Ready to be a beardie owner.. few questions

[fkalb]

Hey everybody, so ive decided i want a beardie and have read tonnes on them in the last while. I would rather build an enclosure than just go out and buy one. Ive looked around for plans and have found some decent ones such as the timeless and crossfire. Any other links and plans would be greatly appreciated! Im an electrician so i will most likely be getting carried away on the lighting and plan to have it look awesome (will post pics once done.. in awhile ). Few questions as far as lighting goes: I plan on putting in a UVA/B, Daylight basking lamp, and a blue or red nighttime lamp. What distances are safe/recommended for the beardie for each? Dont want to burn it and also want the light to be most effective. I havent seen much written about night lighting but i figured i would put in a nighttime lamp, how long should this be on for and is it a good idea?

Also a few other questions regarding the beardie, might be the wrong forum but while im posting i might as well try asking
Im from BC, Canada. Where would the best place to get a Beardie from be? Ive been around to a few pet stores but would prefer to buy from a respected breeder or what do you guys think about buying from a pet store. Any recommendations and info is greatly appreciated! Thanks so much

 

[ErinMeetsMachine]

If you do get a nighttime bulb, I would get the blue one if you must get one. The red ones actually hurt the dragons eyes. You don't need an extra heat source if temperatures don't drop below the mid-sixties at night. If they do, I would suggest a ceramic heat emitter instead. They give off heat and no light, that way to not interrupt your beardies sleep. I don't know if there is actually a suggested length, but I'd be sure the light is far enough away from their basking spot that they cannot extend and touch it. You'll have to monitor the temps on the basking spot anyhow so you'll know if they are too hot.
You mentioned that you were going to be getting a uva/b light. Do you mean that you're getting a mvb that emits both heat and uvb? If so, you may not need a separate basking light, but that all depends on the size of the tank and what your temperatures end up being.

I'm excited to see what an awesome enclosure an electrician can make!

I'm from the states so I can't really help you with the breeder thing. I would google search to see if there are any reptile shows in your area. Also, there is a website that gives out Fauna "good guy" certificates to reputable breeders. I'll have to find the site.

 

[fkalb]

Thanks for the help. Maybe ill stray away from the idea of a night lamp if its not needed.. could put one in just incase i guess lol. As far as the uva/b thing goes im still learning all about the lamps. Seems like the coil type uvb are not a good idea, read about the possible harm they can do to the animal. Best is a good basking light and a seperate uvb fluorescent tube? Another question (i have lots haha) if i go with tile substrate does it NEED a heat pad underneath or is it fine if the enclosure is warm enough?

thanks again

 

[Alix1378]

you could get a heat PAD(not rock) an use that much its really important that you make sure that it will never even come close to burning your bearded dragon because they cant sence heal well on the bellies an wont know to move till its too late an they have been burnt. most people dont use a heat pat though.

 

[ErinMeetsMachine]

You don't NEED it like above mentioned.

As far as your lamps.. Do you know what size enclosure you're going to be making? If it's big enough, you can just go with a MVB that will emit both heat and uvb, plus they last up to a year. They're the "closest thing to the suns natural rays"

 

[Venom508]

yeah as far as night light go i dont use them cuz beardies like to have a dark enclosure to sleep. it would be like trying to sleep with somone shining a torch in ur face. but if ur worried about it getting too cold the just buy a heat mat but make sure it a low heat one cuz you dont want him to burn. also i am dead against heat rocks and logs as these are known for "hot spots" and can cause burns. with the heat mat cover it with what ever the substrat ur using so he doesnt sit on it directly. hope this helps..