uvb tips for Showcase cage

[kbro]

I just picked up a showcase, I was wondering how and where people are hanging their uvb's. I also picked up some command picture hanger (looks kinda like Velcro in a way), it can hold up to 16 lbs. I was thinking of attaching it to the indent where the uvb is supposed to go and using my mini halogen in that spot, then the log to get up there. I'd love some thoughts.

 

[CooperDragon]

Can you post some photos of what you have? I'll be glad to share some thoughts but am not familiar with the showcase.

 

[kbro]

I don't have pics yet of mine but this is what they are http://www.showcasecages.com/cage_details.htm

 

[jarich]

I think your UVB will work that way but I would recommend getting a different basking light. Those mini halogens give a very small intensely heated basking spot. For a larger lizard like a dragon this can lead to burns. It would be better to get a nice wide beamed halogen, like a PAR 38, to give your dragon a big basking area.

 

[kbro]

I have two baking lamps, that's just to get one spot a little hotter, I have the other poking in thru the back of the enclosure. I also only use the 25 watt mini. Its just only the mini will fit in that indent to be right next to the uvb but the other one can get close enough to work too. My first idea with the Velcro type commands won't work now, I forgot the switch was on the back of that fixture not the side like some of my other ones I've had.
I just worry the hooks won't be strong enough, has anyone seen any problems with those? I saw some that say 7.5 lbs instead of 3 so maybe those would be better.

 

[CooperDragon]

Oh wow those are pretty cool! From the spec sheet it looks like it has an indent for a UVB fixture, will that not be the best place for it? If you wanted to put it inside you may be able to put some velcro strips on the top of the UVB fixture and velcro it to the ceiling.

 

[kbro]

It would be the best spot if it didn't have the mesh there, I could rip it out but I don't really want to do that.

 

[CooperDragon]

OK I understand the mesh frustration. I had that on the top of my exo-terra and wound up just cutting it with a box cutter. How stable is the mesh? Maybe you could use some fishing line to suspend the fixture just below the mesh.

 

[kbro]

The mesh is very stable but the light would be way too low then, I want him to be able to use a log to bask. I'm thinking of using hooks, then the picture hangers on the top for extra security, I'm just nervous about how well they hold.

Also any opinions on switching their enclosures. Right now Pebbles is in the huge tank (6long by 2w by 3h) which makes it easier for a lay box and extra things. But Bamm Bamm is a little bigger than her. Should I let him have the big one, or just let them be? I don't know if I should put them both through the stress of moving.

 

[CooperDragon]

Command hooks hold pretty well from what I've seen. You could use extra hooks or use oversized hooks to add some insurance perhaps. You may even be able to install screw hooks depending on the material the tank is made of.

Do either of them seem unhappy or is Bamm Bamm cramped in his current spot? If not I'd probably just let it go, but if they're already settled into your house I wouldn't think switching up would cause too much stress if you decided to go that way.

 

[kbro]

Bamm Bamm will be moving to the showcase cage he was in a 55g long temporarily which was he was cramped in but not too badly, I just want to make sure the lights are secure before putting him in there, I don't want him hurt by a falling lamp. I feel bad it took me a couple months to find and be able to afford a new tank for him. I had my car break down ($600 fix) so it delayed buying, I thought I would have a new one in a couple weeks vs. months. But anyways I found the showcase cage for $140 with the stand so I snatched it right up. :lol: I super cleaned and sanitized as well.
I might keep it as is since when she lays eggs she needs some more space and I'm not always able to take her out to put her in another container for the lay box so I put something in with her just in case.

 

[CooperDragon]

Ugh, cars are such a pain in the butt :|

 

[jarich]

Sorry it was a little hard to see from the link, but what type of mesh is it on the place where the UVB goes? Is it hardware cloth, with the 1/2" holes, or something more fine than that? If its the hardware cloth, then I would recommend getting the T5 high output fluorescent fixture. It will be able to shine through the hardware cloth down into the enclosure without problem. Just make sure it has a reflector in the fixture.

Or you could make your own enclosure! Its a lot of fun if you have the tools and the ability, and its a pretty simple design. Alternatively, you could probably put an add on craigslist or something similar for a carpenter that would build it for you. Probably be about the same price as that one you linked to, but without having to move things around or fix them after. Just a thought.

 

[kbro]

I already have the showcase cage, I got it for same price or cheaper as making one would be and its way easier to clean and lighter than making one. The mesh is weird, it's like small circles not really a screen.

 

[jarich]

Oops, sorry I read wrong there. I thought you were just looking at them, and missed where you said you already bought it.

Would you be able to put up a picture of the mesh? It sounds like it isnt too fine, so it could still work with the T5 HO lights, especially if you had a log or something getting it a little closer.