Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is the best light source for a bearded dragon? Should I get a uv strip and heat lamp or a mercury bulb with a deep lamp? Which is better for the dragon, eye wise as well, if you could give me a name of the product as well that would be great,thanks,thomas

P.S., where should I buy a baby bearded dragon, and many people say babies need a very simple setup, I have a 20 gallon long, so what else should I get thats basic(repti carpet, 2 hides, hot/cold, water and veggie dish, basking platform, lights) is that it? suggestions welcome!! Thank you!!!

Read the last half page or so of posts. All of the topics you inquire about have recently been discussed.

These forums are a great resource for beardie info! Read as many posts as possible to learn all the basic info - also check all the caresheets that were linked to you in your previous post, as all of this info is covred in them as well.

As far as bulbs - its a prference...some people love MVB, some people do not. I personally swear by my MVB bulbs...i switched over to them about 2 years ago and saw a dramatic improvement in my coloration and overall attitude of both my Uro and my Beardie. Mercury vapor bulbs can be too powerful, and as a result can be dangerous - I always purchase my MVBs from www.reptileuv.com as they are a very reputable company. When you call, give the specifications of your cage, and let them know its for a beardie and they will tell you exactly which bulb to use and how far away it needs to be from your dragon to be safe.

If you dont go with a MVB Repti-sun 10.0 is a perfectly good bulb, there is no real proof that one bulb is better than the other.

you dont generally need hides for beardies, just basking branches.
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1.1 Bearded Dragons
2.2 Leopard Geckos
1.0 Uromastyx (Mali)
1.1 Corn snakes
0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake
1.0 Rosy Boa
1.1 Green Anoles
1.1 House Geckos
0.0.2 Flying Geckos
0.0.1 Red Eye Tree Frog

ok, so which is more reliable for the bearded dragon? A UVB strip with a heat lamp or the MVB? Which will be more effective or last longer?

P.S., do I need a light for night, my room is about 60 to 70 degrees at night, if so which blb and wattage?

They are both reliable and last the same amount of time - need to be replaced every 6months.

Either will work fine...they cost about the same...its really up to you. I prefer MVBs because they heat and provide UVB in one bulb...but i use both, sucessfully.

No you wont need any heat at night if your room is 60-70degrees
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1.1 Bearded Dragons
2.2 Leopard Geckos
1.0 Uromastyx (Mali)
1.1 Corn snakes
0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake
1.0 Rosy Boa
1.1 Green Anoles
1.1 House Geckos
0.0.2 Flying Geckos
0.0.1 Red Eye Tree Frog