KayleeMay1":392o8zbj said:The coil bulbs are absolutely dreadful and it kills me knowing pet stores actually sell these to people. You need to invest in either a reptisun 10.0 long tube UVB T5 or T8 or an Arcadia 12% T5 UVB. The output from the coil uvb you have is pointless and is probably damaging his eyes. The stress maeks are not necessarily worrisome because those can come and go - even when they're not stressed. However, the set up needs to be changed drastically in order for your bearded dragon to get the best exposure to UVA and UVB.
There should be no screen or mesh between the UVB and your dragon. Screen and mesh cut the UVB output by up to 40%. Unless you are planning on using a T5 high output UVB then you are losing a lot of UVB through the screen and in that case the T8 should be placed at least within 6 inches of your dragons basking area. A T5 could easily be placed 10 - 12 inches from the basking area especially if you're using an Arcadia.
The UVB and the Basking bulb (heat) should be side by side so when your dragon is basking they are getting exposure to both heat and UVB. A bearded dragon does not actually start to metabolize and synthesize calcium into D3 until their internal body temp has reached 96° F. That's why it is important to have them side by side. Having the UVB on the cooler end is pointless for the purpose they are needed for.
Also, the red light you have is pointless and unnecessary. Dragons can see colour and having a red bulb in there actually effects the full spectrum lighting they should be receiving from a bright white basking bulb. The red lights basically make it look like a sun set all day everyday for them which messes with their overall well being.
Your dragon is very beautiful and I'm sure with a few minor adjustments to his viv he can live a long and healthy life!
KarrieRee":1ebb8c5m said:You need to replace the coil w/ a Reptisun 10.0 T 5 tube I would recommend it it is a stronger bulb-- the T 8 would need to go inside the tank - your screen looks like its a wide mesh so the T 5 would be strong enough to sit on top of screen -- you will need a new flat fixture for this T 5 tho -- the T 8's take a regular fixture -- the fixture would need the cover off the bulb so when putting the bulb in leave the cover off--- same w/ the T 8 which ever you decide to use --- if you go w/ a T 8 you can use these to hang inside the tank--- command Velcro fasteners- picture hanging wire – plastic zip ties---- you can try and get the UVB and basking bulbs next to one another I dont have mine next to one another in my tank as my basking bulb is on top and the Arcadia UVB is inside the tank --- as long as he can get close to the UVB he will go from one to another as he knows what he needs -- the red bulb get rid of it --- it hurts their eyes and can cause long term damage- he needs the darkness like you and I --- they sleep better w/ their metabolism slows at nite and the red light is disrupting sleep- are you dusting his bugs? He is still young and to prevent MBD he needs the calcium 5 x per week and vitamins 2 x per week -- but the UVB is crucial for his overall health and behavior-- I forgot to say if you need extra heat in the tank invest in a CHE - ceramic heat emitter- it only provides heat and no light --- your tank should not drop below 65 at night-- they need a dome like your basking light- they come in 75 watt and 100 watt bulbs -- I would recommend you upgrade your tank as well --- for a adult dragon we recommend a 75 gallon or 120 gallon tank one w/ doors that open from the front
Karrie
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