Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How much UVB light do you give a 1 1/2 month old dragon? Thanks

As with any age dragon they should have full daylight time access.

UVB light exposure is the same no matter how old your dragon is. 12 hours of exposure using at least a 5.0 rated bulb (though an 8.0 or 10.0 florescent tube bulb (the long straight ones, not the coiled compact ones) should be used.
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PHLdyPayne

What do you think about mercury vapor bulbs? Especially for young dragons. Thanks

It depends on your setup. MVB's are designed to push UVB a farther distance than a flourescent can and therefore should be no closer than 24" to the animal. 10.0's are designed to give usable UVB up to 20" or 12" if passing through a fine screen. A 5.0 gives UVB unobstructed to 12".

Why not the coiled-type fluorescent?

Thanks
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Lisabeth

1.1 Bearded dragons (Flake and Rusty)
1.0 Uromastyx geyri (Spiky)
1.0 Guinea pig (Pumpkin)

I can give you the reason why i say no to coil bulbs.... I was using coil bulb on my baby trans dragon and it got her very sick, it burns their eyes well at least thats what i researched after almost losing the dragon ive only had for 1 1/2 weeks and taking her to the vet. I put the coil bulb over an older non trans dragon to see maybe if age or trans has to do with it, but it made him the same way but caught it before he could get deathly sick like my poor trans baby. needless to say i saved my trans baby after hand feeding her antibiotics and vitamins for 2 weeks straight. But i highly do not recommend those coil bulbs, they are just to strong.
Kurt
Stingray Dragons

How the coil bulbs are made are harmful to reptiles. They use a different sort of coating than other UVB tube lights. An article about the dangers of these compact bulbs is here:

www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm
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PHLdyPayne