Lighting

[Larrys owner]

Hi! I was just wondering what are the best/cheap options for a 40 gallon bearded dragon tank. I hear that incandescent or halogen lights are good. What about the fixtures are there better/cheaper options than the ones at pet stores?

 

[CooperDragon]

It's a good idea to invest in high quality fixtures and lights for UVB, however for the heating, you can use parts y you get at a hardware store. I've had good luck using BR40 incandescent bulbs and PAR38 halogen bulbs, but as long as they are producing bright visible light, adequate surface temps, and a nice wide beam, they should be OK. For fixtures, I use brooder domes for chickens. They are better than the reptile specific fixtures and much cheaper. I can usually get them at the farm supply store for under $10 and they are rated to handle 300w.

 

[Larrys owner]

It's a good idea to invest in high quality fixtures and lights for UVB, however for the heating, you can use parts y you get at a hardware store. I've had good luck using BR40 incandescent bulbs and PAR38 halogen bulbs, but as long as they are producing bright visible light, adequate surface temps, and a nice wide beam, they should be OK. For fixtures, I use brooder domes for chickens. They are better than the reptile specific fixtures and much cheaper. I can usually get them at the farm supply store for under $10 and they are rated to handle 300w.

Thanks! I was just wondering that fixture says it hold a 22” but there isn’t a option for 24”

 

[hdochow]

if i'm understanding your question correctly, the bulbs are shorter than the fixtures. a 24" fixture holds a 22" bulb. i have a 36" fixture and it holds a 34" bulb.

 

[CooperDragon]

Yep, a 24'' fixture will typically hold a 22'' bulb.

 

[Larrys owner]

Ya that bulb is a 24” so that probably wouldn’t work