Need to switch UVB source. Help me get it right.

[Wookster]

OK, I'm going to bite the bullet. I have a reptisun 10 CFL. After some research I realized I have the Mini 13 watt version. Raise 4 inches off the lid and shining through a screen. That's not going to work.

I'm completely overwhelmed. I've been searching the web on dragon info avery spare moment I have for the past two weeks. Would you please be so kind to send me in the right direction for the best and most affordable light setup.

I have a 20G long, it has a steel mesh lid. 75W basking light. A basking rock that is in the left rear corner 7 inches hgh x 6 inches deep and long. It has a Tikki house aquarium ornament that is 8 inches high in the middle of the tank. I'm thinking 18 inch T8 Reptisun 10.0 with a Walmart cheapo fixture mounted to the top back glass. This will allow the beardie to get within 3" of the tube in its basking spot. I could move the basking spot to the front of the tank and have the light on the top back, but that puts the light at an angle to the beardie while basking. So I'm out of ideas. What do I have to do to keep this guy healthy?

 

[CooperDragon]

In the 20g long the T8 is a good choice. I'd put it in a reflective fixture (zilla slimline for example) and just put it on top and build a basking spot to get within 6'' of it. I use that tank for travel and use the 18'' T8 and it's fine.

That tank won't last for long though so you'll want to start planning to get a 40g breeder (or bigger if you can). When you have something at least 36''x18''x18'' I would get a T5 bulb and fixture which have an optimal output at 12-14'' above the basking area so they can easily be mounted right on top.

I suggest This fixture http://www.amazon.com/Sunblaster-904296-NanoTech-Fixture-Reflector/dp/B00AKKUBDQ
With this bulb http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun-10-0-Lamp/dp/B00AQU8HAO/

Or this combo set http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/

 

[Wookster]

Thanks cooper. I'm going to try and use a really cheap fixture and either VHB tape it to the glass or zip tie it to the screen. Or just lay some of our chrome vinyl on the fixture to make it a reflector. I don't want to throw too much money at it because it is a temporary home. His adult enclosure will be 96x 20 x (whatever works out that keeps me from buying and cutting a 3rd sheet of plexi). He will live on the top of my bookcases with a hinged front panel that will allow me to access the entire tank from the side. At least that's how the plan looks.

 

[CooperDragon]

That sounds like a nice permanent home. Definitely invest in good lights for that one though. For now, if you're using a wal-mart style under counter fixture, just make sure it sits about 6'' right overhead from the basking spot and it should be sufficient. Tied to the screen top or using some command hooks should do the trick.

 

[Wookster]

I have a 48 inch dual fixture T5 HO waiting for the new home. Its a carryover from when I had a 60 gal Blackwater amazon tank. It was able to grow duckweed and amazon swords fast enough to consume the nitrate load and make water changes unnecessary. Well, I switched to Mbuna's and they hate bright lights, and nothing but algae grows in their liquid rock, alkaline as can be water. So to the reptiles it goes. I've considered selling these tanks that I produce. Shipping is always the killer. But if someone was ok with using a little acetone on a couple of places, I could ship flat the acrylic and people could have really cool custom enclosures for a fraction of the cost. Although at this point I'm considering partitioning the large enclosure to have more dragons. I started this project for my reptile loving daughter. But I'll be darn if they don't grow on you quick. My wife and I both teared up when we lost the first one. We had it for 4 days. Something special about these critters.

 

[CooperDragon]

Something special about these critters.

There certainly is...

 

[Wookster]

18" Zillo Slimline Desert reptile has been installed. Its the same light the pet store used. Been about 20 minutes and his activity level is improving and he's lookin at those crickets.

 

[CooperDragon]

Glad to hear it!

 

[Wookster]

the instructions don't say to, but it has an acrylic cover. Do I need to remove it? Is it a type of plastic that doesn't block UVB?

 

[CooperDragon]

Yes, you want to remove the cover so nothing is between the bulb and the basking area. The plastic will block the UVB.

 

[Wookster]

alright, got the cover off. Just for fun I have both lamps running at the same time to do a comparison. I tell you what. The T8 has a much different hue to it. Happy is much more active. He hasn't eaten a cricket yet, but he it repositioning himself rather regularly. He seems to find a spot he likes and closes his eyes and just basks. Unless anyone moves....or makes noise. I think bringing him into a living room with a 4 year old, 6 month old, and a dog has been an adjustment. For the past two days while we were all at work he has left his basking spot, and knocked greens out of his food dish. I think he may be hitting some of the crickets while we are gone and the house is quiet. Going to try and get an exact count of whats in the tank when I put in crickets in the morning. Also, how do I keep collard greens fresh for long enough for him to eat them? I put new stuff in every day, but in two to three hours its all dehydrated. I think I might need a humidity meter. With as dry as the house gets with the AC on, plus heating the air up 20-30 degrees. I bet the humidity levels in that tank could be approaching single digits.

I sprayed him with water while he was in his basking spot twice today. He licked the water off his face and off the rock. Now that I think about it, his water bowl was epty in 24 hours. I better get a humidity meter. Is too dry a bad thing?

 

[CooperDragon]

Too dry can be bad but I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just make sure the greens go in fresh and he'll go after them in the morning if he wants. Cooper used to like eating the crunchy greens at the end of the day sometimes. I just provided a fresh salad every morning and it was OK. I wouldn't leave crickets in the tank though. I feed bugs in small batches so they can be tracked easily and removed if he doesn't want them. They're vicious little things and will bite him while he sleeps. Worms are OK to leave though. You can put some worms in his salad or one of those curved dishes they can't easily get out of.

 

[Wookster]

My plan is to remove the crickets nightly. The basking rock I have is a bit problematic. It is hollow and a preformed piece of plastic or resin. Lots of insect hiding places. When I drop crickets in, they all go to the hole in the basking rock. His activity level tonight was through the roof, so I think the UVB light has helped. My plan is to count how many crickets I drop in tomorrow morning and see how many I pull out tomorrow night. He hasn't had a bowel movement since yesterday. He still has a good plump belly though. He must be eating something. The UVB is certainly helping. On a side note. I have just enough light in the living room to see what he is doing after I turn the lights off. He has both his back legs kicked out, his arms crossed, and his head resting on them. Sound asleep. I think it may be the most endearing thing I've ever seen with a reptile. He was looking a little "wrinkly" today, so I sprayed him with water a couple times. He lapped it up every time. off his face, and off the rock. Now, no wrinkles. That makes me think its pretty dry in there. that and crickets cant survive 24 hours in the tank. The beardie is actively lapping up water from the bowl and the ground, and off his face. So I think I can keep him hydrated till I find a solution. Making a point to mist him over head to tail a couple times a day. Fall is coming. As soon as the HVAC goes to heat I can control the humidity in the house. Till then it may take some guesswork.