Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, I sorta just came into a dragon, and I know that they need UV, but it is a little on the expensive side. Was wondering if there is a cheaper alternative like a regular light bulb or something ,until I can get the money for a nice light setup.
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Leopard Geckos
Sahara (Normal)
Ghost (Blizzard)

they need the UVB .. as soon as possible in my opinion .

umm as long as they have a heating/basking lamp .. they should be ok till you get one .. but they will be exstremly out of color .. becuase of no UVB ray's ..

so i would suggest as soon as possible .

id get a full spectrum uv bulb ASAP. if it will be a while and you live somewhere your beardie can spend time outside natural light is really better, but not good for us...
sorry if i have type-os, on a new keyboard and in a hurry
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hanging out under heat lights burns up my brain cells!!

In my opinion, UVB generating bulbs are a must with Bearded Dragons. Although, I have heard (and don't agree) that with Supplementation Dragons have been raised without. I strongly don't recommend this.

Anyway, buy Rep Cal Calcium with D3 (RepCal has no Vitamin A) and supplement every meal. Get that UVB as soon as possible.

The only 'cheap' way to provide UVB light for dragons, is to take them outside in natural sunlight, if the weather in your area permits it (should be at least 70F outside without or little wind, above 75F is better). About an hour of natural sunlight a day for about 3-4 days a week will ensure your dragon has all the UVB he needs.

The cheapest bulbs to get that will still provide sufficient levels of UVB for your dragon, would be repti-glo or repti-sun (two different brands) 5.0. Depending on the length (should be at or near the total length of the cage, so depending on the age of your dragon, this could be anywhere between 18" to 48" long (smaller ones are fine for 20 gal tanks, till your dragon is around 14-15" then he will need to be moved to the adult sized cage, which should be a minimum of 2'x4' of floor space and between 16-24" of height. Thus, in a cage this big, a 3-4' long uvb light will be needed. UVB light tubes vary in cost depending on their size and rating. The higher the rating the more the price. The longer the tube, the higher the price...though some sizes have very little cost differencs (ie 18" and 24" may only be a buck difference in price, or the same price. Yet if one tube is 5.0 and the other 10.0 and both the same size, there is a greater cost difference).

I can buy a 18" 8.0 UVB tube in Canada, for about $25.
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PHLdyPayne

LLLReptile advertised UVB Bulbs in the February issue of Reptile Magazine. They are selling the Zoomed Reptisun 5.0 for 13.99 any length and 17.99 for the Reptisun 10.0 any length. Best prices I've seen and are good till 3/31/07. Prices are US. Sorry LdyPayne.

I have to say i agree with BDLvr and LLL is a great company!