Not sure if my setup is right.

[CharlieMck]

Hello

Ive had my bearded dragon for a year now but i'm still not sure if my setup is correct. I currently have two UVB bulbs attached to the top on the enclosure slightly to the right of the tops centre (these are the bulbs i'm using https://bit.ly/2xnvS8t). I have a heat ceramic heat lamp on the left side of the enclosure (found here https://bit.ly/2pfpEnC) which i have set up a climbing frame under for my beardie to sit under. I have my thermometer in the centre of the enclosure, where is it best to have it? (thermostat here https://bit.ly/2QCoEGE). How should i have my lighting and heating? and what is the best bulbs, heaters and thermostat to use? i have recently changed lights and heater since i got my beardie, but he is always dark in colour and sluggish around his tank and when i have him out.

Cheers, Charlie

 

[CooperDragon]

The 13w UVB bulb isn't sufficient for a bearded dragon. I would at least move to a 26w UVB200 which should fit the same fixture. In the long run you are probably best off using a T5 tube in a fixture with a good reflector. You want the UVB light to sit over the basking area right next to the basking light. The CHE is fine for overnight heat or supplementary heat if needed. I would move your probe to test surface temps on the basking area and then take readings on the cool side surfaces. Shoot for a surface temp of about 38-42C in the basking area and about 25-30C on the cool side with a gradient between. For basking, you want to use a bulb that produces bright white light and heat. This helps replicate natural sunlight when combined with a good UVB bulb. Try a PAR38 or BR40 halogen flood light. I've had good luck with them and they handle dimming well. I'm not familiar with your thermostat. It seems much cheaper than most I see but that's not necessarily bad. It is a dimming thermostat (rather than on/off or pulse) which means it should be able to be used with a basking light. It shows being rated from 0-50C which is within the range you want.