Preparing new enclosure WuuHuu!!!!

[sammyjackson]

I bought today a 75 gallon tank from Petsmart for $175.99 and I dont really know if it was a good price but it doesn't matter because is already done. I also bought a tv stand that matches the size of the tank so I can put all of my beardie stuff.The tv stand was alot cheaper than the tank stands and it does the same job , so I saved a couple of $$$ with that. I have a couple of questions that need answers and I would appreciate if somebody wants to help.
The tank is a fish tank and came with the long fluoresent lamp and the glass canopy for the top.
1: I want to know if I can use the lamp with the regular light in conjunction with the MVB that I'm going to buy tomorrow ?
2: Since I cant find a screen top for the tank ,can I use the glass canopy leaving it half open and use the open space for ventilation and to put the mvb with the clamps ?
3: What wattage on mvb for that tank size ?

All your feedback will be appreciated.

 

[sammyjackson]

Anybody??? :idea: :idea:

 

[Elora]

You should post a picture of the tank and the top. and what the lid looks like underneath. its hard to picture it in my head. If you are getting a MVB you wouldnt need another source of UV so maybe you could just put a regular tube bulb in there if you wanted? As for wattage i guess it may depend on where you live and how cold your house is. you could probably be safe with the 150 watt, i think the fish tank type tanks are kindof tall. as long as your beardie can get close enough too it but not too close (12inches) If your house is warm then perhaps go with the 100 watt.

 

[NegativeCreep]

Sure, you can use the regular tube lights for added light. They won't add any additional UVB (and I assume you will have it above the top glass anyways), but they will provide lots of light, which is fine.

I would think that you can leave one of the tops open, as long as you are sure your BD can't get out, this sounds just fine. Our 55 gallon aquarium has tops that are half glass and half plastic, maybe you can find some of these and drill holes for ventilation... just an idea. You can certainly use the clamp fixtures for the MVB, but you can also get a lamp stand (if it's tall enough). The lamp stand makes my life easier! Search around online, maybe you can find a screen top later on..

I would guess the 160W for the MVB. I use a 100W MegaRay on my 40 gallon and the temps are great. The 160 would provide more heat and more UVB, but be sure that it is at least 16" away at all times.

btw, we got a 75 gallon breeder for $150, so I don't think you over paid. We live in a low cost of living area, but I think we did get a good deal on it, since it came with dual sliding screen lids (and a hole for a heat rock we won't be using!) So, what you paid for a 75 gallon sounds about right.. I won't admit what I paid for my 55 gallon oceanic non-tempered glass aquarium, but I will tell you how high the clarity is!

 

[sammyjackson]

Thanks for all your replies , Ill try to post pictures of the tank and the top. About the temps in my house during the day it stays in 78 degrees so I dont know if a 160 watts is going to be too hot.

 

[sammyjackson]

I was going to buy the mvb today but I dont want to buy it without knowing that wattage is going to be fine, as I said my temps are 78 hight and 70 low so if sombody have the same size of tank and the same temps please reply and give an idea of wich one will work.. :idea:

 

[NegativeCreep]

You could always go with the lower wattage and supplement with an additional bulb for heat if necessary. Then next year, when its time to replace it, go with the stronger bulb.

 

[sammyjackson]

Anybody???

 

[sammyjackson]

Thanks, I will post a picture as soon as I finish with mi setup.

 

[Owner of Max]

I agree with Negativecreep, if you are unsure, get the 100 W MVB and then add heat from another source if needed.

In my opinion/experience with MVB's, I think you'd be just fine with the 160 W MVB. I originally started with the 100 W, and then after needing to add so much extra heat to get my temps right, when I replaced it, I went with the 160 W, and still need to add more heat all year long except for in the summer.

See my descriptions of my MVB set up in this other thread:

viewtopic.php?f=34&t=96198&e=0

If you are unsure, call Bob at Megaray and see what he says. He's awesome and very helpful.

 

[sammyjackson]

Hi everyone,

I just came from the reptile hobby shop close to my house and they have the long fluoresent tube reptisun 10 and they have the mvb powersun in 100 watts ,and 160 watts the thing is that my tank is like 20 inches hight and I have 2 options and need opinions so PLEASE REPLY!!!!!!
options: I can put the mvb with a lamp clamp in the uncovered part of the top and leave the fluoresent lamp with a regular light or I can use my 150 w tight beam and use the fluoresent lamp for the reptisun 10, the problem is that I dont know how far or close the light should be from the beardie on both. If I use the tube I will have to take off the hole glass top of the tank. I really want to make a decision today so PLEASE REPLY!!!!!!

 

[sammyjackson]

PEASE HELP ANYBODY!!!!!

 

[kmc5]

You have to give people time to reply. Some might be at work right now.

I am building the enclosure before getting the beardie myself and the hardest part is getting the lights right.

 

[sammyjackson]

Yoa are right , its that I am a little unpatient and I'll probably end up doing the wrong choice but I'll try to wait before buying anything. Thanks. :roll:

 

[Owner of Max]

I would get the Megaray 160 W (much, much better than the Power Sun) MVB, hang it from an adjustable lamp stand, and then just use your tube/fluorescent light fixture with a standard white light bulb to brighten up the tank.