*NEW* Few Questions

[rclay]

not sure if the Introduction area gets alot of traffic so i thought i'd post here as well.
the faster i can get the answers the faster i can get my tank ready.
sorry there may be a question or two that don't belong but didn't want to create a bunch of individual threads when i can maybe knock all the questions down in one posting.
- also revised it more here

here's my intro thread for details but beware of the essay haha
http://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=109854

LIGHTING QUESTION:
i'm currently using a ReptiGlo Coiled 26W 10.0 UVB bulb, should i switch for a different blub like the MegaRay and if so do i only need the one MegaRay or do i need another bulb with it?
my tank i'm preparing for is 120 gal: 60"L X 23"H X 17"W, so 5' long, i'd assume that'll factor into the bulb setup.

HEATING QUESTION:
i've also got the Exo-Terra Electronically Thermal Controlled Heat Rock, it's suppose to be safe from burning the dragon as it's electronically controlled to a certain temp and doesn't created hot spots but i've heard mixed reviews on this product.
should i keep using it or what's your opinion's on it? if not, what should i replace it with?

TILE QUESTIONS:
since i will be switching from the reptile carpet to tile, what do you guys think is better, ceramic or slated?
also should i fill the gaps between the tiles?
should i secure the tiles to the side of the glass or try something different so i can atleast remove them if needed?
if yes to securing what should i use that will be safe?

GLASS ENCLOSURE QUESTION:
my tank is glass, once again measurements are 120 gal: 60"L X 23"H X 17"W, so 5' long.
the bottom of the tank has a fair size crack that starts from the middle over to the left side, which is why it was given to me in the first place as it will no longer hold water.
can i use clear duct tape to help secure the glass a bit more or should i try animal safe caulking?
(i will be filling the tank with tile flooring so the dragon itself will not be touching the actual glass on the bottom)
the glass itself is THICK, i have moved it from a house to a vehicle to my garage without spreading the crack or other issues. it should be fairly safe in that sense.

FOOD QUESTION:
as food goes i plan to add a few different things in like apples, maybe grapes and take out the butter lettuce in exchange for a green leaf lettuce, would that be ok?

thanks in advance for the answers and as i'm a perfectionist i'm sure there will be more questions, sorry haha

 

[zebraflavencs]

lol not few, but let me take this apart, and see if we can't get you going.

*i'm currently using a ReptiGlo Coiled 26W 10.0 UVB bulb, should i switch for a different blub like the MegaRay and if so do i only need the one MegaRay or do i need another bulb with it?
my tank i'm preparing for is 120 gal: 60"L X 23"H X 17"W, so 5' long, i'd assume that'll factor into the bulb setup.*

You can use the mega, 100 watt, self ballested, but, you will need to have a stand from which to hang it from. The mega needs to be a minimum of 12" away from the dragon, so just sitting it on top, most likely won't work.
Also, you will need to "burn in" the mega for 4 days, without the dragon under it, and away from human eyes. This is so the excess gasses produced in manufacturing can burn off, safely. Day 2-3 you will see really high temps.

*i've also got the Exo-Terra Electronically Thermal Controlled Heat Rock, it's suppose to be safe from burning the dragon as it's electronically controlled to a certain temp and doesn't created hot spots but i've heard mixed reviews on this product.
should i keep using it or what's your opinion's on it? if not, what should i replace it with?*

You won't need a heat source if you use the mega. That is the great thing about mvbs, they have heat AND uvb.
You might however want a second, house hold bulb again, 12" away from the dragon ( at all places). This needs to be a bright white bulb, as dragons thrive in bright white lights. Also, no matter what the packaging says, no heat rock is safe for dragons. They sense heat and uvb from above, and can easily get burned critically from a malfunctioning rock. Just remove that, or at the very least, unplug it.


*since i will be switching from the reptile carpet to tile, what do you guys think is better, ceramic or slated?
also should i fill the gaps between the tiles?
should i secure the tiles to the side of the glass or try something different so i can atleast remove them if needed?
if yes to securing what should i use that will be safe?*

You will want Textured, sealed ceramic tile, an example of that is slate.
You can either use grout, and leave enough room say 1" for every 1 sq.ft of tile.
I used 100% silicone. I cut my own tiles, ( thanks dad for the use of the cutter ) and cut them tight together. Then I applied the silicone all around the outer side, and a big X in the middle. Then I placed it in, and placed something weighty on it ( though you will want to be careful since you have a cracked bottom). Just do this until the last piece is in place. Oh and end up in the middle, not against the side or corner....

You can also opt, not to seal it in, so you can lift up the pieces for deep cleaning in the dishwasher ( no detergent, and run at least twice without just to make sure no residual soap is present) or the sink. You will want to make sure that the pieces are snug together to avoid little nails getting caught.

*my tank is glass, once again measurements are 120 gal: 60"L X 23"H X 17"W, so 5' long.
the bottom of the tank has a fair size crack that starts from the middle over to the left side, which is why it was given to me in the first place as it will no longer hold water.
can i use clear duct tape to help secure the glass a bit more or should i try animal safe caulking?
(i will be filling the tank with tile flooring so the dragon itself will not be touching the actual glass on the bottom)
the glass itself is THICK, i have moved it from a house to a vehicle to my garage without spreading the crack or other issues. it should be fairly safe in that sense.*

The tile will seal that in nicely if you do as I suggested above. If you only lay in the tile without sealing, then get a second piece of glass and silicone that in first, allow cure time, and then tile.

*as food goes i plan to add a few different things in like apples, maybe grapes and take out the butter lettuce in exchange for a green leaf lettuce, would that be ok?*

Here is an excellent list to choose healthy foods for you baby. Green is daily staples, Black for treats, 1-2 times a week:
http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Nutrition.html

Well there you are... all the "few" lol questions answered.
Keep asking,. and I want a picture of this palace when you are done... or in the process.... That way I can offer pointers as you go
Janie.

 

[rclay]

^^
thank you soooo much that was very helpful and informative.
i've noted your suggestions and will take your advice

only have two questions left...

1. would it be ok to use a tube light of some sort on the cool side then the MegaRay on the basking side?
or how should i place the bulb(s) in the tank as it's a big tank, i wanna make sure he gets all his UVB and proper lighting.

2. this is a water dish question, i got a medium or large (it's fairly big looking) exo-terra dish that i figured with this big tank it shouldn't create too much humidity and it's big enough to act as a pool for him. i notice sometimes with the small tiny thing i put in the 10 gal, when found, he likes to sit in it for a bit.
should i use the exo-terra dish in the big tank or ditch it?

also for the heat rock i think i won't be using it in the big tank, instead maybe i'll replace it with something like a log of some sort.

i will take pic's of the tank as is after work tomorrow so you guys can see what i will be working with.
i will also measure my Beardie too as per request in the Introduction Thread so i can have a better idea of his age.
- any suggestion on a measuring process as i don't want to anger him but i'd like to get a good full measure done.

*one last thing before i head off for the night...

because it's been so hot lately here and especially in my house during the day i've been misting my Beardie twice-three times a day.
i usually spray him once and see if he drinks any of it, if he doesn't then i don't spray anymore
i don't want him to dehydrate but it there a limit for misting?