I've never seen any study that says that high basking temps. are required for proper D3 production. Please supply references.

The problem with the basking steps plan is this:

I make the assumption that the UVB is mounted at the same level as the basking bulb. The highest level must be far enough away so that the dragon cannot touch the bulb. This level would have the most UVB. The next level down would be cooler so the dragon may bask longer but the UVB levels would be less and so on with each level.

The main point of proponents of the high basking spot temp. is that dragons would warm up to their preferred temperature faster. Then they would move to cooler area. Unfortunately if you follow the recommendations of Reptiles Magazine this always means farther away since they recommend that light only come from above.

Some things to consider is that all dragons are not the same. I'm sure many can survive without UVB. But, are they better off without UVB? That's pretty doubtful based on current research. I have known of BD's and tortoises that contracted MBD even with UVB and proper supplementation. Matabolization of Calcium certainly differes somewhat for each individual.

Constant high basking temps. also goes against conditions found in nature, where temperatures are cooler in the morning causing reptiles to heat slowly not quickly. Also consider that some days there is no direct sun at all. Probably the best single environment is an average, not the high or cool end of the spectrum. Even a 5+ x 2+ enclosure isn't near large enough to offer a range of temps. found outdoors.

In the wild basking temps. of 130+ do exist, on a hot day in the middle of the day during the summer. But, based on what the Austrailian Zoo Keeper said and my observations of my dragons(23) in my outside cage(NJ), dragons will not bask in them for long. They prefer the cooler basking temps of the morning and evening in the summer or more of the day in the spring and fall. So why simulate a condition that is not what the dragon is looking for. Higher temps. also mean lower humidity in an enclosure which again can be problematic.

The best UVB bulbs seem to be Mercury Vapor. Unfortunately they are not very practical in many enclosures and don't work at all in stacked enclosures like mine. My basking spots are 105-110 and in general most of my dragons(23)lie on the outside edge of the light circle leading me to believe that they would not like it hotter. Yes, in the morning when they warm up they are directly in the light.

I am involved with another large well known BD forum. This is the only place where there are starch supporters of these high basking temps. A year ago there was no one here that pushed basking spots higher than 110. I'd like to find the research that fueled this sudden change.

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