Possible problem with my UVB bulb fixture?

[pamelacoe]

I have been doing a lot of reading on this forum and now know how important the lighting is. I have a ReptiSun 10 UVB bulb for my little guy's cage. I was just reading another post that said you can get a fixture at Lowes or Home Depot which made me think of possible problem with my fixture. It is supposed to be for a reptile enclosure (don't know the brand and can't check because Oz in my son's room and he's asleep). I was realizing that everywhere it says that even if you put your BD up to a single pane of glass to get the sunlight, that glass filters the UVB rays. Okay, my fixture has a clear plastic cover over where the bulb fits. Now I am wondering if I should remove that plastic piece.

 

[Embee]

Just to confirm: the ReptiSun 10.0 bulb you are using is a linear tube, yes? (aka, an 18" - 36" long tube type bulb, rather than a compact bulb.)

If so, then yes, you will want to remove the plastic cover on the fixture so that your beardie has access to the bare bulb. Ideally, he will be able to get to within 6-8 inches of it at the basking area, which should be accompanied by a bright white basking bulb (for heat of course, and also, the bright white light of the basking bulb will shield beardie's eyes from the UVB rays).

The best,
Em

 

[pamelacoe]

Yes, it is the linear type - I learned first that coil was a no-no (and am annoyed that I see them at the pet store anyway). His brand new driftwood brings him the right distance from the fixture. As far as his basking light, when it was cooler in the house, I had a warmer bulb in it but the temps have peaked again in Maryland and he was gaping earlier. I don't have a lower wattage basking bulb, so I put a lower wattage house bulb in it, but it is not clear. I feel like damned if I do, damned if I don't. Either it's the basking bulb, which is too hot, or the house bulb, which is not clear. Which is better?

Also, right now I have one of those analog thermometers, but I have a Zoo Med digital w/ probe on it's way to me. It was sent out today from Indiana, so it should not take long. When I get it, what is the ideal basking temp for a juvenile (he's a little over 8" - he moves around a lot when I try to measure him)?

Going to remove the plastic cover now.

 

[Toyguy]

Take a look at some of the dome fixtures with dimmers. I have two made by Flukers. They allow me to easily adjust the temps as the weather fluctuates without having to change bulbs all the time. I keep a 150W in the basking fixture and 100W in the cold side daylight bulb. With the dimmer, I just dial them right in where I want them.

 

[pamelacoe]

I thought I might look at Home Depot or Lowes (as an ex-HD employee, I am loathe to go there, LOL) to see if I find a dimmer that I put into the outlet and plug the bulbs cord into. I don't know if they even exist.....if not, they should!

I got the plastic cover removed.