I just got a Bearded Dragon

[thatLizardGuy]

I just got a Bearded Dragon and Love him. He is awesome.

Originally, I got this starter kit.

http://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-01312-10-Gallon-10-Inch-20-Inch/dp/B005E7Q9VS

But I thought that this one was waaaaay cooler.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19794


The newer Habitat came with a Light fixture for two UV 26 Watt Maximum Bulbs. It did not come with any Bulbs though. The Exo Terra Brand says to use one 10.0 (Desert) and one 2.0 Bulb for best spectrum. I was wondering if you guys do that or use two 10.0 Bulbs for more UV?

I transferred the Heat Lamps from the original 10 Gallon kit to the new one but the old kit is 12 inches high with 60 Watt Bulbs.

My other question is should I use the 60 Watt Bulbs or upgrade (I have seen 150 Watt Bulbs) since the Habitat is a lot Taller (24 Inches)? I do not want him to get too cold.

Thanks

 

[bambichik39]

bearded dragons need more floor space that height, sadly that tank is not suited for a beardie at all. it may work for a baby for a short period of time, but you will quickly need to upgrade. it also doesnt look wide enough to fit the uvb bulb, which should be a reptisun tube or arcadia tube bulb (your tanks too small for a mvb). that tanks great for like a crested gecko or gargoyle, but not really suitable for a beardie. an adult needs a minimum of a 40 gallon breeder tank. 150wt bulb is going to be WAY too hot for that tank, I have a 4x4x2 enclosure and use a 75 wt dimmed down. You need a digital thermometer with a probe to see what light to use and adjust accordingly.

 

[thatLizardGuy]

He is a baby. How long until I will need to upgrade the Habitat?

The Light holds 2 UVB Lights.

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/compact_fluorescent_bulbs.php

I am just wondering which ones to use.

When would you use the 150 Watt Light then?

So should I just stick with the 60 Watt Bulb?

How far from the Bulb does he have to be? It is pretty high up and not much is below it for him to lay on. That is why I wanted to get the 150 Watt.

 

[AtlasStrike]

You should upgrade NOW. A 40 gallon breeder (36x18 floor space) is the minimum side for an adult, but anything smaller than a 20 gallon long will be impossible to get the correct temperature gradient in. You also want to make sure the enclosure isnt too tall, because when you get the proper UVB bulb (reptiSUN 10.0 or Arcadia 12% long tubes), it will need to be 6-8 inches from your beardies basking spot.

You'll need a digital thermometer with a wire and probe, like the Accurite weather station (sold at Walmart) or an infared temp gun to get accurate temerature readings. These are absolutely CRUCIAL, especially in a smaller tank. That will help you know what wattage basking bulbs to use.