Top of enclosure

[ejuncker16]

I am wondering what kind of top I need over my tank enclosure for my juvenile bearded dragon. I have a 40 gallon tank with a mesh top right now because that is all that was available in the pet store but my tank is not warm enough even with the heat lamp and the UVB light. I am guessing this is because the mesh top is not allowing enough heat inside the tank. But if I do not have a mesh cover what should I use?

 

[traildrifterphalanx]

Mesh/screen tops are really the only recommendation for a top, unless you build an enclosure and build the lights inside, or do no top at all and suspend your lights.

You can custom make your own screen top (think chicken coop fencing) for wider holes to allow more heat to get in, otherwise I know the Zilla generic screen tops have wider screen holes, they just don't fit perfectly. I use one of these with good results.

Otherwise, if you are set on your basking spot placement, you could cut a small hole into the screen top to allow heat to get in.

 

[CooperDragon]

I would get a higher wattage basking light and either hang it from an adjustable stand or use a lamp dimmer or dimming thermostat to fine tune the temps. Halogen flood lights handle dimming pretty well.

 

[jayce82]

the screen is not your issue, it's your bulb. I use a screen top and my temps will get in the hundreds if I want. get s 150 watt bulb and put it on a dimmer to regulate

 

[ejuncker16]

What does putting it on a dimer mean?

 

[traildrifterphalanx]

Like a dimmer switch, so you can control the intensity of the bulb if you need it hotter or cooler

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures

 

[ejuncker16]

Where/how can I purchase a dimer?

 

[jayce82]

home depot or Lowes has them

 

[CooperDragon]

I picked up a manual dimmer at Lowe's. You can get them online too. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000BYEF6