I need help with lighting

[Nelly234]

3 days ago I

got my baby bearded dragon and last night was I bought a huge tank! I know it sounds stupid but I didn't realize how big a 40 gallon tank is! Sheesh my lil guy really took over my whole room and it hasn't even been a week! But I love him. Anyways, I'm having difficulty making the temperature accurate. Right now, his basking area is around 95 and the cool side is 80 (I do not have a good thermometer, only the plastic ones). For uvb light I have the reptisun T8 10.0 15w is this okay? And for the basking i have a 75w. Also, I do not have a cover for the tank, is that fine? I put a blanket over have the cage to keep some heat in. Last night and today was the most active ive seen him, so I think he's liking it, I'm not sure though. Also, he hasn't been eating only about 2-3 bugs but he's pooped everyday. He also loves being held, I try to put him down and he crawls back up my hand, he's so cute! I just want to make sure everything is perfect for him.

 

[Nelly234]

I didmt mean to post the picture twice. Also, I put a box by the wood and water dish so he can't access the whole tank because he's so small. Should I do this or allow him the whole area?

 

[Taterbug]

Your kiddo needs some more stuff! A nice branch that gets him closer to the lights will help with your basking temp and also give him something to do. As it is now he probaly feels very exposed. A T5 light would be better, when you are able to upgrade. In the mean time can you remove screen from under the uv or hang it inside?

When pepper was a wee thing I used a bunch of branches from outside to give him some thing to climb on and a bit of clutter to feel safe, but was still easy for me to clean.

 

[Drache613]

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