Lighting scare!

[sarahb]

Alright so I have talked to some wonderful people on here, but I would really like to know because I keep worrying and stressing about this but I need some real answers. My bearded dragon, Reo (had for three months now) has only a UVA light. NOW, before anyone kills me. I did not know at the time of buying the light that I didn't know it was only a UVA light. It didn't say on the box that it was ONLY a UVA. I just assumed that it was both a UVA/UVB light bulb. Wrong was I. It's not three months later and my dragon has only been living off of IVA light of 150 watt and now I am told it's only a UVA light. Freaking out much? Yes, I am. I am afraid I am going to kill my dragon if I don't get this UVB light soon and quick. I have visited several pet stores already and NONE carry Reptisun IVB light. Only Reptiglo and RZilla and I was told both brands are bad. Please tell me that I haven't caused severe damage to my beardie already. Nothing is wrong with her, she is very alert and active. She is swift like the wind and always trying to run. Nothing is wrong or around her eyes, nothign foaming from the mouth. But please tell me I haven't caused any severe damage to he bones or health within three months. I do feed her alot all different stuff and she eats and drinks normally. So should I be shot for deriving my bearded dragon UVB light?

I need to find an hood that isn't like 3123133$ lol. Okay maybe not that much but in the price range of 18$-40$ possibly would be great.

 

[Pravius]

I am going to be honest with you... and would NEVER recommend this but dragons have been raised without UVA/UVB lights (granted this makes the risk of MBD wayyyy higher and again would NEVER recommend this) ... it's not healthy but I do not think your dude is going to die. There are a few alternatives I would suggest ..

1. Take him outside (if you live in warm temps) natural sunlight is great for these animals and will provide some nice natural Ultraviolet rays.

2. Buy a Mercury Vapor Bulb ( http://www.reptileuv.com/megaray-sb-100-watt-self-ballasted-flood-uvb-lamp.php ) this will fit in your current incandescent fixture and will last longer then fluorescent bulbs. Shipping may take a few days but it will save you money and in my opinion is the best source of lighting for your little dude.

 

[sara24354]

I think you should be ok,but please try to get a UVB as soon as possible. Taking your dragon outside if sunlight and temps are good is a great suggestion and don't worry too much if your dragons colors darken it may just be soaking up sunlight. Always watch for birds and don't let your baby get taken by a bird.A reptisun 10.0 flourecent bulb is great and can be found online for as little as $18-$20 I just ordered one a couple of months ago. Be sure to get the reptiSUN. http://www.petmountain.com is a good place to order from and they also have discounts each month just click on the coupn button at the bottom of the page,you can also order calcium and vitamins for your beardie there much cheaper than buying them in a pet store if ordering lighting as well.To give you an example,I ordered a reptiSUN 10 plus calcium dust and with shipping it was like $33 compared to just the $30 or more you would pay for the light at a pet store. (At my local pet store just the bulb is $29.00 for a reptiSUN 5)
HUgs,
Sara

 

[darkcirca]

Ordering a bulb online may be easiest, and usually the cheapest. I always pickup mine up from That Pet Place during their anniversary sale, mostly due to the $15 cost.

As for a hood/fixture, have you checked out craigslist? I got a hood which holds 2 lights and a UVB bulb for free from someone that used to rehabilitate turtles (now does Rabbits). If you've got the screen top already, go to Home Depot or Lowes and just get a fixture that has a standard plug on it (make sure it isn't a hardwire one) and remove the plastic. I use these my one dragon, and my panther chameleon without problems. Picked this up for under $10..

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General Discussion to Enclosures

 

[Acill]

Dont get the reptisun 5, that not intended for a beardie. You need at least an 8 and a 10 is prefered for desert animals.

 

[sara24354]

I wasn't getting a reptisun 5 nor was i recommending it I was just telling her the price,possibly a reptisun 10 is higher I know it is here it's like $35 at the pet store. I'm sorry if I caused any confusion.