Lighting

[Critterlover]

I have a crossfire cage that I built 60 X 24 X 24. It has plexiglass for the front sliding doors. I have a 48" Reptisun in it. I am wondering if anyone can give me an idea of wattage for a basking lamp and CHE. It stays about 75 degrees in the room at night but it only stays at 65 or so during the winter. I live in South Central Nebraska if that helps. Any info would be appreciated. I will be getting my first Beardie baby next Friday and I wanna be ready for him.

Critterlover

 

[jarich]

Really doesnt sound like you will need the CHE to be honest. If it only gets down to 65F at night, thats still fine for them.

As for your basking lamp, it really depends on what 'furniture' youll have in there. Obviously if you have a big climbing branch that allows the dragon to get close to the light, it will be different than if you are just pointing it at the floor. I think generally most of us use between a 75-100 watt bulb for the basking area though.

 

[Critterlover]

Thank you for your help. I have a basking spot made of styrofoam and it sits about 10 inches under the light. Do you think that will be ok?

 

[jarich]

Made of styrofoam? Is it covered in grout or some similar hard covering? Exposed styrofoam would not be good as a basking platform no.

 

[Critterlover]

Yes, it is covered in 5 layers of grout, 3 layers of paint and 5 layers of Mod Podge. Do they prefer a flat basking spot or a branch? Just wanna make him feel at home