Help setting up first Beardie Enclosure

[Chelsea]

We just got our first Bearded Dragon from a breeder at a Reptile Expo. Right now we have our baby girl in a 10 gallon (which I feel so bad about) but she will be in a 20 long on Friday. Then a 40 breeder when she is large enough, then an even larger one and so on. I need help with what type of lighting and basking bulb size she needs for that sized tank. Right now she has a Reptisun 5.0 and a 75 watt basking bulb, but our box turtle is letting her borrow his extra UVB for the time being until the shopping spree we will be taking for her Friday. So she will need a 10.0 am I correct? Should I get the tubes and put the UVB inside her tank and the basking light on top? What tank size is okay to finally get her the Mega Ray or Powersun? From you expirenced Beardie owners, what would be the best way to set up a baby tank with a 20 long? She is no bigger than my thumb.

 

[wilddanny88]

The 100 watt Powersun or Mega Ray would be alright with a 40 gallon breeder because the minimum distance they need to be away from the basking spot is 12" and a 40 breeder is 16" high. And now for what you will need in the 20 long setup.You will need an 18" Reptisun 10.0 tube for the 20 long.I use this fixture. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lights-of-America-18-Under-Cabinet-Fluorescent-Light/16877468 You can mount it under the screen with command hooks. The basking bulb can go over the screen.They need an object to bask on, a food dish for salads and worms, a hide/cave is optional, and pretty much any other decorations you want to put in there for her to play on except flimsy fake plants she could accidentally ingest.The two best substrates you can put in there is Reptile carpet and slate tile. I personally recommend the slate tile because 1. It is easy to clean 2.It naturally trims down their nails. and 3. They can't get impacted on it. Since your little one is so tiny, the ideal basking temperature is 105-115 degrees. I hope this answered your questions!

 

[Chelsea]

That's great advice, thanks! We actually bought her a 40 Breeder and we are going to use a tank seperator until she gets bigger and have access to the whole tank. We are getting the fixture and 10.0 UVB tube tomorrow

What type of furnishings would she need? We have wood, slate, a hide... What else would be nice to add?

 

[wilddanny88]

They seem to really like the Repti Hammock. http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752643