Humidity/temperature questions for newbie owner

[ajc5349]

Hello friends,

I’m picking up my first bearded dragon this weekend. I’ve had my enclosure for a few weeks now, making sure I get everything set up right for when I bring him home. I have a question about humidity and temperature levels. I’ve done all the googling and reading I can, but wanted to double check with some of you experts here.

1. When the UVB and basking lights are on during the day/evening, the hot side of the tank is 100-110 degrees with a humidity level of low 20s. On the cool side, it’s high 70s to low 80s with a humidity of low 40s. Is it OK to have that wide range of humidity? If that’s too much difference, how do you keep the humidity levels close?

2. At nighttime, when the lights are off, the temp gets down to low 70s and the humidity rises to about 60. Is that a problem, and if so, what’s the best way to lower the humidity at night?

I’ve had all kinds of pets before — the usual dogs, cats & fish, as well as rabbits, a couple snakes, newts and an iguana. I’m just a newbie at bearded dragons. My best friend, my German Shepherd mix, passed away a few months ago from cancer. I had been wanting to get a bearded dragon before my dog got sick, so when he got sick and died it took some time before I wanted another pet. But now I’m ready and I want to make sure I have everything right for my little beardie. Thanks!

 

[CooperDragon]

That all sounds good to me. The humidity is all in a good range and your temperature gradient sounds correct too. What are you using for a UVB light? How far is it from the highest basking area?

 

[ajc5349]

That all sounds good to me. The humidity is all in a good range and your temperature gradient sounds correct too. What are you using for a UVB light? How far is it from the highest basking area?

I'm using the Reptisun 10.0 long bulb — can't remember the size. My tank is 36" long, and the Reptisun 10.0 bulb runs about 3/4 of the way across. I have my basking bulb taking up the other 1/4, in the back corner.

My tank is 17" high. Where I have my highest basking area, it's not directly under the UVB bulb...I have it under the basking area.

I'm not at home right now so I can't take a pic, and this is the only one I have on my phone. Sorry it's so dark & low quality.

I'm still not done finalizing everything in the tank. Just been trying to make sure the temp/humidity levels are good.

 

[CooperDragon]

That should do nicely. Is your ReptiSun a T5 or a T8? The T5 should sit about 12'' above the basking area for best output. I'd use a T5 for a tank that size (it's quite similar to mine). I suggest shifting the UVB light over next to the basking light so you create a high UVB area along with the bright white light and higher temps and a gradient to low UVB or shade on the cool side. This will allow for self regulation which is beneficial.

 

[ajc5349]

That should do nicely. Is your ReptiSun a T5 or a T8? The T5 should sit about 12'' above the basking area for best output. I'd use a T5 for a tank that size (it's quite similar to mine). I suggest shifting the UVB light over next to the basking light so you create a high UVB area along with the bright white light and higher temps and a gradient to low UVB or shade on the cool side. This will allow for self regulation which is beneficial.

I'm not sure on the T5 or T8 off the top of my head. I'll check the box when I get home.

And I'll also move the UVB light over to the right more as you suggested. Thanks!

 

[ajc5349]

That should do nicely. Is your ReptiSun a T5 or a T8? The T5 should sit about 12'' above the basking area for best output. I'd use a T5 for a tank that size (it's quite similar to mine). I suggest shifting the UVB light over next to the basking light so you create a high UVB area along with the bright white light and higher temps and a gradient to low UVB or shade on the cool side. This will allow for self regulation which is beneficial.

It's the T8. What's the ideal distance? It said the ideal distance on the box and that's what I have it on. So that should be fine, right?

I was mostly just concerned about the varying degrees of humidity levels.

 

[CooperDragon]

T8s generally have an optimal output between 6-8''. Beyond that they only produce shade levels of UVB which isn't sufficient for basking. This is why the T8s are better suited for small enclosures and the T5 is better for taller/larger enclosures.

 

[ajc5349]

T8s generally have an optimal output between 6-8''. Beyond that they only produce shade levels of UVB which isn't sufficient for basking. This is why the T8s are better suited for small enclosures and the T5 is better for taller/larger enclosures.

Dang. So I probably need to switch to the T5 since my enclosure is 17" tall? That sucks b/c those bulbs aren't cheap.

Thanks for all the help, Cooper!

 

[CooperDragon]

Yeah I suggest using a T5. They are more expensive up front, but the bulbs last quite a lot longer than a T8. Instead of replacing it every 6 months, it will last over a year. This is a really good one (what I use) http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

 

[Taterbug]

Your humidity is fine. It's a function of temperature so the exact same air will have a "lower humidity" when it's warmer vs when it's cooler. It's natural for the humidity to be low under the heat lamp and higher at night when the lights are off. In the wild animals can seek humidity gradients the same way they can heat and light - I wouldn't worry unless it's muggy in the enclosure.