Lighting for 48"x18"x18" Terrarium

[BeardedDragonGma]

Hi All!

I am purchasing a Bearded Dragon for my reptile-loving son for his 12th birthday this month. I have purchased all of the necessities (and more, I'm sure). I know lighting is a crucial aspect in keeping our beardie happy and healthy, so my question is:

I purchased an "extra long" (48" x 18" x18") Carolina Customs Cages terrarium. I have a 100W ceramic lamp and a 100W UVB lamp I plan to put on the basking side of the tank and another 75W ceramic lamp that I plan to put on the opposite side for night, or to help regulate the temperature on the "cool side" to make sure it doesn't get too low.

Did I go overboard, should I purchase something else, any advise you can give?
For lighting, I have purchased the following lights:

Ceramic Lamp 100W
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IOBZT80/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Mercury Vapor Lamp 100W/400 UVB
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWSJKJ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

and a second

Ceramic Lamp 75W
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CWNMYN7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

 

[CooperDragon]

The CHE is good for nighttime and supplemental heat. I don't know that brand of Mercury Vapor bulb so I wouldn't trust it without using a Solarmeter to check it's output. I prefer using a T5 tube for UVB in a main enclosure anyway due to it's wider, more even output. This is an excellent choice for just about any large enclosure http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/ If you go with one of these, you'll also need a bright basking light to go with it. I've had good luck with GE PAR38 halogen flood lights in the past, but any wide beam, bright white light that produces adequate heat should do the trick.

 

[Claudiusx]

Seconding everything cooper said.

Additionally, make sure you have a good thermometer. Proper temps are just as important as proper lighting.

-Brandon

 

[BeardedDragonGma]

The CHE is good for nighttime and supplemental heat. I don't know that brand of Mercury Vapor bulb so I wouldn't trust it without using a Solarmeter to check it's output. I prefer using a T5 tube for UVB in a main enclosure anyway due to it's wider, more even output. This is an excellent choice for just about any large enclosure http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/ If you go with one of these, you'll also need a bright basking light to go with it. I've had good luck with GE PAR38 halogen flood lights in the past, but any wide beam, bright white light that produces adequate heat should do the trick.

Thank you very much! I will look into that light fixture. I did go to a couple of breeders today who said I might have gone overboard.... I would rather be over prepared. I will look into this light. It seems to have some great reviews! I buy everything based on A LOT of great reviews.

I also purchased this infared thermometer that had some great reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053Y6IPE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am trying to make sure our little lizard is happy! Thanks so much! I appreciate the feedback.

 

[BeardedDragonGma]

Seconding everything cooper said.

Additionally, make sure you have a good thermometer. Proper temps are just as important as proper lighting.

-Brandon

Hi Brandon,

I purchased (2) Precision Analog Thermometers (one for each side of the terrarium):
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BUFY6D6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

I also bought a temperature controller. Not sure if that works for my situation though. I may have to return (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015E2UFGM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

Thank you for your advise!

 

[CooperDragon]

Your temp controller is on/off so it will work with a ceramic heat emitter but not with a basking light. You'll want to get a dimming thermostat if you want to control the basking light (this isn't usually a necessity if you can get the temps close on their own).