Jumping...

[adamrich1013]

I've posted on the Health forum yesterday. I bought Phoenix, a 5-month old yesterday at a show. I had her set up all ready to go, but I was told the MINIMUM distance she should be away from her Solar Glo 160W blub should be 18". Today I saw her basking in her spot before I changed the distance, and I noticed her closing one eye at a time for a few seconds at a time. I didn't know if maybe the UVB was hurting her eyes at that close. So I listened to the board since none of you have steered me wrong yet in the short time I've been here, and I took out the branches I was using for her basking spot, and there isn't a way to lay them in her tank so she's 18" or more away. I instead used the cave she did have on her cool end under it, and now she can only get about 20" away from the blub. But right away, she doesn't seem too happy about it. She's already started jumping at the side of the tank trying to find a way to get higher. The temp at the level she's at right now is currently reading 86.7, but it's slowly going up because I've added a regular 150 watt bulb to try to add some heat. Has anyone else had this problem of them jumping at the glass to try to get higher? I don't know if it's something that will persist or if she'll do it for today and then just get over it and get used to the set up as it is now? Lemme know if you have any suggestions...I've seen some pet stores that have holdsters on the back of the tank that clamp the lamp above the tank and you can riase and lower it so it doesn't rest on the screen. If I could get one of those, I could raise the bulb and give her back her branch that she seems to prefer. Anyone know what those clamps are called and where I could get one for cheap? My budget for a few days is kind of limited.

 

[Gail]

I can't help with the heating issue as I don't use a MVB but I had one foster for awhile who tried everything in her power to get on top of the UVB tube light I have. The tube is on the inside of the tank, about 6" from a platform and she would jump at it for hours. Once I though she had escaped but I found her squished between the bulb and fixture, still don't know how she got up there as she was only 8" long or so at the time.

 

[puffwhizzcrooke]

I have one that likes to try and climb on the uvb light and one that could quite often be found on the power lead (I have moved the viv around so he cant do it now)

 

[diamc]

Are you referring to a lamp stand like this? http://www.amazon.com/Economy-Reptile-Lamp-Stand-Black/dp/B000HG76B8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1252896109&sr=8-1

What size is the tank? The Solar Glo's aren't as powerful or throw out as much heat as the T-Rex or Megaray but it is still important to not have it too close especially since you noticed eye symptoms. What type of thermometer are you using to check the temps? It seems like a 160 watt MVB and 150 watt basking bulb would get way too hot. With the MVB 20" away, it seems like you should be getting a higher reading than about 86. If you're using any type of stick-on thermometer, those can be as much as 20 degrees off. Please let us know what you find out.

Is there a way that you could put a log on the cool side that isn't too close to the MVB?

 

[adamrich1013]

It's a 55 gallon tank. It's a digital thermometer, and it is accurate. I tested it at night when the tank had cooled against my apartments thermostat. It might be that my fixtures might not be allowing the power output for a full heat. But what they're putting off now seems sufficient combined. The local pet store has one of those stands like you posted. I'll buy one soon. My beardie also DID stop jumping and got used to the light and seemed just as happy and comfy as before. It's been about 36 hours since I got her and she's already filled me with so much joy!

 

[diamc]

You're right, it might be the fixture that's holding the MVB. A deep dome with a ceramic top is what's recommended for those types of bulbs.

I have a 55 gallon tank and am using a 100 watt T-Rex MVB in a deep dome hood and get a basking temp of 104 with the bulb 16" from the basking spot and on the cool side, I have a 25 watt household bulb that gives a temp there of 81. That's why I was concerned about you using so much wattage, I was just trying to be cautious for you. That's good that he stopped jumping and seems happy now. They sure can melt your heartstrings real quick, can't they?

We'd love to see some pictures of your new baby when you get a chance.

 

[adamrich1013]

Thanks for the cautious advice and help. I've been that paranoid parent lately, but an outside opinion always helps.

And don't worry. I'll have a ton of pictures up soon. Just as soon as I can sneak off with my girlfriend's camera. It works out that Phoenix is finishing a shed anyway. And boy is she ever hiding a beautifully radiant red color under that shed. I see a little more by the hour it seems.

 

[diamc]

Well, now we really CAN'T wait to see those pictures.