new to dragons lighting question

[shocka2430]

i haven't got a dragon yet but i am going to get one and i just had a question about the lighting.if i was to get just a zoo med repti basking spot lamp what would i need other then that so it got everything it needed.thanks and sorry for the beginner question

 

[shocka2430]

anybody come on someone has to know something i've read these forums and all ya'll know your stuff i just need a little help please

 

[shocka2430]

thanks for all the info

 

[Ethelia]

Firstly there is no need to be sarcastic.
People here arent paid and spend their free time here trying to help people out.
Not every question is going to get answered right away.



The zoomed basking bulb alone is not enough lighting.
Dragons need UV rays to digest food and grow properly.
If you buy the basking bulb you will also need to buy a Repti-sun 10.0 (not Repti-Glo). It is a long thin fluresent bulb.
Stay away from any other bulb brands for UVB. There are just so many out there which are dreadful and that can actually be harmful.

Alternatively you can get an all-in-one bulb called a MVB if you have a tank larger than 40gals.
Brands to trust are: Powersun, T-Rex Active, and MegaRay.
An MVB needs to be at least 12" away from your dragon.

Holly

 

[shocka2430]

thanks for the help and i'm sorry i am just needing some help because i'm getting one today and i wanted to have the right stuff set up and some people have said to just buy a regular flood light and it will warm the basking spot and i was just wondering what else i needed if i was to do that.but thanks for the info i really appreciate it.

 

[Ethelia]

A basking light defiantly is not enough.
You need a UVB bulb or your dragon will quickly become sick.

 

[shocka2430]

ok then i should probably just go with a mvb bulb and then if i want just use like a 40 watt house bulb for light would that be the easiest way to go.i'm gettin a small one and keeping him in a 10 to 20 gal for a week then next weekend i am building a 36x24x24 cage for him.i just hope i have all the right stuff so he isnt miserable once i get him.i have a corn snake and they are pretty easy to take care of so this is going to be a totally different ballgame for me.

 

[Ethelia]

Dragons are definatly much more high maintainance pets in comparrison to snakes
Make sure you do your research.
There are some fantastic Care Sheets on this site which will help start you off right.

Holly

 

[shocka2430]

thanks for the help holly can't wait to go get him or her it's gotta be easier then taking care of my two boys,atleast the dragon don't need his diaper changed.

 

[Ethelia]

Sorry, one thing I missed.
You cant use a MVB in a 20 gallon tank.
Dragons need a gradient of temperatures, 95-110 basking and 75-85 cool. You simpley cant get this gradient with an MVB in a 20gal.
It would really upset your new little guy.

I know its hard to wait but I really really would wait until you have built your new enclosure before you get your dragon. That way you can get the MVb right away.

Holly

 

[shocka2430]

thanks for the info i have decided to wait till i can get the cage built so i can start off right so the lil guy doesnt suffer without the right equipment.

 

[Ethelia]

Thats a very responsible decision to make.
Let us know if you need any more help.]

Holly

 

[shocka2430]

with an mvb should i get another light say a regular house bulb or a blacklight or something just to give more light in the cage on the opposite side of the mvb.

 

[Ethelia]

You can get a very low watted bulb for the opposite end. I have a 120gal myself and my MVB keeps the whole space nice and bright.
Id imagine it depends on the bulb

 

[shocka2430]

ok sounds great thanks for all your help its better to hear it from someone who has a dragon then all the things i read on the different websites that say this is good then the next one read says it aint good,gets a lil confusing at times.