I have been a dragon owner for about 6 months now, and my first baby Pancake was declared perfect by my Exotic Vet right before brumation. She is about 10 months old now and her birthday is 2 days after mine! You can see below why I named her Pancake
In the last week I also became mama to 2 new guys, who I felt needed to be brought home.
The first was Bubba the new baby - I believe about 3 months old
And then I rescued Forrest over the weekend as he is handicapped and I'm sure needs all the love he can get. I was told he is about 5 months old
This is our little dragon family and I'm so very happy
I have a 120 gallon w/ a galvanized screen top that I use 150 watt exo Terra basking bulb and a zoo med 24" Reptisun 10 T 5-- that UVB is inside the tank--- I also use a 100 watt CHE in the winter to keep my tanks around 70 at nite
Karrie
18" fixture will be the T 8 --- and it will need to go inside the tank approx 8-10 inches from basking - the 36" fixture would be the T 5-- it needs to be 12-15 inches from basking w/ no screen not sure how your going to get that one situated w/ no screen I would not get any longer as they need to be able to get out of the UVB rays w/ out hiding from them -- I am using a 24" and it works good - the difference between the two is the strength of the bulbs and how often you change them out - the T 8 is every 6 months the T 5 one time a year --
Karrie
The difference between the t8 and the t5s is that the t5s are high output bulbs that are effectively twice as strong as the t8s. So in larger (taller) tanks, the t5 is preferred. or in tanks where you need to have the uvb ontop of the screen.
The t8 needs to be around 8 inches from the basking surface unobstructed.
The t5 needs to be around 12 inches from the basking surface unobstructed or around 8 inches if its placed on top of the screen.
You can get the t5 or t8 in both of those sizes you are asking about. So it all comes down to how you are going to place them. That determines which one you should get
I ended up buying a reptisun T8 bulb for my 18in fixture. I thought it was going to be brighter? But maybe that's because it's on top of his screen. I know it should be inside but the fixture would be too close if I mount it that way.
He seems fine and is pooping regularly. (Normally in his food or water dish?) heres a picture
Ps. I know red lights aren't the best, our white bulb went out this morning and I'll be getting another tomorrow
So I think Pancake and Forrest will be having babies. Eggs are currently incubating at the reptile shop.
I have some family members and friend that are wanting some of the eggs so I'm trying to figure out my babies colors/genetics.
I know Pancake is a normal beardie, but I'm wondering if she has a color morph or Not?? She is from Petco and labelled as an "Assorted bearded dragon" she was between $100-110.
I know Forrest is a leatherback and he is red.
Do I just describe him as a red leatherback? Or maybe tangerine, etc.