What is the best for a 40 gallon breeder. Is a UTH just a waste of time, or is this a good alternative to the basking spot? Would I still need a basking spot light? ALso, if so, what would be a good starting off point as far as wattage and size bulb, someone mentioned a halogen bulb verses a regular light bulb. What kind of light fixture would I need for this? Any suggestions, as I would like to get this right the first time.
PS: I already have a new flourescent UVB and fixture.
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Question about setup
Shadow4108
Oct 09, 2009 08:12 PM
Replies (2)
angiehusk
Oct 09, 2009 09:15 PM
You don't need a uth...I never have used them in 16 years of owning beardies.There should be a basking platform,log or large rock[I like both,the rock helps wear claws down]The basking light[halogen or even plain housebulb]is a must...not only do they need the heat but they benefit from a bright light.The wattage will have to be high enough to create a basking spot of about 105.You might use a 75-100 watt...just check your temps.The cool side should be around 80
PHLdyPayne
Oct 10, 2009 03:24 PM
A 40 gallon breeder isn't really big enough for an adult dragon but is fine for a juvenile. That aside, for the basking light I recommend a ceramic fixture/socket, especially with halogen bulbs which can melt plastic fixtures after awhile. Also most plastic fixtures are only rated for 75 watts or less.
Get yourself a digital thermometer with probe and/or a tempgun to make it easier to measure surface temperatures.
It isn't easy to give a good starting point for the wattage of the basking bulb as there are many variables which will affect how well your tank heats up. A screen top will allow more heat to escape than a solid top and vents on the side. The room temperature the cage is in can also affect temperatures. Glass tanks are poor insulators even without screen tops so you are most likely going to need a 75W or more to get the basking temps of 100-120F and ambient temps in the 90'sF.
Under tank heaters are completely unneeded with bearded dragons. They can tolerate night time drops as low as 65F on a regular basis so unless your house drops below that, there isn't any need for supplementary heating.
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PHLdyPayne
