lighting help

[360waves123]

whats the farthest a dragon can be from a uvb bulb my dragon is about 19 inches away from the floor and 17-18 when hes basking on the rock is that ok ? mounting the bulb inside is not a option sadly. and if thats to far i got some small amazon boxes i can set his basking rock on to make him closer to the lights if that would be fine ? he will be able to get onto the boxes to get to the rock if it i do that

 

[Claudiusx]

If you can't bring the bulb closer, you need to bring the dragon closer.

I assume you have a reptisun 10.0 and not an MVB right? If so, 6-8 inches UNOBSTRUCTED is the recommendation. Since you are obstructing the bulb with a screen, you should try to add a reflector to your fixture.

The difference between the uvb rays that will reach your dragon at 6-8 inches and the rays that will reach your dragon at 19 inches is over a 4x difference. Which means your dragon is getting 4x less UVB than he should be getting in a proper setup.

-Brandon

 

[360waves123]

thankx brandon i put some amazon boxes in there so he can be closer heres a pic do you think he will get harmed from the boxes or anything ? http://i40.tinypic.com/2nr0s1w.jpg he easily get to the rock without a problem. and he stays on the rock most of the day except when i take him out or when hes eating

 

[Claudiusx]

That should be fine. you could go to a home improvement store and pick up some pavers or bricks to make a bit of a ramp or basking spot up closer. Just make sure you clean them first.

Curiously, why can't you mount that fixture inside the tank?

-Brandon

 

[360waves123]

ok thankx also do you know the recommended time for them to be in the sun to get the right amout of uvb. im gonna take him out so hes for sure getting enough..and because moneys a little tight after just buying a bigger cage to take him out of his 10g

 

[Claudiusx]

Half an hour of time outside should be great.

Just make sure you are not keeping him in a glass tank outside as the glass amplifies the heat.

-Brandon

 

[360waves123]

ok thankx. he wont be in a tank outside i give him baths everyday at 2 that last untill 230 and i always keep him out to hang around with me after the bath untill 3 30 so he can stay tame so ill take him outside for 30 min before sense hes gonne be out the cage anyway