ReptiSun and ReptiGlo combo

[divinedimension]

I have three lights for my beardie's enclosure.
1) ReptiSun longer 10 UVB that stretches almost the length of my viv;

2) ReptiGlo extra 2.0 UVB pointed towards basking area; and

3) One 50 watt basking bulb.

Is this ok for her age of 17 weeks and will I need to change this set up as she ages and to what, please? Thank you in advance! I will be purchasing a much larger viv soon for her to grow into and I'm wondering I need the same set up or if I will need to add more bulbs, etc.

Thanks in advance!

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

The Reptisun 10 is adequate uvb for your beardie. You don't really need the ReptiGlo uvb at all.
As far as the watt of the basking bulb goes... it all depends on the size of your enclosure and the temps you are getting.
If you want to fill us in on the size of your viv... the type thermometer you are using and what your temps are in the basking and coolside, we can help you with your questions.
Beardies need the same amount of UVB at any age, so the type UVB bulb will never change as your beardie grows. Younger beardies need warmer temps, where as adult beardies prefer it a bit cooler.

 

[divinedimension]

It's the smallest Viv size, since she's still a baby. Smaller than my fish tank. I followed Petsmart's recommendations for the reptisun, but it may be a higher uvb than that, I just do not recollect and it's not shown on the bulb.

Petsmart also told me to get the 26 reptiglo UVB but it was not in stock yesterday for some reason when I went.

I'm just not sure how much UVB I should have in there at all. I have heard to only stick to ReptiSun products, but I learned this only recently. As you can tell, I'm so confused!

I've been compensating by spending literally HOURS a day in the warm, Texas sunlight with my beardie. She loves it. LOL.

She's active, growing, eating and pooping well and happy. But I do worry!

Temps range from 90-100 in the basking area and 80-95 non basking. I bought the Zilla thermometer (it is not the digital variety) as it came with the desert kit I bought with her enclosure. The enclosure appears to be around 20 gallons, and I want a much bigger one soon.

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

The Reptisun only comes in a 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0... so I doubt that it's higher than the 10.0. Could it be possible you got a 2.0 or 5.0?
It should be stamped on the bulb at one end. The 10.0 is the one you want... the other two do not emit enough uvb for a dragon.
If the bulb is indeed a Reptisun 10... I promise that is enough uvb for your beardie. You need no other source of uvb in the tank.

You really need to try and get either a digital thermometer with a probe end or a temp gun. Any other type of thermometer will not give you accurate temps. You must be able to get a basking temp reading directly from the basking spot. This is where the probe and/or temp gun come in. The temps are vital for the health and well being of your beardie.

Basking temps for a beardie need to be between 95-110 and coolside temps between 78-82. Since your beardie is around 4 months old... basking temps between 100-105 are better. Your coolside temps are a bit high, but then again you need a good thermometer to read them correctly.

Walmart carries a great little digital thermometer w/probe for around $12. It is the Acu-Rite thermometer and it gives you the readings for the basking side, cool side and humidity.

Beardies do have a way of making us worry. Try not to worry too much.. it will make you crazy :wink:

 

[divinedimension]

You are right, the 10 is what I have in the Reptisun, plus a ReptiGlo 2.0. I think the ReptiGlo is inadequate alone and I do have other heat bulbs I could use instead if I wanted it higher than 90-95 in there as it has been, but I just thought more UVB would help-- I sure hope it's not hurting anything. I did see a digital therm. the other day at Petsmart, so I'll run back and grab it, thanks!

You're right I have become a bit of a worry wart: are the temps high enough, is the uvb enough, do I need to add uva, how often do I bathe him, he's not drinking from the water bowl, those poops are soft but are they do soft, how much is too much out of the cage time, etc. etc. etc. an so on and so on. LOL. Thank you for your help!

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

Just make sure the digital thermometer has a long wire with a probe at the end. The probe is what you will set on the basking spot.
Once you get the right thermometer and figure out what your temps are, then you will know if you need a lower/higher watt basking bulb. With a 20 gallon tank you don't need much more than a 50 watt bulb for heat. Alot of times it depends on the temps inside your home as well.
Like I said though... the Reptisun 10 uvb bulb is all you will need for your beardie to get the right levels of uvb... so go ahead and take the ReptiGlo out of the tank.

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. I know it seems like alot of information to care for your beardie at first, but once you get the lights/temps figured out, it is a breeze from there. :wink: Bearded dragons are quite resilient little creatures and are easy to care for.

Let me know what your temps are once you get the new digital thermometer. Oh and... when you place the probe end of the thermometer on the basking spot(directly under the basking bulb).. allow it to sit there for a good 45 minutes to get a reading.