Heating & Lighting my beardie tank

[Hypancistrus]

I think I'd like to use a mercury vapor bulb as "plug space" is becoming a premium. I am working on setting up the tank now. I am hoping to purchase a beardie this spring or early next summer. Trying to work out all the kinks prior to bringing the little guy home.

Would this one be okay?

http://www.bigappleherp.com/T-Rex-ActiveUV-Heat-Mercury-Vapor-Lamps

And would this fixture be okay?

http://www.bigappleherp.com/Zoo-Med-Repti-Extra-Deep-Dome-Lamp-Fixture

If I go with the mercury vapor bulb, how long will it last before needing replacement? And will I need any supplemental heat during the night, if room temps don't drop below 70?

 

[vickson420]

Moved topic to enclosures

 

[Hypancistrus]

Thoughts? Anyone?

 

[vickson420]

Sorry you have not gotten any responses.Yes the TRex is a very good MVB bulb and the deep dome is good.I actually use the deep dome fixtures but I use the Megaray MVB from reptileuv.com.Either way your good as long as your tank is big enough.How big is your tank?Also no you dont need additional heat in the evening so long as the temps dont fall below 65F.MVB bulbs are good for 1 year so it lasts twice as long as a flourescent so it really is your best deal and the UVB emissions are miles above what flourescents put out.

 

[JNorm]

If your willing to spend that much money on the bulb, i would just get a megaray.
http://www.reptileuv.com
And yes you will need the deep dome if u do get a megaray.
hope this helps.
The megaray will last about a year, some people say more.
I believe the temp needs to stay at about 65, if you have any trouble keeping it that high, get a ceramic heat emmiter. It will help keep the tank warm.
http://www.petmountain.com/product/heaters/107630/exo-terra-exo-terra-heat-emitter.html
somthing like that would help.

 

[Hypancistrus]

I am starting with a 30 gallon tank. Once s/he is big enough, I will move to a 4' long enclosure.

Thanks for the advice on heating. I will check out the links!

 

[Hypancistrus]

If I get the MegaRay, what size bulb would I need? The closest my beardie will get to the bulb is 6". Like I said, it's a 3' long 30 gallon tank. Also, would the "deep dome" work for the Mega-Ray bulb? And could I then sit that on my screen lid?

 

[vickson420]

Well the minimum tank size to use an MVB is a 40 breeder but you might be able to make it work with a 30 if you can hang the bulb higher up.I would use a 100 watt and the minimum required distance on the 100 watt is 12 inches no closer.