NEW Beardie - A Few Questions

[PaigeMe]

Hi! I just got a Beardie. He's about 5 years old. I got his enclosure, too, but I had to clean out the sand and put tile down, which I did as soon as I got him. He's been hiding under his stone cave for about 3 days (eats only when put in front of him), so I took the cave out today. He is FINALLY out and about - exploring - even pooped! But I have a couple questions... 1) he's trying to eat - pops his tongue out, but he rarely is able to pull food into his mouth. Is this a concern? 2) His enclosure is quite big - all wood with plexiglass sliding doors on the front. The basking side is around 100, but the other side is only about 75. Do I need more light/heat? Using 2 UVB bulbs (24" Reptisun) plus a 150w ExoTerra Intense Basking Spot bulb.
He seems to be a darker color than when he was in his other home. Is this an indication of anything?
I just want him to be happy and healthy in our home. I hope you guys can shed some light for me - no pun intended! Thanks!!!

 

[KarrieRee]

Hi! I just got a Beardie. He's about 5 years old. I got his enclosure, too, but I had to clean out the sand and put tile down, which I did as soon as I got him. He's been hiding under his stone cave for about 3 days (eats only when put in front of him), so I took the cave out today. He is FINALLY out and about - exploring - even pooped! But I have a couple questions... 1) he's trying to eat - pops his tongue out, but he rarely is able to pull food into his mouth. Is this a concern? 2) His enclosure is quite big - all wood with plexiglass sliding doors on the front. The basking side is around 100, but the other side is only about 75. Do I need more light/heat? Using 2 UVB bulbs (24" Reptisun) plus a 150w ExoTerra Intense Basking Spot bulb.
He seems to be a darker color than when he was in his other home. Is this an indication of anything?
I just want him to be happy and healthy in our home. I hope you guys can shed some light for me - no pun intended! Thanks!!!

The UVB is where in the tank ? Top of screen or inside-- Is it a T 5 or a T 8? this is crucial --- basking temps need to be surface temps digital probe thermometer-- probe on the spot where he basks 95-100-- darker color could be he was cold -- they will darken to absorb the heat --- please put his cave back in his tank --- it is brumation season so for being 5 has he ever brumated before --- mine miss there insects but they do usually get them is this the case here ? what size tank is he in now?