Lighting

[Reptileguy707]

Hello, I just introduced myself in another post. I do not have a dragon yet but I will hopefully be getting a baby pretty soon! But I bought a nice setup from someone on craigslist. It came with a reptile 10.0 bulb and a 2.0 bulb. I am guessing one is for UVB and UVA? I know they need the UVB and they need to be 6-8 inches from it but do they need UVA? And another question I have: How far away from the basking bulb are they supposed to be? Thanks for the help!

 

[RioReptiles]

You need to be very specific when it comes to UV bulbs for beardies. There are only a handful on the market that are even worth using. And they only put out the proper rays for about 6 months before you have to replace them. Find out the exact brand and manufacturer, and how old it is and someone here will let you know if it needs to be replaced or if its usable. If there is any doubt, get rid of the 10, I'm assuming its a flourescent tube and purchase a Repti-SUN 10 (NOT Repti-GLO). They are only about $20 at http://www.petmountain.com. Of course the Mercury Vapors are the best from reptileuv.com but it's up to you and how you have your setup. Another tip, if it's a tube, you need calcium with D3, if its a Mercury Vapor, no D3 is needed. Never get any of the compact florescent type coil bulbs, I don't think any of them are any good. Let us know, we'll make sure you're on the right track. Cheryl

 

[Reptileguy707]

OK, Thanks for your help! I will just buy new bulbs since I don't know how old they are!

 

[kirby]

go out and get a repti-SUN 10.0 and a regular flourescent (for brightness) get him within 8" when basking.