my viv project

[Chiefin29]

I think that the Sylvania may work for you then. I don't want to get your hopes up, but with just the sylvania....i need a tad more heat...just ever so slightly lol. The color temp on the box states 3000k....it's actually very nice color that casts very clean and crisp shadows (so more realistic) due to the clear glass.

I purchased so many bulbs, and most made things just absolutely too hot....there's a 50 watt reflective style halogen I'm going to try next...may still be too hot. We'll see.

I did try the sylvania 50 watt halogen flood - daylight (heavier style spot light) still too hot. Still need to try 2 more.

 

[SeanFred]

I found that using foam board and grout not only made my viv look better (in my opinion) it also helped insulate the viv making it cheaper and easier to heat and maintain the temps. I use 2 75W incandescents dimmed down to 75% to keep my 6' viv at 95F on the hot side (105F Basking spot) and 74F on the cool side. To me, it was worth the time, effort and mess.

 

[Jaskotch]

the melamine is a fairly good insulator... if anything, i have lots of vents- however, this will be something i'm thankful for once summer comes...
what i've found now that i've populated my viv with furnishings is..... temps are much more stable and manageable. i actually went back to the halogen flood lamp that i'd tried initially- with a dimmer, i'm able to get temps where i want them. i'm pretty happy with how this has turned out, seeing as how i didn't HAVE A CLUE when i started. therefore, anyone looking who thinks "i can't build my own" - take what i have done as inspiration: you CAN do it!
the only furnishings i purchased were the 1 small piece of manzanita, and the half log. i harvested the river rocks and the rest of the wood, which is birch. everything is quite secure- cross braces on the platform on the left side (makes a nice, long hide too), and on the right side, everything's just wedged in there so that it can't fall.
one of the things i'm most thrilled with is the arcadia bulb, the end cap with external ballast installation, and the arcadia reflector. that reflector is totally AWESOME. doubles the output, you can direct the output by rotating the reflector to the right angle, it is just too cool! big shout out to Todd at LightYourReptiles! woowhooo!!!

 

[scm133]

That is one awesome viv...well done!!! Where are you getting your dragon, and when???

 

[Jaskotch]

Well to answer your question...
The successful conclusion to my viv project

 

[scm133]

Oh, sweet baby!!! I know he is scared, but his coloring looks good. What is his age?

 

[Jaskotch]

hatch date 9/18/12
he pooped on the journey and got a little stained green on his back, poor guy. earned himself a bath, right out of the box! looks like he's in a shed, too. some leg skin came off in the bath, but not all the stain! he's a new green morph! ah
i have never handled a beardie before (yes, i did one of those "unboxing" videos, it should be hilarious) and i thought, man, he's so calm and docile! i think he's waking up now though, he just ran over to the branches and climbed on up! lots to learn, me

 

[scm133]

They are docile critters. You will have to post, or send me the unboxing video!! How are the temps holding up?

 

[Gogzieboy]

well done on the viv, im jealous lol

 

[Gogzieboy]

what dimensions is that btw? wouldn't mind giving it a bash myself! or anyone got an idea for height on a 3ft wide enclosure?

 

[scm133]

what dimensions is that btw? wouldn't mind giving it a bash myself! or anyone got an idea for height on a 3ft wide enclosure?

I believe it is 4x2x2. Jaskotch will correct me if I am wrong.