PLEASE HELP..Lighting & Temps are still NOT RIGHT!

[USMILE143]

I have a 20 gallon tank with a 75w basking bulb (was 150w till I changed it) and a 100w MVB bulb. I have tiles mainly for the bottom. One minute it says 90 degrees, next 98 degrees and by the mid day it gets to 104 to 108 degrees. My dragon is not happy, but also shedding. I have the MVB bulb depending on the temp anywhere from on top of this 12 inch tank pointing twards the basking side, or 24 inches above as we speak and the basking is reaching 104 degrees still. I move the basking little to left, and little to the right trying to adjust his temp it seems many times a day! He openes his mouth alot at me. I have a digital temp. guage I use in different spots to check the temps. There is 90 degrees on his wood one minute , then 98 and goes up to 108. He gets mad at me by this temp. Please help here. I don't know how to submit a pic on here..Thanks!

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from Health to Enclosures

 

[USMILE143]

OMG It got up to 113 degrees...Is this ok?

 

[Youkai]

113 is definitely pretty high :shock:
Most of the MVB bulbs are recommended for AT LEAST a 40 gallon breeder tank or larger because of the heat they put out.
I think your 20 gallon is just too small for that bulb plus the additional 75w bulb.
The best thing you could do right now is stop using the MVB, leave the 75w bulb in there and get a Repti-Sun 10.0 tube for the UVB. Considering you're using a 20 gallon, I'm guessing your beardie is pretty young so there's a much higher risk of dehydration. With those temps, your beardie is going to understandably be very unhappy and it's not very safe for him.
Also, if you're using a digital thermometer with the probe, keep in mind that it can take up to 45 minutes to get an accurate reading so if it's climbing from 90 to 98 so quickly, the actual true temp is probably a lot higher than you might think.
If you can't change out the bulbs right away, please be sure to keep your beardie very well hydrated with frequent baths and fresh water in a bowl for him at all times.

Hope that helps

 

[USMILE143]

OK. I thought the MVB Bulb was ok since it was aprox. 18 inches away most the time. I will look for a different bulb. That should work. Does the Repti-Sun 10.0 tube for the UVB fit in an under cabnet fixture? Please reply, Thanks.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Yes, you can use a Reptisun 10 flourescent tube bulb in an under cabinet tank.
I agree, just use the basking light right now without the mercury vapor bulb for safety since your tank is smaller. Together, that is too much wattage for such a small tank. Hold onto the mercury vapor & use it when you get a larger tank.
How is he doing this evening?

Tracie

 

[diamc]

Hi you mentioned this "I have a digital temp. gauge I use in different spots to check the temps." This sounds like a digital thermometer WITHOUT a long wire & probe on the end. If so, those thermometers can be off by as much as 20 degrees. The only 2 ways to get an accurate reading are with either a temperature gun or the digital with the probe end. With the way your beardie is reacting, it sounds like he is over heating which can cause rapid dehydration, so if using an incorrect thermometer, I suggest you get a better one asap. Walmart has the AcuRite brand for about $12.00 which gives both basking & cool side temps in the same 45 min timeframe and it also has a humidity readout. Did you remove the MVB?

Are you bathing him, if so, how often and for how long? How is his appetite?