Planning a viv... I've got time (because atm I have no cash!

[Hypancistrus]

I had intended on getting a Bearded Dragon at MARS after researching them for YEARS (literally) but am now holding back a little due to some unexpected financial issues cropping up. I'm probably going to get a juvie in the spring or summer of 2009.

I've got most (maybe all) of the equipment I'll need for a juvie.

The tank I have is a 30 gallon (36" x 12" x 12") with a hinged screen lid and clips.

I have a heat lamp and a spare 30" strip light for a UV bulb. I have access to an under-tank heater, but I've been told this is unnecessary and overkill? The room stays around 75 during the day and drops to about 70 at night. Would it be a good idea to have the UTH for night-time heat?

I've also got some nice rocks and wood to make basking spots, and a food and water dish ready to go.

Any thoughts and suggestions will be welcomed. The good thing about taking a step back is there's no rush. I really want to be successful with my first beardie!

(I do have a variety of other herps-- including a dozen snakes and half a dozen geckos and skinks, so I'm not new to herp keeping in general)

 

[protiemama]

Good idea to plan ahead! Your dragon will be happier and healthier for it. You are right the UTH is not nessacery if the tank stays above 60-65 at night. Your tank will be ok till he is 7 months or so. Then he will prob be too long and need more room to turn around. An adult will need 24" at least to turn around. You may want a deeper tank also. Barbara has trouble with Itty Bitty and Pvt Blaze escaping their tahks! :lol: She posted picts on Itty Bitty's thread and I think Pointless and Sad. They are smart.
Once you get the viv set up test the temps. You didn't mention a thermomiter(sp). Wal-mart has a digital probe by Accurite. It is in the hardware section with the other indoor outdoor therms. Oh, and it's only around $12!
What do you plan to use as sub strata? I love tile personally. I just got some slate tiles for the viv we are working on. They are rough enough to grip, but clean easy. Gotta love that. Non-adhesive shelf liner works great too. Some folks use news paper or papertowels. Personally I just don't like the looks. To each his own.
Ack! I'm getting too wordy. Ask away if you have questions, and keep reading. :study: I'm still learning.

Sandy H

 

[Hypancistrus]

I had leftover adhesive tiles from doing my basement. Would these be bad to use? (I am assuming because you specified non-adhesive) I was really planning on tile. I don't know if you can buy small numbers of non-adhesive tiles.

And yeah, I'd have a thermometer in there but I also use an infrared one as well.

I do have a screen lid on the tank with six clips. My 5' african house snake cannot seem to get out of a viv with six clips... I'm a little skeptical as to how a juvie beardie could then manage it. But if it's happened, it's happened! I'll take your word for it. Thanks for the reply!

 

[protiemama]

Don't think they have figured out clips yet. (except maybe those in Tatsu's army :lol: ) The infared therm is a great idea since you have other reptiles.
As for tiles- the heat sets off fumes from the adhesive. Not a good thing for the little guys. Lowe's and Home depo will both sell individual tiles. They have a great variety at Lowe's and will cut your purchase to fit. (at least ours will)
If you check out the "viv pics only" thread you may end up building your own and adding a rock wall and caves and... Well they hooked me.
Have fun with the preperations. For fur check out the beardie Tales forum. Lots of funny stuff.

Sandy H

 

[Hypancistrus]

Okay, that makes sense. Drat... now I have to come up with another use for that extra box!!

So if you use loose tiles, what do you put in between them?? Do you grout them?

 

[protiemama]

I leave mine ungrouted. They come out easy for cleaning. I have shelf liner under in case of "leaks", it is cheap and easy to clean AND it protects the glass from the tiles. That said, it is a personal thing. Some grout, some don't. Again, if you look through the enclosures section you will see both ways and can decide better. Someone grouted broken pieces w/t white grout. It looked really sharp.

Sandy H

 

[Hypancistrus]

Okay, thanks for the suggestions.