My set up. Any suggestions?

[AmyChris07]

Hello All! I'm a new Beardie owner and was curious if you have any suggestions for my setup? I did lots of research and really the only thing I notice needing a slight change is the positioning of the UVB light since it currently sits on top of the screen...?

 

[Novia]

Yeah. Definitely get rid of the screen because it blocks out all of the important rays that you will need also, I would not suggest the red bulb. Bearded Dragons have much better sight than we do and the red can screw with their vision (especially don't use it at night) if you need extra heat at night use a ceramic heat emitter (CHE). If you need a basking light get a ZOOMED 75 or 100W basking light. They work best. Chose which one to use based on the temperature it creates. For babies you will need a higher temperature. Also, what is the rating of the UVB bulb you are using? I would recommend a 10.0 Acadia or 10.0 Reptisun, they are the best and provide the much needed UVB for your loved creatures' growth and matabolism.

EDIT: the Heat/basking bulb should be in the same area as the UVB probably on the highest point in the cage so he can adjust his own heat based on if he wants to be hotter or cooler.

 

[AmyChris07]

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will replace the heat bulb today. The warm side is 95 and the cooler side is 80. I have the Reptisun 10.0

So since I have that large branch in the center I should position the heat lamp to the center?

And when you say get rid of the screen you just mean I need to mount the light under it or use an alternative top?

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[Taterbug]

What type of light do you have, there are two types; T5 (5/8" diameter) and T8 (1" diameter). It's not true that screen will block out all the important rays, but it does filter out about 35-50% of light. So for weaker bulbs this can be a big problem.

Scoot the heat and uvb over to one side so they shine at the same spot. I love all the climbing structures he has.

 

[Novia]

I would put the talk branch to one side and put the heat lamp over that so you can keep you got to cold gradient. How old is your dragon? If it's a baby you want it to be about 110degrees f if it's an adult then probably 100-105 the cool side about 80.
With the lid, I personally don't see the need for the lid. But if you want to keep it then mount the light inside the lid and cut a hole for the basking lamp so none of the light is blocked.

 

[AmyChris07]

Taterbug, yes I have the T8.

Took the suggestions and made the adjustments to the tank... Also, love the idea of cutting a hole in the lid. Much easier solution for all of it. I was able to mount the UVB light with the Command strip holds 9lbs. Only issue is its only good to 105 degrees so I'm going to cut the hole in the lid...

Yeah I read they love to climb so I figured he'd want options, and he does! Uses each of them throughout the day. Part of the reason why I need the lid. Because of all the plants and stuff he's able to climb to the top of the tank and he's so active and curious he'd probably leap out

 

[AmyChris07]