Megaray in new Enclosure

[tbelanger]

Hey guys, so I've heard some fabulous things about the Megaray and I've read about it and am interested in using it in the new enclosure my b/f and I are planning on building. I do have a few concerns, however. Typically UV bulbs are the long tubes so they stretch over most of the cage, so is having the UV in a flood light like that and only on a certain side a bad thing? What about lighting for the rest of the cage? I heard using an energy-saving regular house bulb will be okay for lighting the rest of the tank without affecting temperatures. Is that true? Do I need more than one Megaray, or will one be sufficient? Should I protect it, because it'll be so hot, as in put a wire mesh cage around it so my beardie can't touch it, or is it sufficient to have him far enough away?

Enclosure will be approximately 4' x 2' x 2' - I think we're just going to build a crossfire. So how have people who have crossfires and use megarays set it up? Pictures would be very helpful too!

Thanks so much!

 

[RioReptiles]

Just get one and put it at one end of the cage. It also serves as a basking bulb so you will find your dragon staying under it most of the time anyway. You only need additional lights in the cage if YOU prefer it. I like to leave the other end a little darker so later at night they can wander over there and tuck themselves into their blankies and cool down during the day if they need it. My viv is 18" tall, so I put a hole in the top and actually recessed the dome where it sits 3" down into the top. I don't put anything directly under it but a paper towel. I found they like to hang out around the outside of the beam of light so I arranged logs and furniture on the edges so they can thermo regulate and get plenty of UV. Your beardie knows what it needs! You will probably need 160 watt with a 24" height unless you recess the bulb or put it inside the viv. I have two 2" vents in the top on the side and front of the light, seems the heat comes out the top best. I started with no vents and started drilling holes until the temps were where I wanted them. There are also vents in the back and side of the viv. Look through the DIY and Vivs only thread to see what others have done. Don't worry! You'll be fine! Cheryl

 

[tbelanger]

Sounds great! Thanks so much for your help.