I plan on using some of the top space to mount the lights on another "ceiling" so the tops of the light fixtures are not visible. I'd like this area to be accessible - either the ceiling slides out or I'll disconnect the top an add hinges.
A basking light and an ceramic infrared heat lamp will provide day and night heat, connected to ceiling light fixtures, wired above the false top. Two dimmer switches for day and night basking lights will be wired to the back, where they are accessible, but not tempting. This should allow adjustment of the temps put out by those lights.
I think a 48" UVB (Reptisun 10.0) fixture should fit in this setup. If not, would a 36" be sufficient or should I opt for two 24" offset slightly? Timers used to control the lighting on/off times - day and night.
Inside will be sanded grout over thin foam insulation walls coated with hodge lodge matte. Fixtures for basking and such will be the same. The flooring will be tile - something earthy looking with some texture to it for basic grip.
A vent low on the cool side and high on the hot side will be added. These are brown and should blend ok with the stain - they are covered in mesh internally. Not sure if I just leave those parts of the walls uncovered or what.
Doors will likely be glass on a slider. Trying to find someone to cut them and add small handles. Would like an inconspicuous means to lock them as well.
Am I missing anything? Based on this information, are there any tips one can provide?
My son and I decided on a Bearded Dragon as a "shared" pet. He wanted a pet, and I knew that if he chose not to take care of it, it had to be something I would be interested in taking care of. We will get a baby dragon.
I found an old dresser and have stripped it down except the back - it's still painted green. I haven't decided if I want to strip that and sand it as well. I will stain this and coat it with water-based polyurethane. I believe that is the accepted method.
It measures 52.5W x 27.5H x 17.5"D. I plan on using some of the top space to mount the lights on another "ceiling" so the tops of the light fixtures are not visible. I'd like this area to be accessible - either the ceiling slides out or I'll disconnect the top an add hinges.
A basking light and an ceramic infrared heat lamp will provide day and night heat, connected to ceiling light fixtures, wired above the false top. Two dimmer switches for day and night basking lights will be wired to the back, where they are accessible, but not tempting. This should allow adjustment of the temps put out by those lights.
I think a 48" UVB (Reptisun 10.0) fixture should fit in this setup. If not, would a 36" be sufficient or should I opt for two 24" offset slightly? Timers used to control the lighting on/off times - day and night.
Inside will be sanded grout over thin foam insulation walls coated with hodge lodge matte. Fixtures for basking and such will be the same. The flooring will be tile - something earthy looking with some texture to it for basic grip.
A vent low on the cool side and high on the hot side will be added. These are brown and should blend ok with the stain - they are covered in mesh internally. Not sure if I just leave those parts of the walls uncovered or what.
Doors will likely be glass on a slider. Trying to find someone to cut them and add small handles. Would like an inconspicuous means to lock them as well.
Am I missing anything? Based on this information, are there any tips one can provide?