New Beardie Parent

[hblack]

Hello! I'm looking to get my first beardie this coming Friday and I'm nervous. Very, very nervous! I'm starting with a 10 gallon tank and yes, I know I'll need to upgrade in the future. What I'm worried about is keeping him warm enough. My room stays a steady 67-70 degrees, sometimes lower at night. I have a 50w white light bulb as well as a 50w night bulb. I've read to keep the night bulb on at night but also that the purple will disrupt the dragon's sleep? I really just need direct advice and how to keep him warm. I'll attach a picture of what I have so far. Please keep in mind it's just the bare basics and I'm still preparing.

 

[seandeangelis]

If your room stays above 65 at night you don't need the night bulb as it will disrupt their sleep, a fall in temps at night is good so they can slow their metabolism and rest. If it goes below 65 you can get a ceramic heat emitter to up the temps w/o visible light. A 50w bulb should be enough, but you have to check. Get a good thermometer, the dial ones can be off by 20 degrees. I recommend either a probe or a temp gun. You also need a UVB light, either the reptisun 10.0 tube or the Arcadia 12%, inside the enclosure. Also, I know you said you will upgrade soon, but 10 gallons is really small. You could be looking for a new tank in a few weeks. Plus, it is difficult to maintain the correct temperature range (100-110 basking spot, 75-80 cool side) in such a small tank. 20 gallons is really the lowest you should go, although it's easier to just get the adult tank right away. Get used to being nervous, it comes with being a Beardie owner lol, but I'm sure you'll do fine if you make sure to research and ask questions, good luck!

 

[hblack]

Thank you so much! Then what should do with the second dome light? The one with the night bulb. Yes, I plan on getting the new tank soon. Very soon, as in a few weeks like you said. I just want the basics for now to make sure I have everything right before upgrading. A 10 gallon should be fine for just the few weeks, right? I work part time at a pet store so I'll be sure to get better thermometer tomorrow as well as the UVB light. Ugh, I've raised puppies and kitten galore but I have never been this nervous! Trust me, I'm doing all my research. Thank you again for your help!

 

[seandeangelis]

I would keep the dome, it's always nice to have an extra, but ditch the night bulb. If you plan on on getting a baby Beardie then a ten gallon should be fine size wise, although I don't know if there are UVB tubes that small (it should be 2/3 of the tank), and you'll have to buy a new bulb and fixture in a few weeks. Don't use coil UVB bulbs, they don't give off UVB correctly and can be dangerous. Make sure you have all the temps correct before you bring home your Beardie. Try to not be too nervous, it sounds like you have the basics down and I'm sure your Beardie will have a great home!

 

[hblack]

I get paid on the 21st so he should be fine until then. What are some good dimensions for a good tank? This is going to sound stupid but I'm assuming a fish tank is different than a reptile tank since it needs to be longer, right? Will he be fine without a UVB bulb until then as well? Yes, the store classified him as a juvenile and assured me this size would be fine for now. Lol, I'm glad someone has faith in me! Thank you! I'll be sure to post pictures.

 

[seandeangelis]

Hmm, if you're getting a juvenile 10 gallons is very small, and UVB is important, it's really not ideal to go more than a few days without it. I would recommend waiting an extra week (I know it's very hard!) So that you can immediately give him everything he needs in his permanent enclosure, which will reduce stress on the animal and yourself. If you have to pick him up on Friday, you can buy a large plastic storage bin and just buy one UVB bulb rather than 2 sizes, that would be better than such a small tank. (Also, when you say store, it's best to get them from breeders or local reptile stores rather than large chain pet stores, as their animals can be unhealthy due to the terrible conditions they live in and giant suppliers, although many people successfully have pet store beardies.) The adult tank should be a minimum 40 gallon long fish tank, but bigger is better. A 55 gallon long fish tank works, and many people build the ideal 4' by 2' by 2' enclosure by themselves from wood. Be sure to post pictures when you get him, I'd love to see!

