James from CT. Noob alert

[Crewdog00]

Wow! Too funny great thread. I saw some of the pics has red bulbs. I thought that was only for other lizards and snakes. And not recommended for BDs? I read they can see the red light and it will mess up their night and day cycle.

 

[CooperDragon]

Yeah the red bulbs are no good. Would you like a red light shining in your face all night? It'd be like living on a submarine. The CHEs are a MUCH better choice when additional heat is needed. As far as I know, dragons can't see infrared light either.

 

[Crewdog00]

He hasn't eaten since yesterday at night. I out 5 super worms and 5 waxworms. No interest at all. Watches then and walk over them. Very alert and been watching me. Been basking all day. Temps are perfect. 94 degrees on the warm side. 80 on the cool side and 110-120 at the top of the tank near the hammock. He's on his platform which is 100-110 degrees. His stress marks are very obviously. Looks like black circles.

 

[Crewdog00]

New Tank Setup for Spike. 75 Gallon with Temps taken from Probe and Temp Gun.

 

[diamc]

It looks very nice, can tell you put a lot of thought into it. Is there an area where he can get within 6 to 8" of the UVB? It's hard to tell from the picture.

 

[Crewdog00]

It looks very nice, can tell you put a lot of thought into it. Is there an area where he can get within 6 to 8" of the UVB? It's hard to tell from the picture.

I don't use the screen BTW, There is nothing between the UVB and Spike. Why did you say 6-8 inches. Chart below says my Reptisun 10.0 UVB will be fine at 21 inches.
http://zoomed.com/Library/ProductDBFiles/UVB-Reach.pdf

 

[diamc]

Good that there isn't anything blocking the UVB exposure. Is the Repti-Sun bulb a high output bulb or the standard 10.0 tube?

 

[Crewdog00]

HO 10.0

 

[diamc]

I'm sorry but I don't agree with that chart. If you look at the distance recommendations for the standard Repti-Sun 10.0 tube, it shows 10 to 18". With the testing that Frances Baines (the UVB guru) did, her results showed that in order to get the full benefit of that particular bulb, the distance should be 6 to 8" from the beardies while in their basking spot.

On your chart, it shows the distance of the 10.0 HO bulb should be within 18 to 36" and I don't feel that is sufficient. Do you have a Solar Meter so you can get a reading of the UV exposure at the 21" distance?

With the Arcadia HO 12% bulbs, a 12" or just slightly more is recommended.

I just want to make sure that your little beardie is getting sufficient exposure like he needs.

 

[Crewdog00]

No Problem. I don't mind mounting light fixture inside the tank at 6-8 inches from the Substrate. Tell me the best way to do it, and I will do it ASAP. I rather be safer as well, and thank you for looking out for my best interest.

 

[diamc]

Since the HO bulbs are very strong, it is fine to use them on the top and even through a screen. That's actually what Todd told me from www.lightyourreptiles.com I was surprised at the very good UVI reading I got from his HO bulbs.

Do you happen to know if your fixture has a reflector built into it?

Rather than mounting it inside the tank, I would suggest a slightly higher basking spot than you have now.

The 6 to 8" would be for a T8 (standard) Repti-Sun 10.0 so the HO would be too strong at that distance.

 

[Crewdog00]

My fixture is a Zoo Med reptile hood. It does have a reflector but it's white, not mirror type. Now when you say higher basking spot... Do you mean the hammock? or The two ramps?

Or should I add another hammock but put it in the back corner under the UVB?

 

[Crewdog00]

New Tank Setup for Spike. 75 Gallon with Temps taken from Probe and Temp Gun.

Which or where needs a higher basking spot?

 

[diamc]

Hi, since beardies spend most of their time in their basking spot, your beardie should be able to get the benefit of both bulbs at the same time. So, you would want a basking area where he can be in contact with the heat & get UVB exposure while he is basking.

What if you put the ramp closer to the back of the tank? Not sure what the distance of the ramp to the HO bulb though, you would have to measure it. You would have to ck the temp on the ramp again too.

 

[Crewdog00]

T5 UVB 10.0. Will move some stuff around and test. But I think putting the fixture in the tank will be the easiest and best solution.