Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi im getting my first Uro in a few weeks and I just wanna make sure I get everything right with lights heat and all.First question where can I buy a standard flourecent fixtures from and how much do they cost around.Another question is what type of bulbs do you use for heating.I was thinking about using the zoomeds basking bulb is that ok?.Thanks Danny

zoo-med basking spot bulbs make a nice hot circle for BASKING(a hot spot)i think they work well for that. Big enough spot for the entire lizard to enjoy an even temp.It doesn't really heat much outside of that circle, so you will need more. I don't know what size or type cage so i can't say what else to use.Room temperature will matter as well. i think flourescents are good for brightness but for uvb, mercury vapors are the best out now. like mega ray or t-rex. there are others but since you are new, they can be dangerous without expensive meters to set them up properly.but with mega-ray or t-rex, your animals will do nicely.
Better investment for a new uromastyx, and you can still use a compact flourescent for extra light. Set up the cage first it will be a lot easier,then come back with any problems. You have to check the temps throughout the day. Put the cage exactly where it will go because that will matter. Have substrate in the cage(i don't know you I'm sorry if I am being too basic). Basically set it up completely then test the temps.

p.s. in one of my cages right now i have the "circle" from a zoo-med right next to the "circle" of a mercury vapor and it makes a very nice basking spot. the basking bulb is tilted so i get some ambient temp as well. that way i get a hot spot, a hot spot w/uv, a not so hotspot with uv, and some surrounding heat.you add a compact flourescent from home depot for extra light and if you need it some regular reptile day bulbs and you are basically set-up for heat/light. pretty much what i have.flourescent fixtures would be good to add, though, yes they would.