Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've tried switching the T-Rex supps twice now, and they just don't seem to work out well for my dragons. So I'm going back to the old school method of calcium and herptivite.

With all the talk about oversupplimenting and undersupplimenting and d3 and whatnot, did anyone ever figure out exactly how much is too much? I have one 2.5 year old and one 7 month old, both have UVB lights on 14 hours a day. It seems like there's such a fine line, and so much new information about supplimenting, I guess I'm just confused and want to do it right. What is everyone's opinion on proper supplimentation schedules these days?
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Amanda
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2.0 bearded dragons (Ocho / Domo-kun)

0.1 kingsnake (Rio)
0.0.1 tarantula (Otto)
1.0 ferret (Playstation)
1.0 cat (Wally)
0.1 dog (Tima)

What UV lights are you using? Florescents are better than nothing but the new MVB can actually put out the same UV as the sun so no D3 is needed. There has been at least one study I know of (with Igs)where by calcium was only derived from proper diet and MVB and bone density tests showed good strong bones with no supps.
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Bennett

Home of the Florida Orange
www.beardiedragon.com

I have been using Reptisun 5.0.

It's about time to replace them, though. If I got MVBs I shouldn't use suppliments at all, or just not calcium w/ d3?
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Amanda
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2.0 bearded dragons (Ocho / Domo-kun)

0.1 kingsnake (Rio)
0.0.1 tarantula (Otto)
1.0 ferret (Playstation)
1.0 cat (Wally)
0.1 dog (Tima)

If you use the new Westron bulbs (external balast) and you feed high calcium greens (colard, mustard, dandilion, turnip...) then my guess is a once a week dusting with Calcium (no D3) would be enough. It is an expense but I feel that anyone relying on UVB bulbs should have a meter. They can be purchased for about $150. It is the ONLY way to see if you are actually providing enough UVB.

for those who want more info about UV lighting check out

Link

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Bennett

Home of the Florida Orange
www.beardiedragon.com

just a note here that high powered MVB should only be used by experienced keepers and you must follow instructions carefully so as not to cook your BD.
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Bennett

Home of the Florida Orange
www.beardiedragon.com