Looking for Enclosure Advice!

[goatsweg]

Hello! The pics attached are of my 7-8 month old Beardie, Peaches. She (he, maybe) is currently in a 4'x18"x18" enclosure, so around 66 gallons and a thinner and shorter than the gold standard 4x2x2. Is this an alright size for her for now? Would love to upgrade but she's also due for a new UV-B (couple weeks short of 6 month mark), is it a big priority at this stage? Also just looking for general advice, I think she needs more enrichment and space but I dont know how to achieve that. Happy to ask any questions, thank you guys for any and all advice!

 

[KarrieRee]

Hello! The pics attached are of my 7-8 month old Beardie, Peaches. She (he, maybe) is currently in a 4'x18"x18" enclosure, so around 66 gallons and a thinner and shorter than the gold standard 4x2x2. Is this an alright size for her for now? Would love to upgrade but she's also due for a new UV-B (couple weeks short of 6 month mark), is it a big priority at this stage? Also just looking for general advice, I think she needs more enrichment and space but I dont know how to achieve that. Happy to ask any questions, thank you guys for any and all advice!

If your using a T 5 you dont need to change the bulb out til around 10-11 months-- the 66 gallon is ok -- they like floor space if that helps

 

[Claudiusx]

due for a new UV-B (couple weeks short of 6 month mark)

T5 bulbs are effective for 12 months. T8's are effective for 6 months. Once you hit the number for whichever bulb you have, it's best to just proactively replace it if you don't have a solarmeter 6.5.

The tank looks very nice. I'm sure she is happy with what she has as long as her temperatures are right

-Brandon

 

[magicmagni]

I've seen adults somehow survive in a 36inch enclosure.. Bigger is always better, but you can make what you have work just fine so I wouldn't worry too much. That said if you ever have the room and or the $$ to upgrade it's worth it and your Dragon will have an even better life! Dubia.com makes a nice 4x2x2 with screen top that is not too bad. If you have more $$ to spend I really like the Kages or Toad Ranch enclosures.. If you're going to spend the money and have room go 5 x2 x2 and give her even more space.

Claudiusx is correct, but if you have $$ in your budget pick up a device called a Solarmeter 6.5 to test your bulbs -I've seen them now on Amzon for about $225 (yeah they are pricy sadly) This can be used to test the output of your bulbs which will tell you went it's time to replace. For example, I have been able to get 2 years instead of 1 sometimes on the arcadia bulbs, but if I didn't have the meter I wouldn't know if it was good or bad. Better safe than sorry without the meter and replace sooner.