Home is well underway

[Sammy28]

If some people have noticed, I've been trying to make my Juju's home better. He's 2, and was living in a 20 gallon long since I got him when he was 3 months old. UVA/B tube, 100w basking bulb, crushed english walnut shells sand-type substrate...

well, Juju's upgraded (most of the way)
He's not in a delux 55 gallon tank, with play sand substrate and some tiles on the sand in half of the tank. bam. I even bought him a hammock (that he doesn't use...) but it makes me happy.

He's still using the old lights that don't fit his tank, but the T-REX 100w MVB bulb and deep dome fixture are being shipped to my home now.

I am proud, but there is a setback; Juju seems strange in his new home. I expect that new-tank nervousness, but he won't eat as much, and won't move from under the basking light (still the 100w), which is approx 8 inches to 10 inches above his head. He's eating a little, and he poops almost every other day, and doesn't have any outside illness. this has been going on for a week and a couple of days.

I don't have a thermometer but I'm buying one tomorrow (it's late at night), and I just wanted to see some suggestions from everyone kind enough to read this on a couple of topics:

1) with what I have so far, anything I'm missing?
2) Am I going to need another light besides the MVB? (some people have said yes but that its based on where you are, but I'm asking if it's most likely I'll need another light, being from Wisconsin.)
3) what temps should I look for (and how should I use the thermometer) to make sure i'm doing it right? (i'm getting one from Walmart made by accurite, a recommendation I viewed on another forum)
4) anything else besides the lighting situation that could cause his...change in behavior?

I can't wait until I don't ask the questions and give the help, but in due time... 8)
-sam

 

[ErinMeetsMachine]

He is probably going through relocation stress. Beardies can do this for up to two weeks.. they'll eat less and seem lethargic.. that's probably what's going on with Juju.

1) Seems like you have it all figured out! The only think would be a good digital therm with a wire probe or a temp gun.. but you did say you were venturing out soon for a thermometer.

2) You really won't know if you need another light until after the first 24 hours of having your bulb. For a 55 gallon you might need a low wattage light bulb on the cool side of the tank.. the mvb's heat doesn't always do the greatest job heating alllll the way to that end. Diamc and I have about the same set up that you're going for and we both use a low wattage bulb on the cool side.

3) Since Juju is an adult, you're looking for a basking temp around 95-ish. Younger dragons needs hight temps to help them properly digest all the protein that makes up 80% of their diet. Juju on the other hand is eating mostly veggies and willdo best with the lower heat. The cool side should still stay been the high 70's and low 80's. If you're using a digi thermometer with a wire probe, you'll need to place the wire probe directly on the spot that you are measuring (eg: Juju's favorite basking spot/the highest spot he can reach as well as the cool side) and leave it there for 45 minutes before you get your accurate reading.

4) Not that I can see/recognize right now that would effect Juju in any negative way. Just watch his behavior on the sand to make sure he's just a licker and ingesting it.

 

[Sammy28]

thanks for all the help, it makes me feel better.

as for the sand, I think he's still scared of it :lol:

-sam