Please help out a confused and stressed future beardie Mum

[Futurebeardiemummy]

Hey guys <this is like my 4th post in 2 days I do apologise>

Anyway I am planning on bringing a scaly friend into my house April ish I am well researched and mostly confident in all aspects of care...... other then basking spot!!

Okay so here are my questions-

1. Is it bad to use a reptile light? Do I need to use a halogen globe? How do I know what globe will produce heat? What watt? Will the wattage change? (It's a 40gal breeder) what wattage would you reccomend?
2. What fixture does it need? Do I need a adjustable stand or a dimmer? (What even is a dimmer)
3. What sort of thermometer do I need? Any reccomendations
4. What will happen if the gradient is wrong? (And what temp should each part of the tank be???)

I would really appreciate any help I don't wanna mess up my new baby's home - also sorry for the long post!!!!

 

[Drache613]

MOved by Moderator from General to Enclosures

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you are getting things ironed out ahead of time, before you
bring in a new little one.
You don't have to get a fancy basking bulb, but can if you would like. Just be sure it isn't
a "daytime" bulb coated with neodymium because it's hard on their eyes. I usually like to
recommend a nice bright halogen flood or spot bulb. For a 40 gallon, probably either a 75
watt or a 90 watt should get the basking temperatures up to the 95-110 range. The bulb
will state what wattage it is so as long as it is a higher wattage, it will emit a good amount
of heat. The cooler end can be in a range of 78-82.
The best fixtures for basking bulbs are the large round domes with a ceramic base. You can
get them at hardware stores or home depot, etc. They are usually rated for up to 250 watts.
You probably wont need a dimmer if you get the temperatures spot on.
We recommend either a digital probe (acurite brand is good), or a laser temp gun. They are
both accurate & help when trying to get the basking spots correct.
Let us know how things are going.

Tracie

 

[Futurebeardiemummy]

Thankyou so much for the help!!
How do I know if the globe will produce heat if I just get one from a normal shop? Will all 75 watts produce the same amount of heat?
I don't want to end up buying a low heat bulb accedenrly!!!

 

[CooperDragon]

Try to avoid the energy saving bulbs and LED bulbs won't produce heat. It's best to stay with a halogen bulb with at least 60w. They tend to produce adequate heat but you may need to try some different wattages to find what works properly with your setup.