My light too bright for the beardie?

[tripleh3lix]

Its a 150 watt Zoo Med, i am wondering if it's burning him up or if it's too bright for him? nothing wrong with it it's new, just REALLY bright when i even look into it. Also I know im not supposed to put it on top of the cage cause it makes a burning smell, also seems "cool" in the tank above it. tank is about 14 inches tall so, i stick the light in there is that safe? i used the petco thermo and it said 106 f right where the beam was and it's about 7** inches away from where he likes to hang out. He's hiding right now and it makes me worried.


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[diamc]

Beardies actually do better with a bright white basking light. What size tank are you using the 150 watt basking bulb in? Is the Petco thermometer a digital strip or round gauge (dial) type? Any type of stick-on thermometer can be off by as much as 20 degrees so if he is hiding, he more than likely IS too hot. If you have a Walmart near you, they have the AcuRite brand digital with probe that will give you both readings at the same time as well as the humidity level and it only costs $12.00, a very good investment. A lot of us here use them.

If you haven't given your beardie a bath today, I would highly recommend that you do that in case he is too hot as that could cause dehydration. How is his appetite?

 

[bdalton]

When I used a 150 watt I noticed the burning smell as well. I think it was due to it getting SO hot and the dome had a plastic base. It was a flukers dome rated for a 150 watt, but I didn't trust it. It ended up being right on point for temps the first day, but then would go anywhere from 103-125 and I've never had a bulb do that before. I ended up getting a 120 watt flood light and it worked great, and temps never were off more than 5 degrees. Now I just use clear household bulbs and I love them.


I don't want to distract you from diamc's questions, just wanted to tell you i knew the burning smell! Lol and only had it with the 150 watt, so once you answer her questions she will be able to help you!!!

 

[tripleh3lix]

Beardies actually do better with a bright white basking light. What size tank are you using the 150 watt basking bulb in? Is the Petco thermometer a digital strip or round gauge (dial) type? Any type of stick-on thermometer can be off by as much as 20 degrees so if he is hiding, he more than likely IS too hot. If you have a Walmart near you, they have the AcuRite brand digital with probe that will give you both readings at the same time as well as the humidity level and it only costs $12.00, a very good investment. A lot of us here use them.

If you haven't given your beardie a bath today, I would highly recommend that you do that in case he is too hot as that could cause dehydration. How is his appetite?

I gave him a bath today for about 15 mins, just got him yesterday. Stick on thermometer was left on the sand in the direct light bulb, however I don't know if I can afford that at the moment, i will try to get one. anything cheaper? I am using a 40 gal tank.

 

[diamc]

I don't want to distract you from diamc's questions, just wanted to tell you i knew the burning smell! Lol and only had it with the 150 watt, so once you answer her questions she will be able to help you!!!

It's ok bdalton, we are all here to share experiences. Unfortunately, we ALL know that "burning smell" and it's awful. :roll:

That's good that he got a bath today, that should help. A 150 watt seems kinda high for a 40 gallon tank. One of my tanks is a 40 breeder and I only need a 60 watt household bulb on the basking side to get a temp of about 103 and a 40 watt household bulb on the cool side to get a temp of about 80.

The Zilla thermometers are a little cheaper but not quite as accurate as the AcuRite but better than the stick on types. http://www.amazon.com/Zilla-11837-Terrarium-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B000NLOHJG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331088048&sr=8-1

 

[tripleh3lix]

I don't want to distract you from diamc's questions, just wanted to tell you i knew the burning smell! Lol and only had it with the 150 watt, so once you answer her questions she will be able to help you!!!

It's ok bdalton, we are all here to share experiences. Unfortunately, we ALL know that "burning smell" and it's awful. :roll:

That's good that he got a bath today, that should help. A 150 watt seems kinda high for a 40 gallon tank. One of my tanks is a 40 breeder and I only need a 60 watt household bulb on the basking side to get a temp of about 103 and a 40 watt household bulb on the cool side to get a temp of about 80.

The Zilla thermometers are a little cheaper but not quite as accurate as the AcuRite but better than the stick on types. http://www.amazon.com/Zilla-11837-Terrarium-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B000NLOHJG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331088048&sr=8-1

Yeah.. ill try to find something for the guy. Don't wanna burn him up. Should I just try to keep the light to a minimum and keep the UV light for 12 hours until i can get a temp reading? i know he can survive in my 70 degree house

 

[diamc]

Well, what you actually could do is drop down to a 75 watt household bulb and see how he acts. He should be wanting to stay on the basking spot for most of the day. If he doesn't want to stay there very long or doesn't sit directly under the light, then he is too hot. If he stays right under it ALL day, then he may not be quite hot enough so you could then try a 100 watt household bulb although I don't think you will need that. I wouldn't recommend using JUST the UVB though as that will prevent proper digestion and can cause stomach & pooping issues to develop.

 

[tripleh3lix]

Well, what you actually could do is drop down to a 75 watt household bulb and see how he acts. He should be wanting to stay on the basking spot for most of the day. If he doesn't want to stay there very long or doesn't sit directly under the light, then he is too hot. If he stays right under it ALL day, then he may not be quite hot enough so you could then try a 100 watt household bulb although I don't think you will need that. I wouldn't recommend using JUST the UVB though as that will prevent proper digestion and can cause stomach & pooping issues to develop.

Yeah I understand. Yeah he wasn't in the light all day, but he just kinda dug a hole in his rock dome and just been sleeping the last 4 hours.

 

[diamc]

I have to say that it sounds like he is over heating. I would definitely drop down to at least a 75 watt bulb and see how he is tomorrow, I would definitely give him a bath tomorrow too. I may have already asked you this, but did he poop the last few days? I'm kinda concerned about the sand causing an impaction.

 

[tripleh3lix]

I have to say that it sounds like he is over heating. I would definitely drop down to at least a 75 watt bulb and see how he is tomorrow, I would definitely give him a bath tomorrow too. I may have already asked you this, but did he poop the last few days? I'm kinda concerned about the sand causing an impaction.

Yep pooped just fine in the bath today. just got him so he is still adjusting. Also noticing he's shedding quite a bit, also again just got him yesterday. I don't have a 75 watt bulb, i have zero cash from all the food i bought. =/ However I just noticed the guy who I bought him from included another light that clips on to the inside of the enclosure, is 150w Zilla incandescent bulb BUT it has a dimmer. It also doesn't feel nearly as hot as of yet because the one i have is like a beam and is hot instantly.