Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! I've read Deer Farms Caresheet/lighting info about four times. I need help first of all with suggested lighting. I have the 3' Vision Cage. I have one light socket on the right hand side of the cage. What bulb goes in there--Arcadia D3 compact UVB or Sunwave Bulb? Then I have a wire dome shaped thing clamped to a socket that I think fits into the recessed hole on the left side of the cage. Its for the basking light, I think. Is the Arcadia a UVB basking light or do I buy a basking bulb (any suggestions) and put it in wire dome? If I buy another bulb (basking) that would make 3 bulbs--Arcadia, Sunwave and basking. I only have two sockets. Do I use a bell shaped reflector socket thing? I'm so confused. I e-mailed Doug but I thought maybe someone had immediate answers that wouldn't mind going over it with me. I really want to understand all this so I can get a Uro. Thanks.

Most people use two bulbs, a basking bulb to create high heat in a specific location and a uva/uvb bulb, usually florescents, for the absorbtion of the uva/uvb. The basking bulb usually throws enough heat for the cage ambients. If you can, get a temp gun from proexotics. It is one of the best things I ever bought. You just point and shoot and it gives an immediate readout. That way, you can get your temps right before your uro arrives. There are so many options as far as bulbs go, you just have to find what works for you. Many people just use inexpensive outdoor flood lights for basking and then add the uva/uvb light. You can also get the all in ones, the Capture the Sun, T-rex. Zoomeds, etc. Every person has a favorite product and then some not so favorites too. Each cage also holds heat differently and the cages are of different sizes, so there is no one pat answer for you. I have been using the all in one bulbs for a number of years now with a Reptisun 5.0 florescent to light the rest of the cage. You may have to experiment. Good luck! I applaud the fact that you want to get it right before introducing your new pet. Congrats!

Pam

Thanks Pam for all the info. I appreciate it. I do have a temp. gun that I use for my Bearded Dragon. I've never been sure where to point it to measure the basking spot. If I point the gun about 1/2" from the basking spot's rock I get one reading. If I turn the gun around and point it towards the lights from the same level, I get another reading. How do you measure your basking spot? Thanks.
Colleen

You measure the spot they will be basking on. Most people use slate or tile to hold the heat under the lights. Good luck!

Pam