Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was just looking around at stuff on LLLreptile.com and saw this "ultimate bearded dragon package". I was wondering if the stuff in it was any good, or if some of its junk, and if it's way too much for what it comes with.

I really wish I had a bearded dragon, I read these forums everyday even though I don't have one. I think I'll have to wait til I get a place of my own to get one. At least I'll be well educated by you all by then

Nick
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Nick
0.1.0 Leo (Aeris)

AIM:bigdog18msu

knew I forgot something

Is this a good deal?
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Nick
0.1.0 Leo (Aeris)

AIM:bigdog18msu

i would say not really. its basically a hundred bucks after the Vision (which wont really be big enough for adult dragons, seems to be about equivalent to a 20L). the hundred watt bulb *may* not be enough to reach the basking temps needed, and notice that they give you an 18" fixture for a 15" bulb (which may be a typo, but....). plus sani chips=bad, unless you have adults that arent fed live crix to chase around their enclosure.
you can probably get the reflector dome for 5-10 bucks, i use a regular CLEAR 150 watt bulb for 2 bucks. fixture is the expensive part; 30-50 bucks or so, bulb up to 20. branches...5-20. water bowl, 3 bucks or use tupperware you can get a 20L tank for under 30 bucks (although yes, visions arent apparently unrbaekable and are stackable). or you can get a rubbermaid bin for under 15. and paper towel substrate is dirt cheap

i like packages myself cause its just easier. but, you can probably do a much better job checking out packages elsewhere or buying piecemeal. try reptiledepot.com, petguys.com for starters. im sure other people can suggest some otehr cheap places. or go to yahoo shopping; it automatically finds the cheapest online dealer for you.

good luck!
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proud mama to:
1.0.0 ball python (mr snake),0.0.1 albino florida kingsnake (CK),1.0.0 leopard gecko (sebastian),0.1.0 colombian rainbow boa (luce),1.1.0 bearded dragon (kaipo and dulce), 1.1.0 colombian redtailed boas (adam and eve)

not a 20l a 20l is 30x12x13...this is more equalivent to a 75 gallon tank... but i still not think a vision cage or those accessories are ideal for a bearded dragon...

alissa

the tank dimensions are way to small for a 75 gallon tank.

a 55 gal tank is 48"x24"x24" and should be the minimal size for an adult bearded dragon.

The 'great deal' is actually a waste of money in my opinion. They are charging way to much for it to begin with. I can buy a 55 gal aquarium for under $100 Canadian brand new. I can build a 5'x2'x2' enclosure for around $100 Canadian (before fixtures etc).

You can get a 24" or 48" double tube florescent fixture at home hardware type stores for about $20. A Repti-glo 5.0 or 8.0 uvb bulb is usually around $25-$45 dollars (depending on size and version). Sani-chips are not good for dragons and you can get feed bowls for $1 for two of them at a dollar store. A 100W bulb may be enough to get the basking temp up to the right range but you can buy those at any home hardware type store for a couple dollars each.

The vine wood basking spot you can buy individually or use a large rock that has enough height to it. Or even a piece of driftwood that is baked in the oven for a few hours to kill any insects or germs. You can get a larger cage and the right contents for under $200 CDN.

Sure a dragon may cost $150 or so but most babies or juveniles are less that this (babies can be as little as $40 at reptile shows). Even if a colour morph that is mroe expensive, you can still get a bigger cage, better fixtures (and a tube that actually fits in the fixture) for the same price or less than what LLLReptiles is offering.

That price is even more rediculos to Canadians...who have to add another $100 or more for exchange rates plus extra shipping. Even if the offer is valid outside the continental US.

a 55 gallon tanks exact measurements is 48x13x21...4x2x2 is a great size for two beardies but it is bigger than a 55.. a good site to calculate gallons is www.brandongoodman.com...so 4x2x2 is close to 120 gallons...60 gallons of space per beardie...so 48x28x16... is closer to 75 gallons..78.55 to be exact.. but that website could be wrong..but i have a standard 55 and it is not nearly as wide as a 4x2x2 cage...

alissa

In regards to this description:

