Newbie- Is this layout okay and question on temps!

[anenglish15]

Hello all!

We just got our bearded dragon about a month ago and have already learned SO much! It feels like everything they tell you at the pet store is totally wrong from what you read online.

Anyway.. here is our temporary set up for Lillie. I just bought an entertainment center and the thrift store and will be transforming that soon. The problem I'm currently having is the temps. If you look at the picture, her basking spot on top of the log is about 97 degrees, whereas on the rock (on the ground there) its only 90+ degrees. The middle is about 80 degrees and the cool end is about 75 degrees. How do I make my hot side hotter?



At first, we had a red heat lamp which I've since heard those are bad. So now I bought a 65w indoor flood lamp. Until this morning, we had two under tank heaters UNDER the glass to help keep her viv warmer. Then I realized that those heaters are making the ground a little too hot for her (about 110+ degrees). So we took those out. But now I can't get her tank warm enough. I am getting her a CHC to put in the middle of her tank (primarily at night) but should I leave that on during the day also? And then Im getting a third light to put on her cool side. Just a normal no filter white light to stimulate her.

(Btw I know I need to mount her UVB light INSIDE her viv. We are going to do that with her new viv)

 

[dom02]

I think you just need a higher wat light for the basking spot is all. I had a 20 gallon tank that I used 75wat basking lights for. I had to use a stand to raise the light a little or else it would be too hot, but once I got the height right I was able to keep his basking spot around 110. They are a little expensive compared to a house hold light but they work better. I think the light lasted about 3 months before I had to replace.

And ya, definitely get a ceramic heat emitter for at night at least.

The only other thing I would suggest is to make sure that the UVB light is on him when he is basking.

 

[icelore]

Your UV tube light needs to be mounted *inside* the cage. When the light filters through the screen you have it sitting on top of, it looses a lot of it's effectiveness. Also, make sure you are using the correct type of bulb. I see your fixture is a Zilla fixture, and that's fine, but the bulb that comes with it is useless. Hopefully you've replaced it with a Reptisun10?

 

[anenglish15]

Thanks for the info.

And icelore, I do know we need to mount it inside, this tank is just too small. I have a new one we're converting soon. And the zilla actually didn't come with a bulb and I did get the reptisun 10

 

[icelore]

Glad to hear you are good on the bulb. You're ahead of most new owners! XD

Hopefully you can convert soon. Unless your tiny one can get withing 6-8inchches of the UVB with nothing in between them, it won't help them much at all.

 

[LisaIsMe]

Is that a gun next to your cage? lol. NO ONE messes with Lillie!

 

[anenglish15]

Lol! Actually it's a mini laser gun AND lighter. Its pretty awesome