start of mbd?

[illuminis]

I've had a few issues here and there where everyone has been so very helpful but lately I've been reading more and more people's BDs having MBD. Now I'm getting concerned that mine may have the start of it and want to correct this asap.
Beginning: She approx 6.5 months old (assuming she was 2 mth when purchased) 15" and about 190g.
Housing: 40g with Zilla Desert T8 Light Fixture 24". Basking spot 98-104 , cool area 74-77.
Feeding: 15-20 crickets (3/4 to 1") , some supers , hornworms ,large BSL , still can't get her to eat but a bite or 2 of greens.

She did have an issue back a month or so ago with her nail getting suck in her hammock and hurting her leg but that has gotten much better. Walking is back to normal. When she is walking around her back (spine) looks straight but when ever she is at rest, either in basking spot

or on the new hammock

she has an "S" shape to it.

Is this something I need to start worrying about? Or am I being over critical? (or a hypochondriac)

 

[CooperDragon]

She looks pretty healthy to me. The S is probably just how she's sitting. Is she moving around easily and has full use of her hands and feet? The Desert 50 will have optimal output at about 7'' above the basking spot giving a UVI of just over 3 (3-5 is the best range for basking). Is she getting plenty of calcium via supplements on the crickets? The BSL will provide a nice amount of calcium as well and if you can get her to eat greens, collards are a good calcium source.

 

[illuminis]

Yes, sorry forgot to mention that her crickets and even the supers are dusted. As soon as taxes come in she'll be getting a few upgrades such as a little bit bigger viv (http://www.petsmart.com/reptile/hab...6-5147552/cat-36-catid-500009?_t=pfm=category ) and Reptispa UV Sun Lamp 100 Watts - UVB & UVA Self-Ballasted Mercury Vapor Lamp.

 

[CooperDragon]

That's the same enclosure I have. It works well but if you have an option of getting the new 24'' tall version I'd do it. That will allow you to build higher climbing areas.

If you're looking to switch to an MVB, I suggest avoiding the cheap Chinese made bulbs because I've found that their build quality and output can be inconsistent and inadequate. It's a case of you get what you pay for. Some nice MVBs include bulbs from MegaRay and Arcadia.

With that enclosure, I use a combination of a dome fixture with a halogen flood light bulb for heat and white light and a T5 UVB tube from Arcadia which works really well. If you aren't set on an MVB, I'd take that route for lighting upgrades if you can.

 

[illuminis]

Thanks, I'll looking into those as well. I have plenty of domes, 3 only using 1 at the moment. All with the ceramic fixture.

 

[CooperDragon]

If you want to keep with the fixtures you have, then I suggest a MegaRay bulb. They are high quality. The downside is that they produce narrow beams of UVB which produce small (maybe 9in diameter) zones that are good for basking. I like to provide a wide basking area which allows for a dragon to fit his whole body under and bask evenly. That's the advantage of the tube style UVB lights. They emit a nice wide beam that can cover the whole basking area.

 

[illuminis]

If you want to keep with the fixtures you have, then I suggest a MegaRay bulb. They are high quality. The downside is that they produce narrow beams of UVB which produce small (maybe 9in diameter) zones that are good for basking. I like to provide a wide basking area which allows for a dragon to fit his whole body under and bask evenly. That's the advantage of the tube style UVB lights. They emit a nice wide beam that can cover the whole basking area.

Cooper, would this be the right one then?
http://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcos...ng/zoo-med-reptisun-t5-ho-terrarium-hood-30-l

Can't seem to find the Arcadia except on overseas sites.

 

[CooperDragon]

That would work but I've recently been reading mixed reviews of that hood. Some have seen that the output isn't up to what it should be. I'd check out these options as they're proven winners. I have the Arcadia setup.

This fixture http://www.amazon.com/Sunblaster-904296-NanoTech-Fixture-Reflector/dp/B00AKKUBDQ
With this bulb http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun-10-0-Lamp/dp/B00AQU8HAO/

Or this combo set http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/