Getting a Baby Beardie and trying to figure out lights!

[Sammimic]

So my son wants a baby bearded dragon for his birthday. We've researched all of this like crazy, but I'm still a bit confused. Bare with me....

OK. My tank is a 75 gallon. It is 4 feet long by 21 in high, by 18 in deep. I decided on a 36in fixture and light. Does that seem right?

I ordered this light fixture:

American Fluorescent 36" White 1-Light 25 Watt T8 Plug-In Undercabinet Light
Here's the link----
https://www.menards.com/main/lighting-ceiling-fans/indoor-lighting/accent-lights/american-fluorescent-36-white-1-light-25-watt-t8-plug-in-undercabinet-light/vtr25/p-1444423576865-c-7490.htm?searchTermToProduct=3466524

And I am about to order this light to go in it:

Zoo Med OS36 T8 ReptiSun UVB 10.0 HO
Here's the link ----
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F97J86/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=APUR2MHW28P9F&psc=1

Would those be appropriate?

Also...what is the best thermometer to get?

Also I see Jess said to just get a 50-75 watt bright white light or flood light for the basking area. There are so many different kinds of lights and many say soft, or halogen, etc. Would the following one work?

https://www.target.com/p/75w-reveal-2pk-aline-led-light-bulb-white-general-electric/-/A-53698496

And if not, any suggestions??

I am on overload with all this information and maybe I'm overthinking it, but I just want to make sure we make the best decisions for our new pet. Thank you in advance. I know that's a lot of questions!

 

[CooperDragon]

With a tank that size I recommend using a T5 UVB light instead of a T8. This is an excellent one http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/34-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/ It should sit about 12'' above the main basking area for best results.

For basking light, you want a bulb that produces heat as well as bright white light. An LED won't produce enough heat (100-110f basking surface and a gradient down to about 75-85 on the other side of the tank). I've had good luck with halogen flood lights. The wattage you need will vary depending on the tank so may take some trial and error at first. Once you get close, you can put the bulb on a lamp dimmer to fine tune the output as needed. Or you could adjust the height if you have an open or mesh top on the tank. Maybe something like this (BR30) https://www.bulbamerica.com/product...0-fl55-frosted-e26-duramax-halogen-light-bulb
Or this (PAR38) https://www.walmart.com/ip/GE-90W-PAR38-Halogen-Outdoor-Floodlight-2-pack/21695128

You can get a temp gun to measure the surface temps around the tank. One like this should do the trick https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lasergrip-774-Non-contact-Thermometer/dp/B00837ZGRY/
You can also get some digital thermometers to get an idea of ambient temps or check surface temps at a glance if you leave the probes in place https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017N8W90/

 

[Sammimic]

Thanks so much for the info! I will order the thermometers you suggested. I already ordered the light in the T8. Do you think that will be a problem with a tank our size? 75 gallons.

 

[CooperDragon]

The T8 doesn't have the reach that the T5 does. They tend to start losing their output at around 6 months so perhaps upgrading at that point would make sense. If you have a fixture with a good reflector, the optimal range is about 6-8'' from the bulb. With these under cabinet fixtures, I'd keep it closer to about 6'' above the main basking area. Do be sure to leave the clear plastic off of the fixture so it doesn't intercept the UVB.