Hey guys, brand new here, looking for advice

[smauggle]

Hey guys, just picked up my [almost?] complete setup, getting ready to introduce a bearded dragon in the next few weeks, just want to make sure I have everything ready to go before he/she makes the trip home. Name has already been determined - Smauggle (smug-gle, a non-magical dragon)

I picked up this setup online, the previous owner had her beardie for almost 10 years, so I can only assume I should have everything I need for a happy & healthy friend.

Included was a 36x18x18 terrarium, overhead light fixture with two coil bulbs a Reptiglo 10.0, and Reptiglo 2.0. Both of these bulbs have been used, and I'm not sure for how long. She also included a 250w fixture for a brand new CHE, a 150w fixture, and a 75w fixture, as well as brand new bulbs - 150w basking bulbs (x2) and a 13w UVB bulb with a 150 rating. She also gave me more accessories than I could possibly ever use, I feel like I hit the jackpot when I found her add.

The pictures I've attached show the preliminary setup I've come up with, and I was just looking for a little guidance, so I had a few questions..

As there was a previous resident, I'd like to thoroughly clean everything I have - what would you suggest?

Is my lighting OK as is, or do I need to make adjustments? It gets fairly cool in my house at night and during the day (17c/63f) so I plan on running the CHE 24/7, and the Repti 10.0/Repti 2.0 on a timer

What should I run my timer at?

I found an online distributor, and plan on a diet of crickets, superworms, phoenix worms, veggies, should I be supplementing with vitamins as well?

After I clean the terrarium I'll be laying tile, I've heard its good for their nails, will hold warmth, it looks good, and it's easy to clean

I realize this is a lot of info I'm looking for, but if you could help a guy out, it would be much appreciated. I'm brand new to reptiles, and I really plan on having my little buddy for the long haul. Thanks guys!

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. Those are lots of lights to be using. All beardies need are a nice white basking bulb. I use a halogen flood bulb. Also a good uvb the reptisun 10.0 tube or the Arcadia tube are both good. Those coil don't put off the proper amount uvb. If your house does not get below 65 at night then a heat source is not needed. Beardies like it cool when they sleep. Pictures of your new friend are always welcome

 

[Beardienatic]

Hi!

Good to hear you are getting everything set up before you get your little guy!
Yeah, I agree, you only need a basking light, UVB and UVA light, and a CHE if your house get cold at night For the basking bulb, it needs to be a nice bright white light, not a blue or red one. Regular household bulbs work if you get one that has enough wattage. UVA and UVB lights are necessary for good health, otherwise MBD and other things can be caused. Reptisun 10.0 tube ligths are highly recommended, the coil is not, because it doesn't give off proper amounts of UVB and UVA, so often cause eye, lethargy, and appetite issues. The CHE is only really necessary if your house get colder than about 60 degrees at night, during the day the lights should keep your tank warm enough, if not I would suggest getting higher wattage bulbs.
As for the disinfectant, I would suggest a brand called F10, it works very well (haven't used, just heard of it), for regular cleaning after you get your beardie and red vinegar and water solution should be fine (1 part vinegar to 10 part water).

Wish you the best with your little guy, feel free to ask as many questions as you want! And pics are always welcome too!

 

[smauggle]

Awesome, thank you guys!
I think I should have been more clear, I'm not actually using all those bulbs, I just have them at my disposal. I was planning on using the overhead mount with the reptiglo 10.0 fluorescent coil for UVB and 2.0 for illumination, and keeping the CHE in close proximity for basking, but as I've spent a few hours browsing this forum now, I've changed my thought process, and will absolutely dedicate another bulb for basking. I have the 150w rated fixture, I will put that into use.

It seems like the general consensus is to install the reptisun 10.0 tube in the tank itself, so I will definitely look into that. I will monitor my temps over the next week to make sure everything is dialed in correctly, and determine if I should use the CHE or not. I'm only into the entire setup for $300 at this point, so I don't have an issue spending a little more to get an ideal UVB setup. What length tube should I go for for a 36" tank?

Thanks for the tip with the disinfectant Beardienatic!

Pictures to follow when I get back from vacation, and the dragon has landed!
Any and all further tips are more that welcome, hoping to hear from you guys

 

[destiny1998]

If you get the T8 then it needs to be mounted in the tank. I use a light fixture that I bought at Walmart. If you use the T5 that has a stronger output and you can put it on top of the screen. I use the 24 inch for my 40 gallon breeder. Congratulations on your new family member

 

[smauggle]

Ok, my lights are up and running!
36x18x18 tank. I've mounted a 22" Repitsun 10.0 T5 on top of my screen on one side. I've got a 150w basking bulb, and a 250w ceramic heater. My concern is my cool side. I'm maxing out at 74/75*, I haven't seen it get any higher. My warm side will maintain 115*, although it takes about an hour after lights on to get there. I have the option to dim the CHE. I've been monitoring with an indoor/outdoor thermometer with probe. I will be getting a temp gun as well, for peice of mind.
I've been talking with a breeder who recommended low-mid 80s, and up to 115 (especially for young dragons) - am I ok with 75*? Will my little guy be able to regulate on his own with this gradient? (I haven't actually bought a dragon yet, I don't want to hassle this guy with too many questions yet)

 

[CooperDragon]

I have the same sized tank and very similar lighting. I would try turning off the che and check temps. If you're 105-110 in the basking spot it's fine. I would use a low wattage che (i use 50w) at night if temps go below 65 otherwise don't worry. Cool side of 75-80 is just right. Thats a nice gradient to allow self regulation.

 

[smauggle]

Thanks for the feedback! I was having trouble getting over 100* with my basking bulb (for whatever reason) but will unplug then CHE and see what happens. I grabbed a temp gun today, and it confirms that my thermometer was pretty accurate.

 

[CooperDragon]

What do you have for a basking area? You may be able to raise the basking area a bit to raise the temp. I wouldn't put it closer than 12'' or so from the T5 UVB though.

 

[smauggle]

I think I'm done! I don't know why I was originally having issues with my temps, but with the CHE removed I'm still reading well. I've got a basking log 10" under my UVB & 150w bask, temps are between 102-110 along it. I added a 40w LED bulb on my cool side for additional visual light.
I lay some tile down for flooring, I love it. Faux-wood finish with matching grain, after a small amount of trimming the 6x36" fit great.
Thanks for the help guys, us rookies really appreciate it!

 

[CooperDragon]

Looking good!

 

[Terry15]

Love the tile, the whole setup looks great. We have the same tank and thinking of some nice tile like that. I had recommended that tile to my girlfriend for her bathroom. It looks so good in the Exo terra tank.

 

[smauggle]

Thanks guys

I was originally thinking about getting a little more creative Terry, but once I saw the 6x36" I was sold, the ease of taking it out and putting it back in for cleaning appealed to me quite a bit. At this point I'm still clueless about pet ownership - but at least I can give them an aesthetically pleasing residence :lol:

 

[TeddyLC]

So many neat supplies! You've got a gorgeous set-up there! I need to get some driftwood for my buddy to climb. It didn't even occur to me to use wood paneling to fill in the gaps that slate tiles leave in my tank - brilliant!

 

[smauggle]

Thanks Teddy, I think I really lucked out with the tank and gear. The tile is all just cut to fit though - it's a fake wood grain that I trimmed enough to drop in and out - $15 max