Worried... Not eating, etc.

[Claudiusx]

Ok,

Yes, you need to turn off that compact bulb. They have been linked to serious health issues in dragons. They cause more harm than good. Your dragon will do better without it until you can get a proper bulb.

A CHE is NOT an acceptable basking bulb. A CHE has one purpose and that is to provide heat at night if needed. During the day you need to have a basking bulb that produces LIGHT and heat.

Firstly, this mimics the sun.
The bright white light that is produced by your basking bulb protects your dragons eyes from the uvb rays. Without this, the uvb radiation will cause damage to vision and the eyes.
The bright white light also encourages the dragon to bask.

You NEED to change your thermometers. You cannont be getting accurate readings with those. Read this thread:
http://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=167279
You need to get a proper thermometer.

Having proper temperatures is as important as remembering to feed your dragon. You MUST have proper temperatures. The only way you can have proper temperatures is with an accurate means of measuring. Not with something that can be off by as much as 40 degrees...

So you have a bit of a shopping list. I will put them in order of what is the most important. But note, that you NEED to get all of these things as soon as possible for the health of your lizard.

1. A temp gun or a digital thermometer with probe.
2. A suitable basking bulb that gets you the heat you need and provides a bright white light. You might need to buy a couple bulbs until you find a bulb that works for you.
3. A proper uvb bulb. The reptisun 10.0 tube or the arcadia 12% are your only options.

-Brandon

 

[CaraT]

Thank you for the info!

Could you explain to me what is wrong w the UVB bulb I have? It's the same brand and everything as the tube? I jut don't quite understand. Why are tubes the only option. When I bought her that was the bulb that I was told was good by a couple different breeders at the reptile show? I don't doubt you! I'm just confused

It will be at least 3 weeks before I can get a UVB tube & fixture... I feel like that's pretty long to go without UVB? Is it still worse to have it than not have it for so long?

For the basking bulb... Should I try out some household bulbs? I can get some 100 watt ones?

And for the ceramic. I can use it in conjunction w a second bulb that provides the light for basking?


Thanks for taking the time to explain things. I really appreciate it. I'm just frustrated cause I've read and been told so many different things and spent a lot of money on things that I was told were good for her, andlater been told are a no-go. I just want her healthy and happy! All this wasted money is leaving me very broke and frustrated. (Again, just venting, not directed at anyone!)

 

[Claudiusx]

Still, even with three weeks, it will be better to have it off completely. I was not exaggerating when I said they do more harm than good.

They are the same brand, but they are definitely not the same bulb. They emit a much more dangerous shorter wavelength of uvb that has been found to be very harmful, at least to bearded dragons. I am not sure how it affects other creatures. In addition, CFL's are very glaring bulbs, and can cause eye damage to the dragon.

You can always take your beardie outside every day for some natural sunlight. That would at least introduce some uvb.

For the basking bulb you can use household bulbs. Just don't use the compact spiral kind. 100 watts will most likely be too hot. A lot of us can get away with 40-60 watts. But buy a few different wattages and see.
MAKE SURE you have an accurate thermometer though. No point in spending money for a bunch of bulbs unless you are accurately measuring their heat output.

Remember you want them to also put out a bright white light, don't buy the soft whites.

As for the CHE+basking light question - You can, but you shouldn't need to. Find a bulb that produces the heat you need, and leave it at that.

And I understand your frustration. Unfortunately, many people suffer the same frustration as there is just so much bad info out there, and most don't seek better information.

-Brandon