New to this...need alittle help.

[BabyJ]

Ive been doing my research for awhile now and the lighting still confuses me alittle. Im getting my beardie in 2 days and I got a 20gal tank for now, I also got a bearded dragon starter kit which comes with two dome lights but Im still not sure what bulbs to get. I know that I have to get a UVB bulb, but Im not sure what else I should use.

 

[AtlasStrike]

You'll want to get the 18 or 22 inch reptiSUN 10.0 bulb, you can get the zoo med fixture too, but a regular flourescent "under cabinet" fixture from walmart will run you 1/3 as much. I think mine was $8. You should throw out whatever bedding (probably calci-sand) came with the kit and use papertowels, newspaper, shelf liner or tile. I like the tile because I can just spot clean with baby wipes and occasionally use the dust buster. The dome lights should be good for basking and general temperature control. I have a 60 watt on the hot side and a 40 watt on the cool side, and that seems to keep my temperatures within decent range. You can play around with the necessary wattage depending on the temps in your house, if its cooler try 100 watt and a 60 watt. Other than the UVB, regular house hold bulbs are fine to use, so even if you need to experiment, it shouldn't be too pricey. Your little guy will probably appreciate some stuff to climb, like a piece of driftwood or a rock for basking. A hide is also good, I have one of those exo terra rock caves that my corn snake outgrew and it is a perfect 2 in 1 basking rock/hide for Charlie.

 

[midmichicer]

You'll want to get the 18 or 22 inch reptiSUN 10.0 bulb.

They come in 18,24,36, or 48".

 

[AtlasStrike]

You'll want to get the 18 or 22 inch reptiSUN 10.0 bulb.

They come in 18,24,36, or 48".

I meant 24. Bigger won't fit in a 20 long.

 

[midmichicer]

I've got 18" in my 20L.

 

[BabyJ]

Ok thank you. Im going to go get all the lights and stuff after work today. My boyfriend is giving me some of the stuff he has since he has snakes. The starter kit didnt come with any sand and Im happy bout that, I hadnt planned on using that anyways. I will try to post pics wen I get everything set up.