New tank for baby bearded dragon, Uvb question.

[zalaman]

Hi my friend is going to buy a baby bearded dragon she has a ZM ReptiHabitat Bearded Dragon tank with a fine mesh top, what would you recommend for uvb? arcadia or reptisun t5 ho? Please could someone advise as to the strength and distance from inside the tank as i believe it cannot go on the outside because it is fine mesh, tank measurements below

20 gallon (long) glass terrarium 30"x 12"x 12" (76x30x30cm) with sliding screen top

Thanks in advance

 

[KarrieRee]

Ok well its good your getting the UVB now --- for a 20 gallon I would get a Zoo Med 24" fixture and use the 5.0 bulb that comes w/ that fixture --- its basically a T 8 w/ the 5.0 bulb and would be good for the 20 gallon-- your going to need to take part of the sliding screen off or butt it up to the UVB width wise for now --- the 20 gallon will not last long as they grow pretty fast so you will need to upgrade the tank by the time hes around 6 months old or so --- then you will need to change out the 5.0 bulb to a 10.0 T 5 bulb --- the distance for the 5.0 for the 20 gallon is 6-8 inches so you would need a piece of decor to sit directly under the 5.0 w/ NO screen - its not strong enough to go thru the screen - please ask if you have anymore questions
Karrie

 

[zalaman]

Thanks for the info, she has not bought the dragon yet she wants the right setup first.

 

[KarrieRee]

I gathered that if you need more help please ask-- I would look at starting w/ a 40 gallon she will be in that tank longer than the 20
Karrie

 

[zalaman]

she is actually going to buy this tank now and have a setup he can grow with, can you let me know what uvb and best placement please> i beleive it is a fine mesh top and at what distance tank link below,
Thanks

https://www.internetreptile.com/exo-terra-glass-terrarium-large-low-90x45x30cm-pt2611/?msclkid=6f3a51626afc172cdc853160754fd955&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=FeedOptimise%20%2F%20Shopping%20UK%20%5BTarget%20ROAS%5D&utm_term=4575961245186734&utm_content=feedoptimise%20%2F%20default%20%2F%20default#fo_c=2683&fo_k=245c74d69d7daff072f6b28e0e969e2f&fo_s=gplauk?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=FeedOptimise%20%2F%20Shopping%20UK%20%5BTarget%20ROAS%5D&utm_content=feedoptimise%20%2F%20default%20%2F%20default&utm_term=THT034

 

[KarrieRee]

I gathered that if you need more help please ask-- I would look at starting w/ a 40 gallon she will be in that tank longer than the 20 and ease DO NOT buy a "kit" waste of money
Karrie

 

[KarrieRee]

Is it a 36 gallon tank? She will need to upgrade for sure-- the fixture I posted earlier will work- you can get a Arcadia 12% UVB bulb they are excellent bulbs--- you will need a bright white basking bulb that keeps temps 105-110 F for a baby and that temp needs to be taken w/ a digital probe thermometer -- Stick ons are inaccurate--- also the Zoo Med fixture will fit the bulb as well 22"
Karrie

 

[zalaman]

Thanks karrie,

Forgot to mention my mistake she is buying a rankins dragon! thanks for the info. could you recommend a suitable basking bulb they all seem to have a yellowish tint im also in the uk,

 

[KarrieRee]

You want something like this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Exo-Terra-PT2140-Intense-Basking/dp/B0002AR3PI/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=bright+white+Basking+Bulb&qid=1610831957&sr=8-8
NO yellow or off white -- I use these in my tanks --
Karrie

 

[zalaman]

thanks carrie, your knowledge is invaluable,



Just a thought could the mesh be cut in the lid so the uvb beam is directly in the tank as supposed to putting it in the tank?

 

[KarrieRee]

Your welcome --- there are many others on here that can help w/ the Rankins breed -- I am not familiar w/ them -- so if you have specific questions we need to have them answer
Karrie

 

[AHBD]

Hi there, the Rankin's can be set up just like a bearded dragon and the 36 gal. will be fine for the Rankin's since they get to about 11-12" as adults. I agree with Karrie's recommendations on the lighting . Enjoy the new baby.