Terrarium set up

[Haleymperez93]

Hi! I'm just looking for some advice or pictures on set up, especially from someone with a similar tank. My adult beardie doesn't seem very happy and I want to give her the best that I can. I have the exoterra large wide terrarium. Thank you! ?

 

[CooperDragon]

I have that one. I suggest using a good T5 UVB light like this http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/ and a dome fixture with a halogen flood light does well for providing basking temperatures. I have my basking light and a seasonal ceramic heat emitting bulb (no visible light, used for cold nights) hanging over the tank from adjustable lamp stands that work really well. Here is a photo of my setup.

 

[Haleymperez93]

Do you not have a lid on top? Mine has this one.

 

[CooperDragon]

Yeah I have the lid but I took it off. I don't have any other animals in the house to worry about getting in so I leave it off so the UVB is stronger (the mesh intercepts some of the output) and I can keep the lights up high to provide a little more climbing space. A bit of a personal preference I guess.

 

[Gormagon]

I strive to keep my dragon active as possible. Give them plenty to look at, explore and, do. This keeps them from getting bored. My lighting system is a lot like Cooperdragon's but they differ in activity levels. Here is a picture of Peaches' kingdom:

 

[Haleymperez93]

@cooperdragon the link you posted in your first reply, is that the same light you’re using in your picture? Just wondering so I don’t end up ordering one that’s too small. Also, how did you attach it to the tank?

 

[CooperDragon]

The one in the picture is the 36''. I think it's too long for the tank and doesn't give enough low UVB areas over the cool side. I've compensated by moving it to the front of the tank to create a gradient toward the back and it's fine but if I had to do it again I'd get the 22''. The one I have just rests along the top of the tank and the power cord hangs off of one side. With the 22'' you could put a wire across the middle (attaching to the plastic flaps that keep the lid on) or put a plastic/wooden cross piece in and rest it on that.