Jelly's home!

[JellyTheDragon]

Hello!
This is my first dragon, and first vivarium.
I've researched quite a bit before getting Jelly and setting up the Viv
It is far from complete, I plan on getting some tile or something hard surface that's super easy to clean.

Right now he's in a 40g, with a 10.0 UVB, A spot lamp to bask in(which I intend to switch out for a halogen this weekend), I have purchased a CHE which runs constantly to keep the temperature adequate. At night, all lights go off and the CHE runs.
My substrate is the exoTerra desert mat. I really liked it at first, but now it's become more of a pain to deal with. It's not as easy to clean as it suggests.
I am going to invest in a temp gun for more accurate readings.
I have a feeling this digital thermometer with probe from Petco is inaccurate..
I removed the water bowl from his viv as he never used it and the humidity skyrocketed when it was in there.
But he has some cool rocks, shelter, grape wood to climb and sweet dinosaur deco!
So far this is a crazy and exciting experience and my family really loves him!
Jelly is super happy most of the time, but today is the first day I noticed his stress marks.. hopefully he will become more comfortable within the next week or two.
Anyways, I feel my set up is pretty well adequate, can use some improving. Which is happening daily! But if anybody has any tips, tricks or helpful advice PLEASE reply! I'm always wanting to learn more
Thanks!
-Jay

 

[CooperDragon]

His setup looks pretty good! Which 10.0 bulb are you using? If this is a 40g breeder tank (36x18x17'') then I'd consider upgrading directly to a nice 22'' T5 bulb which will provide great UVB exposure for him. I also suggest mounting the temperature probe right on his rock (basking surface) so you have an accurate reading near where he basks. Perhaps it can be zip tied to one of the rock rungs just below the top where he basks. It's also good to have one on a surface on the cool end to monitor that side as well. If you pick up a temp gun that will give you pretty accurate spot readings on any surface and will work well. You don't need a really expensive one. Something like this should do the trick https://www.amazon.com/Nubee-Temperature-Non-contact-Infrared-Thermometer/dp/B00CVHIJDK

 

[JellyTheDragon]

His setup looks pretty good! Which 10.0 bulb are you using? If this is a 40g breeder tank (36x18x17'') then I'd consider upgrading directly to a nice 22'' T5 bulb which will provide great UVB exposure for him. I also suggest mounting the temperature probe right on his rock (basking surface) so you have an accurate reading near where he basks. Perhaps it can be zip tied to one of the rock rungs just below the top where he basks. It's also good to have one on a surface on the cool end to monitor that side as well. If you pick up a temp gun that will give you pretty accurate spot readings on any surface and will work well. You don't need a really expensive one. Something like this should do the trick https://www.amazon.com/Nubee-Temperature-Non-contact-Infrared-Thermometer/dp/B00CVHIJDK

That's a great idea! I was looking at the tube lights, trying to steer clear of the "Repti" brands, they seem to be over priced for something I can pick up at a wal-mart or home depot for cheaper.
As far as securing the probe to his basking spot, that was my first instinct, but I was concerned due to his immaturity he may chew on the probe or the wire? Is that an irrational fear?
Thanks for the feedback!

 

[CooperDragon]

I wouldn't worry too much about chewing. He may be curious about it, but it shouldn't cause much issue. The probe will be more effective right on the surface you want to measure but the temp gun will do the trick too.

Reptile brand UVB lights are fairly important because you need to provide adequate UVB exposure and it's probably the last place to skimp. This is the one I use and it's fantastic http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

The basking bulbs are less important. Their objective is to provide bright white light and heat. When that is combined with the UVB light over the basking area it simulates natural sunlight which is the goal. I use a PAR38 halogen flood light as my basking light and it works really well. It is also dimmable which is nice to fine tune output. I also have it on an adjustable lamp stand so I can raise/lower it to adjust temperatures as well.

 

[JellyTheDragon]

Aye aye, captain! Thanks for the info. I'm sure I'll be posting around in the other threads regarding any questions or concerns I'm sure I'll have over the next couple months until I have a firm grasp on this!
Thanks again for your feedback.