MVB in 29 Gal?

[ripcord182]

What would happen if I were to use an MVB in my 29 Gal (12"W x 30"L) tank? I know it says not to use them in under 40 Gal I just can't afford to replace the tubes every 6 months.

 

[peera]

It's to hot for a smaller than 40gal, you won't be able to get the temps right with everything at the proper distances. Really, 2 UVBs a year is the same price as one good MVB, which lasts for a year... have you looked at the Reptisun on http://www.petmountain.com? It's the best UVB and that's the best price for it. IT's either that or upgrade your tank, which you'll need to be doing anyhow (Craigslist is a good place to look when money is an issue.)

 

[ripcord182]

How big before I will have to upgrade?

 

[peera]

*shrug* Personally, I advocate getting the full sized tank to begin with so you never need to upgrade. How old is your dragon? Since your current tank is only 12" deep, your dragon is going to start having difficulty turning without being scrunched very quickly. Properly cared for, they do the majority of their growing in the first 6 months and can be over 16 inches within that time.

 

[ripcord182]

I don't have another dragon yet. My last one died from a neurological disorder at only 3-4 months. What size tank do you have?

 

[peera]

I have a 75 gal for my boy, a 40gal breeder for my older girl, and a "custom" 3'x1.5' enclosure for my baby. Personally, I'd like something bigger for both the girls, but between the human baby I have coming and moving, these will have to do for the time being.

 

[ripcord182]

what is the difference between the Reptisun 5.0 and 10.0??

 

[peera]

The 10.0 is stronger and won't need replaced for a couple months longer. Here's a study showing the differences- http://www.uvguide.co.uk/fluorescenttuberesults.htm

 

[boxers]

it isn't too hot for one until you try it.... (without your beardie in it). just make sure to use a temp. probe, and test under the basking, on the cool side, and in the middle, and make sure you beardie wont get closer than about 10 inches to the bulb. as long as it has good air flow, and proper temps, i think its fine

 

[ripcord182]

Do the UVB tubes wear out after 6 months of manufactured date or 6 months of running them?

 

[akingsley9000]

6 months after running them. :wink:

it isn't too hot for one until you try it.... (without your beardie in it). just make sure to use a temp. probe, and test under the basking, on the cool side, and in the middle, and make sure you beardie wont get closer than about 10 inches to the bulb. as long as it has good air flow, and proper temps, i think its fine

FYI: MVBs need to be at least 12 inches from the basking spot for the 100 watts and at least 18" for 160 watts. In a 29 gallon that would mean that there would have to be no basking platform or the the bulb would have to be suspended above the tank. While UVB is excellent for beardies it is not so good for us to be exposed to for long periods of time. It is recommended that if you are going to be working in the tank for any period of time that you turn off the UVB lights.

 

[boxers]

12 inches not 10 MY MISTAKE.
mine is about 13 inches away and the basking and non basking temps are great. 107 basking 75-80ish on the cool side(i use a 100watt)
make sure you measure the distance from the bulb and not necessarily the bottom of the fixture, it could make a 1-2 inch difference..
also not all 29 gallon tanks are the same dimensions. and FYI no one said you have to have a basking platform or anything.

 

[akingsley9000]

Boxer - I hope you didn't take my post offensively, that was not my intention.

Do you mind if i ask what MVB you are using?

 

[ripcord182]

akingsley9000 what brand of harness is that for your beardie? does it like it?

 

[akingsley9000]

Its a T-Rex Reptile Comfort Harness http://www.reptilesupply.com/index.php?cName=Leashes+&+Harnesses&cPath=122

Well she certainly doesn't love it but i don't think it really bothers her. I have been using it on her since she was a baby. I think she knows that she gets to go outside if her harness is on.

I use this for my male as well and he will throw a temper tantrum for the first few min and try to wiggle out but once he realizes that he is not going to escape he gives up and just enjoys the freedom.