where can i find a light fixture for inside the tank!?

[goomysmom]

so im a new dragon owner and ive done a lot of research but im still learning. when i was researching i read that using compact blubs are a no no, as well as having the UVB bulb on top of a mesh hood. so im wondering, what sort of fixture can i use for the inside of my beardies tank? I have a 10.0 reptisun uvb bulb 18'. it is currently inside a blacklight fixture which i think is fine except for the fact that it has no reflectors. ive read recently that T5 can go on top of a mesh cage but i sort of like the way the cage looks with the light inside it. I mounted the fixture im using now with strong velcro strips and it goes almost the whole length of the aquarium and is mounted at the top so my dragon can not touch it. I'm willing to use a T5 mounted on top but then I wouldnt know where to put the basking blub... Also what is the best basking bulb? I have one right now that came with the bearded dragon kit but I'd like to buy a better one if there is one. this is his basic cage set up rn (except rn im using paper towels instead of the carpet bc he poops on the carpet all the time!)

 

[CooperDragon]

Using a reflector with a T8 is a good idea. You can get one that would fit over your existing setup here http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/arcadia-t8-18-lamp-reflector/ It should be able to clip around the top far edges of the bulb/fixture and provide good reflection. The T8 bulb with reflector will still only really be effective at about 6-8'' above the basking area though. A T5 would provide greater effective distance even through a screen. A good industrial velcro should hold the UVB light pretty well. You could also use some wire run through the screen top to hug the fixture and hold it in place.

You could also try some non adhesive shelf liner for substrate. It's cheap to throw away and replace or you could get a bottle of F10SC sanitizer and just clean it and sanitize it as needed. Paper towels are fine too if that's working.

I like using halogen flood lights for basking because they are dimmable and produce a good amount of heat. Try a 70w PAR38 halogen flood light hooked up to a lamp dimmer and see how that goes. You can also suspend the fixture from an adjustable stand that will let you easily raise/lower the bulb to adjust the temps.