Too much UV possible?

[BeardieBrooklyn]

Hi guys! I just brought my beardie home a week ago and am learning so much! Still figuring out best cage setup and lighting. I have a question about having too much UV lighting. Originally I got a 100 watt Murcury Vapor bulb and it’s fixed about 12” over my beardie when he’s basking. I also have a normal heat lamp next to it as he’s a baby and I want him to be warm (temps seem to be around 105-115 and he has the ability to move out of that hot spot but he seems to like it.). However, the more i read everyone suggested that the Reptisun 10.0 T5 was best for UV lighting so I purchased this and hung in the tank. My beardie seems to like basking under the murcury bulb so I’m wondering if I keep both is it too much UV lighting? I will attach a pic of the cage. I have the reptisun off right now because I’m worried he can get too close and damage his eyes. I’m going to take him out later and make some adjustments so that he can’t get too close to the reptisun but wondering is it too much to have both lamps? Thanks for your help. I want to purchase a UV reader but they are expensive ($200-300) and I’ve already spent about $800 in the past week getting all the necessary stuff for this guy (or girl!).

 

[BeardieBrooklyn]

I am not sure how to post a picture here.

 

[KarrieRee]

got to top of page click on user image uploader - up load pic-- post reply at top of this message box click on XIMG
Karrie

 

[BeardieBrooklyn]

 

[KarrieRee]

You should only need the one Reptison in your tank - $800 what in the world did you buy that would cost that much? What is the flooring of the tank? It looks like tile which is good--- you dont need a UV reader-- I would invest in a infrared heat gun thats $10 from Walmart or Home Depot- a hydrometer that measures humidity- and if you want put a probe digital thermometer in the tank just to keep an eye on temps on the cool side of tank but use the infrared for your basking area etc... the hydrometer can go in the center of the tank like on the back wall -- the Reptison should have the reflector off the bulb so he can get full effect of light- and I think it should be like 6" -12" from him - other than that he should not need anymore UVB- and I am not sure if they can get too much UVB -- some one else would haft to answer that question--
Karrie

 

[BeardieBrooklyn]

Haha well the cage and all of that stuff was $400 (accessories, cricket habitat). Then I had to get all of the extra bulbs, new cover, etc. maybe $800 was an exaggeration but it’s been a lot. I do have an infrared thermometer which is great. Right now it’s reptile carpet. I do want to switch to ceramic tile which I will do soon. Thanks for your help.

 

[KarrieRee]

Your welcome -- what size is your tank? Eventually your gonna want to upgrade to a bigger one -- he/ she will outgrow the one you have- I recently upgraded Hiccup to a Zen Habitat 120 gallon--
Karrie

 

[BeardieBrooklyn]

It’s a 40 gallon. Plenty big for right now. Beardie is pretty small.

 

[KarrieRee]

They grow fast but for now shes good-- Hiccup turned a year at the end of Jan--
Karrie

 

[kingofnobbys]

Not too much , actually insufficient UV with the UV sources mounted on top the mesh.

Only changes I would make

>> to move the T5 10UVB tube and hood UNDER the mesh lid and make sure he can get inside 11 inches of the T5 tube.

>> I'd give him a 15 hour photo period (lights on 15 hours per day).

>> 2 or 3 digital thermometer (type with probe on long cable) so you monitor the temperatures in the warm zone, cool zone and at the basking spot at a glance.

>> remove the mesh lid and replace it with piece of MDF or Masonite or plywood or timber wall paneling , this will help hold the warmth in the tank (will not need as much wattage to get the same temperatures) .

 

[BeardieBrooklyn]

Thank you kingofnobbys! I was worried he was getting too close to the T5 tube and it would hurt his eyes. The tube is inside the tank under the mesh.

 

[BeardieBrooklyn]

New set up a few small changes I think I’m happy with it.