have a stupid question, right at this moment my beardies only have basking lights on them since they are put outside daily. however winter is coming up and I need to find out more info on what would be the proper lighting, my friend says to use the sunforce only because that has heat/uvb that would be the cheapest way of going. or my thoughts are should I have a basking light and a flourescent? also on the basking lights how do you know what size is best for the appropriate cage? I have 3-20 gall that have 1 baby each, one 55 with two babies, one 40 with 2 babies then a 75 that have 2 adult females. obviously I cant put everyone outside this winter but I need to make sure that they get what they need, also I am not really sure on what is the best lights for them (name brands) I would love to get everyones opinion on this to set them up properly this winter. thanks
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Lighting question
Replies (5)
probably the best way is using UVB florescent tubes, Repti-sun or Repti-glo (two different brands, one's Zoo Med, the other Exo-Terra).
Each UVB tube should run as much of the length of the tanks as possible. Probably 24" tubes for the small tanks and a 4' long tube for the larger tank will work.
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PHLdyPayne
ok so it is best to use the basking lights and uvb flourescent correct? all of my tanks have screen lids on them, now I was reading today that the screen will actually take out 50% of the uvb? is that correct? does that mean I need to take them off? I feel stupid but I am worried about this winter when I cant let them be outside and they really like going out but I definetly want healthy beardies so I want to do it correctly.
Try mounting ur lights in the tank under the screen they dont get hot and it wont hurt for them to be closer
I thought of that but I am scared they will get burned, is that a possibility?
UVB florescent tubes don't' put out much heat so are of no concern for burning unless the dragon lies right on top of the tube. The basking light does get hot enough to cause severe burns if it gets in contact with the dragon. Mounting it at least 8" above the basking spot's highest point should make sure the dragon never gets in contact with the bulb.
Use a temp gun or thermometer with probe lain on top of the basking area to get ideal ranges of basking temps and adjust wattage or height of basking spot accordingly. Other than that should not have any concerns of your dragon getting in contact with the bulbs.
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PHLdyPayne
