Hello, I have a few problems and in need of help. When I originally purchased my bearded dragon, two weeks ago, I bought a bulb UVB light by mistake, under the assumption that it provided enough UVB. I read on here that it is better to have one of the Reptisun strip ones, so I bought that. I first bought the 48 inch one with the 48 inch hood, only to realize that not only does the 48 inch bulb not fit in the 48 inch hood, but that it was also too big for my cage. I wanted to mount one inside, and read that I should get an under-the-counter florescent fixture, so I did. I bought one that was 36 inches and another UVB bulb. I bought this bulb: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F97J86/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and this fixture: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ET6D7A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1, only to realize that the bulb doesn't fit. I already wasted a lot of money, I will probably have to sell the ones I bought my accident on craigslist, and wanted to find one that 100% works before I buy it, so I avoid making the same stupid mistake.
The one you ordered should come included with a bulb, in case it doesn't you need to find a bulb with these parametres.
Bulb: 36-Inch T8,Wattage: 25 w
It's best if you get one by the same company, usually these bulbs are carried in pet stores like PetCo and PetSmart
Otherwise, you don't always need a hood for these bulbs. Your best bet is going to be a special lid (even cutting it yourself around the fixture and leaving just enough for the plastic to rest on while the light is unimpeded. Unless you have a super tall viv then mounting these inside tanks can get dangerous if your dragon surfs and hits it, or even get burned by it.
The one you ordered should come included with a bulb, in case it doesn't you need to find a bulb with these parametres.
Bulb: 36-Inch T8,Wattage: 25 w
It's best if you get one by the same company, usually these bulbs are carried in pet stores like PetCo and PetSmart
Otherwise, you don't always need a hood for these bulbs. Your best bet is going to be a special lid (even cutting it yourself around the fixture and leaving just enough for the plastic to rest on while the light is unimpeded. Unless you have a super tall viv then mounting these inside tanks can get dangerous if your dragon surfs and hits it, or even get burned by it.
I'd be fine with just using the hood and putting it on top, however then whenever I try to take off the screen it is such a pain. I already hung my lights from the ceiling, which was pretty annoying.
I saw some screen covers that allow you to open only half of the tank, but I couldn't find any for a 75 gallon tank. Any suggestions?
Unfortunately I don't think they manufacture screens like that with your dimensions. You have a rather large tank that many reptile owners don't have. From what I see your best bet is going to be contacting an independent tank/screen manufacturing and getting one to order. Either that or dealing with the lid you have or one that folds laterally. If you really want a screen that hinges longitudinally then you're going to have to get one custom made or buy a smaller tank. (Possibly even look for a larger 80-90 gallon screen cover and cut it down?)
I apologize and wish I could do more. But that's all I can personally think of.
Unfortunately I don't think they manufacture screens like that with your dimensions. You have a rather large tank that many reptile owners don't have. From what I see your best bet is going to be contacting an independent tank/screen manufacturing and getting one to order. Either that or dealing with the lid you have or one that folds laterally. If you really want a screen that hinges longitudinally then you're going to have to get one custom made or buy a smaller tank. (Possibly even look for a larger 80-90 gallon screen cover and cut it down?)
I apologize and wish I could do more. But that's all I can personally think of.
I thought a 75 gallon tank was a common size for bearded dragons? I was also wondering if there is some obvious way to deal with this dilemma as I dont believe everyone has a folding screen. When the people without a folding screen want to reach into their tank, do they always have to take all the lights off?
Usually the common size for adult beardie tanks is about 40 gallons. With my babies I currently have 20's that will go to 40's, but my screen's aren't hinged.
You can take the lights off every time, I personally just slide my screens back a bit and bring my beardies out through the opening that way. Some owners circumvent this entirely by getting exoterra tanks that have doors and open front facing ways.