Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering... Whats the difference between just regular light bulbs and the reptile heat lights. Is there any difference? I want to know because we're gunna be really short on money for the next couple of months and we need to save most of our money for their food...

The light emitted by reptile heat bulbs(infra red) doesn't disturb the reptile(i.e. they do not 'see' it as real light)

Normal bulbs emitt light which the reptile will interpret as 'daylight'.

I use a normal house hold bulb which brings the basking spot to 105F. This is on for 14hrs a day and then switched off using a timer.

Hope that helps.
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Kat

1 male beardie 'Khan'

For most instances, you only need two lights for bearded dragons. A basking light and a UVB producing light. Basking lights are just regular household bulbs of an appropriate wattage to raise and maintain the basking spot at a temperature between 95-115F (higher end for younger dragons). Though there are basking bulbs sold in petstores, these are over priced bulbs that don't put out anymore heat than an equal wattage household bulb, so no point paying $5 for a single bulb that you can get at Walmart for $.50 for 4 bulbs.

THe red night bulbs (or reptile bulbs) are just bulbs that give off light radiation in frequences not normally seen by reptiles. They can be used for nighttime heat, but unless your house temperature drops below 65F at night, they are not needed at all. So don't bother buying them.

UVB bulbs will be your most expensive lighting feature. These just can't be found at any store other than a petstore or reptile supply store. Best to skimp on cost on other light sources/bulbs and buy a good UVB bulb. Typically, depending on size and ranking, these run from about $12-$30 for tubes, to about $50 or Mergury vapour bulbs. Go for the tubes, as MVB tend to be better suited for larger cages than starter cages for young dragons. The prices I can't say as being accurate, as I am doing a rough conversion of prices up here in Canada, to US dollars. (an 18" repti-sun 8.0 bulb (or is it repti-glo?) costs me $24.99 here in Canada). 18" tubes are great for tanks that are around 35gal (long) tanks which are perfect for babies up to about 15" in length, then you can move to the adult cage. (3-4' tubes should be used in adult cage)

Cheapest way to get food for baby bearded dragons is to mail order in bulk. You will be surprised how many 1/8th inch to 1/4 inch crickets a ravenous baby dragon can go through in a week.
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PHLdyPayne

I am assuming the Mercury Vapor bulb is not the normal streetlight vershion? Normal MVB would not be ideal, the outter bulb would filter out the UVB. Also becarefull of useing any kind of diffuser over a reptile bulb unless it's made for it, normal glass and some plastics will block UVB

I am referring to Mercury Vapour bulbs specially designed for use with reptiles. These put out a high level of UVB rays, hence why they are much more expensive than a typical MVB you can find at most department and hardware stores.
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PHLdyPayne