Lighting Help

[digitalpunk]

Can anyone give a standard for the lights and there on off time.
I know the basking light should be on 12-14 what about the UV light? I'm very new to owning a reptile we've only had our beardie a few days. I currently have a 100W basking light and a small UV bulb I just ordered the retipsun 10.0 to replace that with because I've read so many bad things about the smaller compact and coil bulbs. I'm try to get him setup and a lot of the material for his terraium came with him. So after reading about what's best I've decided to make a few changes to it all. So any input will greatly be appreciated.

 

[CooperDragon]

The basking light and UVB tube should be on together, for the same length of time. It makes sense to plug them into the same timer. I try to imitate the sun so the lights are on longer in the summer than in the winter. I make small adjustments so the lights are in line with my schedule though. At the moment, lights go on around 6:30 so he is warm by 7 when I take him out for bath time and breakfast before I go to work. Then the lights are on until about 8:30 so I have time with him after work. In the winter the lights go on around the same time (to fit my schedule) and go off at around 6 or so (a bit after the sun goes down, but I want some time after work) =).

 

[digitalpunk]

I was doing just that, but noticed my humidity would rise and temp lower
A lot in the night. Humidity would be around 50-60% and the temp as low as 70
75 (is that ok)? So I was leaving the UV light on to keep it more regulated at night. I don't like leaving the light on though. I'm about to purchase a digital thermometer and timer because I don't think my analog is very accurate anyway.

 

[CooperDragon]

If you're going to get a new thermometer, I suggest a temp gun because they are great for getting quick readings all over. You can get one for about $20 on amazon. As long as your nighttime temps don't drop below 65, you don't need additional heat at night. I would leave all lights off at night. If you find that your temps do drop below 65 (maybe in winter) then I suggest using a ceramic heat emitter because that will emit heat but no visible light which can disrupt sleep.

 

[digitalpunk]

What about the humidity getting so high at night? I think I will go with the heat gun, that way I can see how accurate my Temps really are. I want to make sure he's as comfortable as possible.

 

[CooperDragon]

50-60% humidity is a little high but not alarmingly so. If it decreases during the day (probably due to the increased heat in the tank) I wouldn't take action unless it starts getting higher at night.