"**INCLUDES ALL SHIPPING CHARGES** Ideal cage for one to two full size bearded dragons. Includes: Vision Cage Model 332 with fluorescent vent (36 x 28 x 18´´), Mini Ceramic Heat Lamp, 100 Watt Exoterra Day Heat Bulb, 18´´ fluorescent light fixture, Exoterra 15´´ 5.0 UVB fluorescent bulb, 16 quarts Sani Chip Bedding, Small Rock Water Bowl, Small California Grapewood "

Things that stood out to me are:

1. From what I know of Vision cages, they stay relatively dark even when lit. Dark cages = darker dragons. Dragons need a ton of light to show off a lot of color and they stimulate very well to intense lights. I do not believe you are going to acheive the full effect with that cage. They work awesome for other things, but from everything that I have seen they aren't the best for dragons. Yes I know others here use them and will tell you they are great, so if you like them, go for it!

2. Be careful of the Exoterra light strip. If it's only 15" long you may have trouble finding other bulbs to fit that fixture. Like Repti-Sun is the more popular brand of UVB bulb and I'm not sure if they make a 15" bulb or not. Good thing to know first if you buy that though in case you decide to switch over to that.

3. Don't suggest Sani-Chip for beared dragons. Reiko on this forum has had personal experience with this substrate and warned us off of it which we appreciated. I believe Joel also mentioned it was a bit of a pain to work with. I have heard good things about that with Snakes and large lizards, but nobody has told me anything good about it for dragons.

Hope that helps. G'luck with your new cage whatever you decide/get and post some pics!

brandon
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Dragons by Nature

nanny nanny boo boo!
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proud mama to:
1.0.0 ball python (mr snake),0.0.1 albino florida kingsnake (CK),1.0.0 leopard gecko (sebastian),0.1.0 colombian rainbow boa (luce),1.1.0 bearded dragon (kaipo and dulce), 1.1.0 colombian redtailed boas (adam and eve)

n/p
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Dragons by Nature

this one is from reptiledepot.com

Bearded Dragon Setup

30 Gallon Glass Terrerium
Sliding Screen Top
Size: 30" wide 12" Deep 12" tall
100wt Basking Bulb, Dome, Hide Log, Water Bowl
Thermometer, Zoo-Med Reptivite, Sani Chips, Hood,
8.0 UVB Bulb
for only $139.95 Shipping Included

If you are not a member please add $5.00

Way cheaper, but didnt someone say that those dimensions are 20 long size, not 30?

Nick

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Nick
0.1.0 Leo (Aeris)

AIM:bigdog18msu

seems like a better deal (although again, forget about the sani chips!)
on the other hand, it might still be cheaper piecemeal. youre probably paying alot to have the terrarium shipped
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proud mama to:
1.0.0 ball python (mr snake),0.0.1 albino florida kingsnake (CK),1.0.0 leopard gecko (sebastian),0.1.0 colombian rainbow boa (luce),1.1.0 bearded dragon (kaipo and dulce), 1.1.0 colombian redtailed boas (adam and eve)

yeah, i'm sure if I got one I would just by all the stuff seperate. I just wanted to see people's opinions on these "perfect" or "ulitmate" setups

Nick
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Nick
0.1.0 Leo (Aeris)

AIM:bigdog18msu

its probably pretty good for someone who has no idea what to get (ie i initially didnt realize they need uvb), with the exception of the sani chips. i guess it all just depends where you buy what...it might beat a petsmart price, but not necessarily their own prices!
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proud mama to:
1.0.0 ball python (mr snake),0.0.1 albino florida kingsnake (CK),1.0.0 leopard gecko (sebastian),0.1.0 colombian rainbow boa (luce),1.1.0 bearded dragon (kaipo and dulce), 1.1.0 colombian redtailed boas (adam and eve)

you could use that for a juvenile beardie but you will have to upgrade in six months to a year.. and the sani chips are no good.. and what size is the uvb bulb and hood.. overall that is not a bad price really.. but i just saw at the local pet shop the pther day a 20l with a reflector dome, bulb, water dish, repticarpet,thermometer, and vitamin for 59.99 and calcium.. you would have to add a few more decorations uvb bulb and hood...etc..etc.. but not a bad deal for a kit...just keep looking around.. you'll find something..