Lighting Help for Newbies (:

[MissT]

Well after reading this thread (Thank all of you) I think I have come up with a suitable layout for my future Beardie. Free feel to provide any feedback positive or negative.

I plan to use either an exo-terra light unit with the end caps lilacdragon mentioned or just find two simpler yet just as effect fixtures from Wal-Mart for the fluorescents. More research to be done. And the fixture for the halogen I was thinking a ZooMed porcelain lamp? Now depending on the temps, a higher or lower wattage may be necessary but would the three bulbs mentioned/shown be efficient?

TBH, I don't think you will need the additional regular tube.
Also, you can pick up porcelain lamp holders for a fraction of the price at most hardware stores

 

[Elliot2012]

Thank you for the response MissT. I will definitely look at hardware store for a cheaper porcelain lamp. And about the other tube I figured the more light the better, no?

 

[MissT]

Really, I would wait and see how it looks when set up before installing an additional lamp. I use 1 36inch uv light in my 4ft vivs and realistically, another source of light isn't necessary.
You could also add an additional porcelain lamp holder on the cool side and add a low wattage lamp there (depending on your temps)-I think exoterra do a 15watt light that really doesn't give off much heat. It can also double as a fixture for your night time heat source, if you will be using one.

 

[Beardieboy2001]

My mom found a fan heat light bulb 40w that puts off enuff heat for a basking light, temp goes up to 100. is this ok to use?
can't afford a new light just yet, she says im bleeding her dry..yikes. Thanks

 

[smckay]

Thank you Jess! This is so helpful! I've had Little Monster for 3 days now and he needs a huge upgrade! The person who had him before I got him had a poor set up. He's in good hands now!

 

[sanchezjc]

hey there i have my bearded dragon set up just like u do but my beardie doesnt want to eat what so ever ?

 

[Jess]

Hmmm, maybe you should post in the health section. Your thread will get more attention that way.

 

[beardieluv]

What an awesome post! I could've used this when I was a beardie noob! haha Do you know if there are any good MVB's out right now? I know there were major issues with them before.

 

[Jess]

I think the PowerSuns are OK right now, according to RioReptiles.

 

[Just4fun]

So using a uvb light on the top of the screen is not a good idea? It needs to be hung from the inside of the habitat? I just got a baby and want her to be as healthy as she can.

 

[Jess]

Yup. The screen filters out the UVB, so it needs to be in the tank for her to get optimal UVB exposure.

 

[vborja]

oh noes!!!!! i got the zilla desert light grrrr could be why my juvenile was stargazing and acting up! he is better now even got his little attitude back lol but def will go replace it !!!!

 

[vborja]

i also have that crappy stick on thermometer gauges grrrrrrrrrrrr freakn petsmart lady with her "oh i own a beardie and this is what i use" crap lol oh wells ill get it right!

 

[MissT]

Just thought I would add some additional info for UK owners. Arcadia have brought out a t5 version of their 12% and 6% tubes. If you decide to go for one of these bulbs, do not use a reflector. The 12% should be at a distance of 12-20 inches and the 6% should be 6-8 inches away from beardie. Both provide more UV than the T8 arcadia and reptisun. They should span NO MORE Than 2/3 of the viv and there should be a clear 1/3 with no UV above. This is ONLY the T5 bulbs!!!!!

 

[Halister]

Also to add if you have a Zilla 50 desert series only place those ontop of the screen and never take off the plastic bulb cover. It puts out more to make up for the screen filtering. That info came directly from Zilla.