 

[hblack]

What do you think of this? http://www.petsmart.com/reptile/supplies/habitats-and-decor/terrariums/national-geographicandtrade-reptile-desert-kit-5230156.html

Also! I found a local reptile store I didn't even know existed. I'm going there Friday probably to get their advice as well as, hopefully, my beardie. The store has amazing reviews so hopefully it'll work out. Then I am returning this tank for a larger one pee your advice. Again, seriously, thank you for all your help. Pictures will be coming ASAP. I just want a healthy baby!

 

[seandeangelis]

That tank looks good, but the kits usually have unnecessary or even dangerous things added so they can sell it for more. This one is not too bad, but it looks like it comes with a UVB bulb that fits in a dome? If it is a coil bulb it can be dangerous for their eyes, so don't use it and get a tube. The thermometer/hygrometer it comes with are inaccurate so you'd need to replace those. Reptile carpet is ok, but it's kind of hard to clean, many people use rough tile that you can get at most hardware stores, it's easy to clean and lasts forever. Other than that, it looks good, and you might still be saving money even if you replace the bad parts.

It's great that you found a reptile store with good reviews. Some are run by people who just want to make money but most have knowledgeable people that care about reptiles.

It's great that you're open to advise and I'm sure your new Beardie will be very healthy will have a great home!

 

[nathb1]

If your room stays above 65 at night you don't need the night bulb as it will disrupt their sleep, a fall in temps at night is good so they can slow their metabolism and rest. If it goes below 65 you can get a ceramic heat emitter to up the temps w/o visible light. A 50w bulb should be enough, but you have to check. Get a good thermometer, the dial ones can be off by 20 degrees. I recommend either a probe or a temp gun. You also need a UVB light, either the reptisun 10.0 tube or the Arcadia 12%, inside the enclosure. Also, I know you said you will upgrade soon, but 10 gallons is really small. You could be looking for a new tank in a few weeks. Plus, it is difficult to maintain the correct temperature range (100-110 basking spot, 75-80 cool side) in such a small tank. 20 gallons is really the lowest you should go, although it's easier to just get the adult tank right away. Get used to being nervous, it comes with being a Beardie owner lol, but I'm sure you'll do fine if you make sure to research and ask questions, good luck!

I agree 10 gallon is too small to get a good temp. I like your temple Cool,
I had put my beardie in 10 gallon at first but imposible to get good temps too hot. 20 gallon good for about 5-7 month old beardie depending on size.
I have the 50 gallon of that tank national geographic and have the 20 gallon one <without the supplies> Get reptisun t5 10 and basking light put news paper or tiles if u wish. Basking light should be near the UVB that why tube better but tube in back across tank and light in front .
Get a temp gun or probe , got my temp gun on amazon like 12 bucks or so those stick on thermometer are trash.
If i was you better investment to get 50 gallons right off the bat. OR can get used or cheaper 20 gallon one and upgrade later on.
Dixie is 535 grams now and 18 inches at 10 months and my tank looks small for her....its that tail sheesh!
I do have a PVC cage 4x1x2 but dunno where to put it...
my two cents
Good luck
Nat

 

[hblack]

It's a little late but here's a picture of my baby! I don't remember how to upload pics here so have a tweet instead ?https://twitter.com/firebug_ro/status/853800445567016960?s=09

 

[seandeangelis]

Very cute, and nice job getting everything set up well before you got him!

 

[kingofnobbys]

It's a little late but here's a picture of my baby! I don't remember how to upload pics here so have a tweet instead ?https://twitter.com/firebug_ro/status/853800445567016960?s=09

My are you in for an adventure .... rest assured , he'll have you very well trained in no time.

1st issue .... tank too small , a 100L to 150L tank will do fine for his first 12 months. A good size tank for his FIRST YEAR is 149L ( about 575mmW X 480mmH X 790mmL).


2nd issue ....dial style thermometer . Recommend you return it and swap for one like this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4x-LCD-Digital-Temperature-Thermometer-Fridge-Freezer-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Reptile-/391259141696?hash=item5b18dcb640:g

Lights on for AT LEAST 14-15 hrs per day.

Recommend at LEAST TWO LIVE INSECT meals per day, (THREE per day are better until he is about 4 months old).

3rd issue .... need a good UVA and UVB source (MIN = 10%UVB and if a compact MIN = 26W) mounted UNDER THE LID and within 8 inches of his basking spot