Help setting up a 40gl breeder tank...

[KotaBeardie]

Hi all,
I just moved our Beardie, Kota, from her "baby" tank to her new tank, a 40gl breeder tank. I think I may need some help with the lighting. She would defecate everyday like clockwork in the morning, but has become not so regular in her new house. I have a feeling it has something to do with lighting/heating issues. I am using a Zoomed 150 watt daylight blue bulb and a compact florescent Exoterra Repti-Glo 10.0 UVB bulb. Please help, my son was in tears yesterday thinking she was impacted until she finally went. And I think the reason she went was we put her in the sunny and warm Florida room. I have checked the temp of her basking spot with a mercury thermometer and it reads 101 degrees F. I have to admit I didn't think I would become so attached to a lizard, but she has become my little buddy and I don't want anything to happen to her. I would attach a pic of her tank but I am not sure how..??
Thanks in advance for any help,
Wendy

 

[KotaBeardie]

Here is a pic of her enclosure...

 

[Jess]

Hi there!

Here is a lighting guide I made, pictures included!
http://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=148006

I would replace your UVB with a ReptiSun 10.0, the link I included will tell you how to set everything up.
I would also replace your thermometer with a digital one, or a temperature gun. 150 watts is a lot, and I would be suprised if the temp was indeed only 101*F. I'd never needed to use anything over 65 watts to get the temperature in my 40 gall around 100*F, so I have a feeling your thermometer is way off.

Also, what substrate are you using? It looks like alfalfa, but correct me if I'm wrong. I would replace it with paper towel, non-adhesive shelf liner, reptile carpet, tile, or any non-particle substrate for now, to avoid any more impactions.

Let me know if you have any other questions! :wink:

 

[Denduran87]

Can't go wrong with jess' advice!!

 

[KotaBeardie]

Thank you - I actually have the Reptisun 10.0 UVB on my list to get. The tank was given to us and the UVB lighting fixutre just looked unsafe. The film was yellow and the top was melted, so rather than burn down my house I threw it in the garbage. SInce I posted the first picture I rearranged her enclosure to see if that helps as well. Here is a picture

I moved the branches so she can get up higher and closer the lights for now.
And here is a picture of our beautiful Beardie Kota

What do you use for substrate? I have heard so many conflicting stories, it is so very confusing. I really don't want to use paper towels..

 

[Jess]

It looks nice, and she is gorgous!

In the 40 gallon I used non-adhesive shelf liner, and that was by far my favorite substrate. In my 4' x 2', I couldn't find any shelf liner big enough so I am now using non-adhesive linoleum flooring. Personally, I like the look of it. I agree that paper towels aren't exactly beautiful LOL, but them come in handy when you need something temporary.

And thanks Denduran87! :mrgreen:

 

[Denduran87]

The best I believe with the lowest risk is ceramic tile. It is relatively cheap, I put ceramic tile in a 12x30 for less than 4 bucks and it looks great.

 

[KotaBeardie]

Jess - your enclosure looks great! And thank you both so much You know one could drive themselves nuts with all the information out there.

 

[Denduran87]

Yea there is alot of miscommunication out there and wide variety of opinions. I always like to go the safest route. looks like your well on your way to being a fine beardie parent though and these forums are a great resource for information on them.

 

[Jess]

Thanks! And no problem. I know, it does get really confusing, doesn't it? It sounds like you have everything figured out now though!

 

[KotaBeardie]

I took the temp of her rock with a thermal scanner thermometer that I use for my kids and it registered her rock being 104.5*F. So Jess you were right the mercury thermometer was off. Thanks again!