lighting...ARGH!!!

[krystalsboy]

Okay, I have a 30 gallon tank for my baby, what lighting do I need? Please me specific. RIght now I have two silver heat lamp domes. One has a 100w dayglo bulb. The other has a Reptiglo coil bulb UVB 10.0. I have heard this bulb is useless. Can I replace it with the compact ReptiSUN compact 10.0 bulb? Or should I purchase a reptisun tube. WHat kind of fixture do i need if using the tube? I seem to be getting mixed opinions. SOme people say to just go with the megaray tube and it will take care of everything (temp, uva, uvb). what is the cheapest fix I can do for now and what is the best fixture I can save up for??

 

[zebraflavencs]

No compact is good, they cause even worse issues than the glo. If you must change out, than I would recommend the sun tube or if your viv is 40 gallons or larger, a TRex or Mega Ray Mercury Vapor Bulb.
Go ahead and turn off the glo until you get a better UVB.
Petmountain.com has Sun tubes for $20.
Hope this helps you out !
Janie.

 

[krystalsboy]

what about the Mega-Ray SB 100 watt Self-Ballasted Flood UVB Lamp?

 

[zebraflavencs]

Megas are the BOMB ! However you need to use it in a 40 gallon or larger. Also it takes some "burn" time to settle in, this could take several days, and you will need to mount it in a ceramic holder rated for as high a temp as you can find.
Hope this helps out !
Janie.

 

[krystalsboy]

where can i find these holders?

 

[krystalsboy]

I think the 100 W Megaray will be fine for my tank. I will keep it at 18'' from the basking area and do spot checks with a temp gun. I think this is the best bang for my buck.

 

[krystalsboy]

just made an order with pet mountain:

multivit
calcium with d3
screen cover
flukers florescent fixture 24''
18'' t-8 reptisun uvb 10.0 tube light
and Zoo Med Digital Terrarium Thermometer

this should bring me up to date with all of your suggestions. Thanks again SO MUCH for you professional inputs!
This site is GREAT!!! ~Krystal

 

[zebraflavencs]

We try to help. Though I think at 18" your dragon won't get the UVB he needs...
Anyone else ? Drache ? Vicky ?
Janie.

 

[krystalsboy]

:shock: Really???? His cage is only 30" wide? I was gonna build up a platform so he can get closer to the light. I hope I can make it work because I already ordered everything. IT's gotta be better than nothing right? Thanks for the concern. ~Krystal