New Beardie owner enclosure question

[jren83]

So I got my enclosure set up and have been watching the temperature, I hit my 110 degree mark since the beardie I'm picking up is still a baby. I was just curious because the 110 is at the very tip of the "perch" I put in, 2" down I'm getting 96 and at the base it's reading 81 degrees and the cool side is 78. Is that ok? I am using a 10 gallon tank because the next couple of months I will be building it's permanent enclosure.

For a basking bulb I am using a 38W halogen indoor floodlight and a compact Reptisun 10.0 for UVB

 

[CooperDragon]

That temperature gradient sounds just about right (I know it's difficult to control the temps in such a small tank). You may need to tweak it for a while but in general the basking spot (top of the perch in this case) should have the 110 with some 90s around it and a cool side at 75-85. One thing I would change is replace the compact fluorescent bulb with a fluorescent tube (probably an 18'' tube with a T8 fixture for a 10g tank) as those provide a more consistent and widespread output.

 

[jren83]

I was going to use a T8 but I figured I would save the money since I read that the bulbs are good up to 18" and in a 10 gallon the furthest it will be is approximately 13", I thought I would be safe for those couple months using the compact florescent then get atleast a 24" for the permanent enclosure. I don't wanna sound cheap because by no means do I want to be cause these first few months are very important in their growth, I'm just trying to be cost smart since I hope to have the enclosure finished late March early April.

If I'm wrong tell me, I value your opinion.

 

[CooperDragon]

I understand the need to be cost efficient but lighting is the place I focus the largest portion of the budget (no matter what that is) because it is so important. I still suggest replacing the compact coil because those can cause more harm than good. With a T8 bulb you'll want to mount it 6-8'' above the basking spot. If you can pick up an 18'' tube and fixture with a reflector and mount it in there temporarily, it should do the job nicely for several months (they last maybe 6 mo or so). I suggest getting a T5 fixture and light for the permanent tank. Those have an effective distance at around 12'' above the basking spot and put out a really good amount of UVB.

 

[Taterbug]

Have you bought the dragon already? Why don't you just wait until your larger enclosure is ready? Your baby will be much happier in a properly set up habitat with correct lighting and heat. Not to mention it will save you the effort of setting up twice and possibly struggling with the 10g.

As for UVB, the compacts aren't bad per say, but they aren't really great for dragons. They are very intense right under the light but only a small area. For tubes, as mentions T8 lighting doesn't reach that far, 6-8" in a under cabinet fixture or 8-10" in a good reflector fixture. Past 10" the uvb is really low, they are good but need to be close. T5 can mount further away depending on the fixture, they are worth the extra money.

 

[jren83]

I read on multiple websites that big enclosures could overwhelm babies and tend to make them not want to eat and become stressed. The compact florescent was recommended by a breeder, but like some ppl are saying it could damage their eyes, but I thought the coil style bulbs are what caused that.

If I were to get the 18" T8 wouldn't it be more beneficial if I placed it right on top the screen since the 110 degree basking spot is approximately 4" from the top of the tank?

Just when I thought I had it all covered and did 3 weeks worth of research....lol

 

[Taterbug]

Depends on how little of a baby and how the cage is furnished. My guy when into his 4x2x2 when I got him at 10" and had no problems. He was bigger than a lot of babies is see at petstores, but for a little one (if it is a problem) then you can easily make a big cage smaller with cardboard. Difficulty finding prey might be a thing, but you can feed in a dish or even a feeding tub for a little one.

Compact and coil bulbs both can have hot spots and be irritating to the eyes, I don't think the reptisun are a problem anymore - but could be if it's mounted too close.

The T8 really ought to be unobrstructed by the screen. Also, you don't want light bulbs that close to your dragon. Have you visited this site? http://www.uvguide.co.uk

 

[jren83]

so I put in a higher wattage basking bulb so he/she would not have to be so close. I did check the UV guide and from what I'm understanding is I am with in the guidelines. Also I emailed a few breeders and apperently Reptisun has fixed the issue, but like I said this enclosure only has to get me through a month or so. I'm crossing my fingers just in case...

 

[Taterbug]

so I put in a higher wattage basking bulb so he/she would not have to be so close. I did check the UV guide and from what I'm understanding is I am with in the guidelines. Also I emailed a few breeders and apperently Reptisun has fixed the issue, but like I said this enclosure only has to get me through a month or so. I'm crossing my fingers just in case...

For a little one it's probably ok. This article might help out - viewtopic.php?f=34&t=112482
Basically the bulbs aren't dangerous like they were at one point (and like some brands still are) but the light pattern isn't ideal. If you do use it keep an eye on your little one for signs of irritation or avoiding the light.

 

[jren83]

Well just brought her home a few hours ago and just fed her, I do notice she keeps closing her eyes. I figured this might be because she is not used to it cause at the store the didn't have uvb lights on the babies.

 

[Taterbug]

How far away is the UVB?
If it's too close it can be too intense and might be why she is closing her eyes, or as you said she may be getting used to her new surroundings.

Poor thing - I hate hearing the store doesn't offer uv lights.

 

[jren83]

Closest is about 8". The worst part is they were out of crickets, so as I was leaving I asked when was the last time they were fed and everyone looked at each other and said Idk. I was in shock!! She seems to be doing well, just ate about a dozen crickets. I just ordered some xs dubia and small pheonix worms, the crickets are just temporary.