Reptile & Amphibian Forums

can you get a uv light that isnt a flourecent i do not have the money for a fixture and was wondering what everyone uses and also any tips on raising babys i just bought one and would love to hear any pointers you guys have thanks

You can also use Mercury Vapor Bulbs for UVB but they are very expensive.The cheapest way to go is with a florescent tube, I use a 36 inch ReptiGlo 8.0, its a very good bulb. How big is the tank your baby is in? you can go to wal-mart and get a cheap fixture for under $10.00, it will take a 15 or maybe 18 inch bulb and is made for use with a black light bulb.It will work for awhile.

UVB is very important!! there is no way getting around not using one,you must get one as soon as possible or your baby will suffer,he can get Metabolic Bone Disease,not eat,not grow right or die. If you can then take him outside to bask in the natural sunlight, just make sure he can get into the shade too.

here is a great care sheet.
http://www.kakadudragons.com/caresheet/caresheet.php

here is a great food list.
http://home.comcast.net/~holachapulin/Nutrition.html

and here is the best bearded dragon forum on the web.
http://www.beardeddragon.org/bjive/index.php

well i wouldn't say that the absence of UVB light will kill your dragon. BD need UVB to make calcium. If you are straped for cash...you could just dust the crickets with calcium that has vitamin D...just make sure its the phosphorus free calcium.

Most people buy these fluorescent UVB tubes and have them like 2 feet away from the animal. therefore, they have wasted their money. UV output from a flourescent tube is no greater than 6 inches. on top of that, most people believe that the fluorescent tube puts out UV until it burns out...not true. you have to replace them at least every 6 months.

i do agree with waldo, that they are quite necessary, but you can get away with out them. basically, if you don't have the money to take care of you pet....don't get one!
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a free range dragon is a happy dragon

yes, dust with calcium powder, but he NEEDS uva/uvb light to digest. uvb regulates vitamin D levels and prevents metabolic bone disease. uva stimulates appetite. Without uva/uvb bulb (essentially his fake sun) he cannot properly digest.
you can , as someone else posted above, get a fixture cheap at Walmart or HomeDepot (an underthecounter fluorescent fixture that fits an 18 inch fluorescent tube. Then, you need a good bulb like ZooMed Reptisun 5.0 or ReptiGlo (any petsmart, petco will have). Get this light asap!!
for now, you can get him in the natural sun as much as possible.

katharine
my link

You should not have gotten a pet if you don't have the cash. I just ogt a Light fisture combo (with ReptileBulb) on ebay for under 20$ plus shipping. I needed a new one because the one i borrowed from my friend didn't work with a timer. (i think i'm addicted to ebay). i also bought a Silky starter kit there for 7$ no shipping.
UV bulbs are a MUST and will cause problems latter is life if one is absent.
-Sara

I purchased a UVA/UVB bulb that fits into a regular light socket from my local store, so I know they make them. They are in the shape of a regular light bulb but there is a helix-like tube instead of a globe.... It set me back 19.99 and had the same output as the more expensive ones, it just won't last as long.

-[HOTBELLY]-

>>I purchased a UVA/UVB bulb that fits into a regular light socket from my local store, so I know they make them. They are in the shape of a regular light bulb but there is a helix-like tube instead of a globe.... It set me back 19.99 and had the same output as the more expensive ones, it just won't last as long.
>>
>>-[HOTBELLY]-

HEY...be careful...unless that light bulb you bought was either mercury vapor or deuterium light (most likely mercury vapor) you are NOT getting any UVB. Tungsten filament bulbs, which is what most light are, can only produce small amounts of UVA and mostly visible light.
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a free range dragon is a happy dragon

I got a florescent fixture at wallmart for 5$
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