I moved Mari into her big new Carolina Custom enclosure but the problem is that the temps are way too low on the warm side (only about 78) because it’s a huge enclosure and needs way more wattage. My question is this: is it better to get a short, wide dome or a tall dome? I’ll go to Home Depot for domes because they charge way less than pet companies! (Assuming I can find the kind with the ceramic ring on the end for a clamp to safely go around as I take Mari on vacation and end up using those lamp clamps.)
Also just to clarify, yes she has a T8 18” reptisun tube mounted UNDER the screen. That’s UVB though, right now I’m focused on getting her heat lamp issue fixed.
That's close to what I use. Look at farm supply stores for chicken brooder lamps. They have versions that use ceramic bases rather than plastic and are well worth it. They are still quite a bit cheaper than the reptile specific options. They typically come with hooks you can use to hang them as well.
Also just to clarify, yes she has a T8 18” reptisun tube mounted UNDER the screen. That’s UVB though, right now I’m focused on getting her heat lamp issue fixed.
Bigger tank a T 8 is not big or strong enough - please upgrade your uvb to a 24" or 36" fixture - is it a 4x2x2 tank? Make sure your dome can carry the wattage you need as well
These plus my UVB are what i use. The Domb is on a set timer with my UVB used as my basking light. The mini Heat & UVB fixture I have a cremate bulb in and it is set to a thermostat that if that area gets below 73 ish i think it kicks on.
These plus my UVB are what i use. The Domb is on a set timer with my UVB used as my basking light. The mini Heat & UVB fixture I have a cremate bulb in and it is set to a thermostat that if that area gets below 73 ish i think it kicks on.
Please get a UVB as posted above - the one your using is not recommended -- Zillas are very weak bulbs and the size of his tank you want one that gets the rays to him -- UVB's are not basking lights - and ceramic heat emitters are for night time heat if needed and when they are sick --- you want a clear solid bright white basking bulb examples are Exo Terra Intense or Flukers or a Zoo Med Repti basking bulb-- please get your lighting corrected or I am afraid your going to have a sick dragon on your hands --
Besides the uvb the other major concern is basking temp more than the over-all temp of the enclosure. As long as the actual basking temp is correct your dragon will move into it and warm up to temp, so even if the over-all temp of the enclosure is a bit low it's not going to hurt him. Also if the basking temp is correct instead of upping the wattage maybe consider adding another dome and bulb for extra heat. You don't want to make the basking to hot for him to stay in it.
Besides the uvb the other major concern is basking temp more than the over-all temp of the enclosure. As long as the actual basking temp is correct your dragon will move into it and warm up to temp, so even if the over-all temp of the enclosure is a bit low it's not going to hurt him. Also if the basking temp is correct instead of upping the wattage maybe consider adding another dome and bulb for extra heat. You don't want to make the basking to hot for him to stay in it.
^^ great advice plus don’t forget bearded dragons struggle with regulating their heat on the high end so your beardie will likely still bask even if it’s too hot