Going from a 20gal to 50gal - lights help needed!

[disler85]

I have a basking light and a uv light that comes on with a timer and maintains the temp at 100 degrees F in the 20gal tank at basking side and 80degrees F on the cooler side. At night a blue moon light comes on and it maintains at 75dehrees F

Now that we will be moving to a tank 2x the size is there anything that I need to do??

Thanks!!

 

[CooperDragon]

I would first swap the blue night light out with a ceramic heat emitter so it remains dark while still providing heat. As far as lighting in the 55 goes, I've found that adjustable lamp stands are a HUGE help because you can raise and lower the basking lights as needed. You may find that at 18'' or so you'll want a 150w basking bulb (or 90w halogen flood light) to get the proper basking temperatures. I have my CHE at 25'' and that gets the tank to the mid 70s at night. What kind of UV light do you have? If you have a T8 you'll want to mount it 6-8'' from the basking site inside the tank. With a tank that size though, I suggest getting a T5 bulb with a good fixture w/reflector. That will allow you to mount the light on the top of the tank without a problem. Here is a photo of my setup which uses a tank approximately the same size.

 

[CooperDragon]

I've also found that the old 20g tank with screen top works well as a feeder bug bin (roaches, crickets, etc).

 

[disler85]

Thanks ~ what plAnts are those in the pics?? Doesn't the beardy eat the dirt?

 

[CooperDragon]

They are kale plants I pulled from my garden in the fall. I was hoping live plants would entice him to eat, but no luck so far. The plants are thriving in the tank though, so I've kept them. Dundee doesn't really eat much on his own so the dirt hasn't been a concern. It's toughly packed so even if he tips the pot over (only once) it doesn't make a mess or cause a problem.