New Beardie Setup

[LinzNuminex1389]

Hi Guys,
I going to be rehoming a bearded dragon by within the next month.
I got a vivarium from a friend and have noticed as it was used for snakes it needs to be upgraded a bit ready for when I get my new friend.
It's a 4ft viv with a mesh dome hole on top.
I have the ExoTerra dome but it's only suitable for 50w (I'm guessing I need one up to 100w) it's got a few marks on it but it works well and is safe to use. But don't want to risk it if I need a stronger basking bulb. (Do you need a dome with all lights, my previous viv didn't have one, just a ceramic clip holder.)
MICROclimate digital dimming thermostat and an ExoTerra light unit that can hold 2 bulbs. Came with a 5% uvb but I know I need a min 10% I'm thinking the Pro T5 UVB kit (Arcadia Reptile Pro T5 UVB Kit Desert 12% UV-B 24 Watt)
I'm not sure about the thermostat as my last beardie just had a small analogue one, but again looking a getting a digital with a probe sensor.
Would anyone recommend anything different or anything I could improve on.

I've had a beardie before but it's been a while since I last had one and just want to make sure he/she is happy in new home

 

[Mollie the dragon]

rehoming as your getting one? or giving one away? i would def get the Arcadia Reptile Pro T5 UVB and since its a 4ft viv get a 2ft fixture and put it on the basking side, I use Zoo Med's digital probe thermometers and I would say thats your best option to get accurate temps. Idk abt the dome, i would believe so and depending on the age you would need a 100/150 watt for accurate basking, and remember they need to be 5-8 inches from basking and UVB!

 

[hdochow]

rehoming as your getting one? or giving one away? i would def get the Arcadia Reptile Pro T5 UVB and since its a 4ft viv get a 2ft fixture and put it on the basking side, I use Zoo Med's digital probe thermometers and I would say thats your best option to get accurate temps. Idk abt the dome, i would believe so and depending on the age you would need a 100/150 watt for accurate basking, and remember they need to be 5-8 inches from basking and UVB!

agree with the probes and the arcadia kit, it is the same one I have. the dome i would replace because it looks singed. 5-8 inches distance is correct for the basking bulb itself. but for that UVB pro T5 with a 12% bulb distance from it would be 12-15 inches if inside the enclosure, or 8-10 inches if on top of a wide hole screen. 5-8 inches would be way too close for UVB.

 

[Mollie the dragon]

agree with the probes and the arcadia kit, it is the same one I have. the dome i would replace because it looks singed. 5-8 inches distance is correct for the basking bulb itself. but for that UVB pro T5 with a 12% bulb distance from it would be 12-15 inches if inside the enclosure, or 8-10 inches if on top of a wide hole screen. 5-8 inches would be way too close for UVB.

oops yes sorry, mine is ontop of the screen so mine is closer but you are correct!

 

[xp29]

I would just pick up the probe thermometer and stick it under the 50 watt bulb and see what temp it reaches. Since you don't have your dragon yet, you have time to dial everything in before hand. That gives you a head start, and should make transitioning into your home less stressful for your dragon.

 

[KarrieRee]

How tall is the tank?

 

[LinzNuminex1389]

How tall is the tank?

Just under 2ft. Its a vivexotic

 

[LinzNuminex1389]

rehoming as your getting one? or giving one away? i would def get the Arcadia Reptile Pro T5 UVB and since its a 4ft viv get a 2ft fixture and put it on the basking side, I use Zoo Med's digital probe thermometers and I would say thats your best option to get accurate temps. Idk abt the dome, i would believe so and depending on the age you would need a 100/150 watt for accurate basking, and remember they need to be 5-8 inches from basking and UVB!

Dome is being replaced as its only suitable for a 50watt bulb. Tank isn't quite 2ft just under by like an inch I've just bought the Arcadia Pro T5 12% UVB it arrived today . Got digital thermometer and hygrometer as well. Would you recommend using the dimming thermostat... I've not used one before but got it with set up.
I've also got a new hide coming and I'm thinking of using slate tiles on the floor.
Thanks for your feedback

 

[LinzNuminex1389]

agree with the probes and the arcadia kit, it is the same one I have. the dome i would replace because it looks singed. 5-8 inches distance is correct for the basking bulb itself. but for that UVB pro T5 with a 12% bulb distance from it would be 12-15 inches if inside the enclosure, or 8-10 inches if on top of a wide hole screen. 5-8 inches would be way too close for UVB.

Uvb will be mounted inside of viv as its only got a dome hole on top. So would you recommend upping the strength of the basking bulb as its outside above on the screen.

 

[KarrieRee]

Uvb will be mounted inside of viv as its only got a dome hole on top. So would you recommend upping the strength of the basking bulb as its outside above on the screen.

You want surface basking temps taken w/ a digital probe thermometer--- 105-110 for a baby --- 6 months and up 95-100-- the UVB needs to be directly over the basking decor 12-15 inches