What should I use?

[Enderess]

I am currently planning on ordering a reptisun UVB bulb tonight for my rescue Sebastian, who really needs it right now. I am also going to be ordering two thermometers/hydrometers as well. I am wondering what you think is the best, most accurate thermometer/hydrometer that you are using, and if it is accurate, because I don't know which one to get on amazon.

I am also wondering about the UVB fixture, because I don't think that all of these expensive over the top terrarium hoods are really necessary, but are just overpriced fixtures marketed as "better for reptiles". I did hear something about under the cabinet fixtures working, and maybe someone could tell me what the name (or brand name) of the fixture that they are using, or link it to me, because I really would like a name of a cheaper one that works, and maybe the bulb that works with it.

You can also tell me anything else that sounds like a good thing to add to my tank, since I am currently replacing everything the old owners gave to me, since they were taking care of the poor thing completely wrong. Here is a pic of the setup that I recieved:

It had no background, a colored basking light that looked like one of those weird ones marketed as a night light as well as a basking light (It felt like there was very little heat coming from it), a broken thermometer, a weird foam rock that I think was trying to be a basking light, and a dirty, cramped up 20 gallon tank. I did receive some other items, but that was what they give him to me in.

Here is a slightly outdated pic of his newer setup (still being updated):

I did replace the basking light with a 120 watt equivalent halogen flood lamp, which I still am trying to get the temperature right on, I got a cheap, (not very accurate) thermometer at petsmart, removed that water bowl, since the humidity was way to high (went from 50-30), am going to get some adhesive shelf liner soon, and am going to get a basking light.

Please tell me any recommendations on hides and basking platforms, as this one sucks, I have to help him get up there. He is about two feet long, in case that helps. Also please link me to a good UVB bulb.

Thanks for your time!

Regards,

Enderess

 

[Gormagon]

I am not going to say or ever will say that, those cheap under cabinet light fixtures are good, you get what you pay for. When it comes to the health of my dragon, I refuse to cut corners. Yes, they are expensive but well worth it. Proper uvb is one of (if not ) the most important part of a dragons life! We generally recommend these lights because they work. The Reptisun T5 HO or the Arcadia 12%D3 are the only ones on the market right now, that provide uvb, anywhere close to what they need. This is only advice, you can do as you please but, it would seem to me that you would want to provide him with the best things possible to make his life better than it was.

 

[Enderess]

I am not going to say or ever will say that, those cheap under cabinet light fixtures are good, you get what you pay for. When it comes to the health of my dragon, I refuse to cut corners. Yes, they are expensive but well worth it. Proper uvb is one of (if not ) the most important part of a dragons life! We generally recommend these lights because they work. The Reptisun T5 HO or the Arcadia 12%D3 are the only ones on the market right now, that provide uvb, anywhere close to what they need. This is only advice, you can do as you please but, it would seem to me that you would want to provide him with the best things possible to make his life better than it was.

Thanks! I am currently looking into the Reptisun T5 HO, and will probably be ordering tonight!

**EDIT** Just clarifying, I mainly meant the fixture part as a question, but poorly worded it, but was just wondering about it, since I have been hearing a lot of mixed feelings on this topic. :?

Thanks for your time!

regards,

Enderess

 

[Gormagon]

Glad I could help!

On another note, those crazy little dial thermometers are not worth the plastic it took to produce them, they can be off as much as 20°. Digitals are accurate and dependable. Get the ones with the external probe. You can also use one of those I.R. heat guns to check temps, very accurate as well.

 

[dogdayz1215]

What about the fixture used fo the reptisun? Any comments there? I jist learned about using a fixture that is reflective. Can these be bought at a general home improvement store or is there a certain tyoe/brand that seems to work best?