New Beardie Owner - I have questions!!

[anon1013s]

I just took in a family friends adult male bearded dragon. He came with a little bit of things but not much. I'm new to reptiles but this beardie wasn't living the best life and I want to be able to give it a good life.

My biggest question is heating and lighting.
1. Do I get a dual heat fixture with 2 bulbs for heat and a separate single one for the uvb lighting bulb?
2. Also for the UVB, he came with a reptisun 10.0 Bulb. Is that fine? Or should I switch out to a tube? (and hood for the tube?)
2. Do the UVB and Heating all go on the basking side?
3. Should I get one of those heat rocks?

I've researched a bunch but it seems to get a little confusing with all the terminology. A shopping list (using simple terms) including light fixtures to put my bulbs in would be great!

Also, been debating what to put in the bottom of his tank. He came with that reptile carpet stuff but his feet keep getting caught in it and its so hard to clean. Really thinking of doing sand.
1. Is sand a good idea?
2. If so, what kind of sand? (including brands, etc)

Lastly, does he need calcium powder and multivitamin powder for his food or just the calcium powder?
If you have any other tips and tricks to add on please do! Thank you.

 

[LarryTheLizard]

I agree with you except on the newspaper. It can be used but it needs to be stored and dried for long periods of time before use to let the ink fade in fumes. I'm EXTREMELY sensitive to strong smells like perfumes or exhaust fumes. I absolutely can not read a newspaper because the smell of the ink jacks my sinuses up for days. Beardies have a much more simplified respotory system than we do. Living on that ink could literally be torture for them, so newspaper needs to fade before use. To me it makes it more trouble than it's worth. Paper towels are a better option imho

Ahhh right