Heating beardies, MVB, help.

[billyh]

could i use a 100w aussie sun MVP in a glass tank 4ft L x 40cm h x 35cm w for bearded dragons. do they need a thermostat. any help and ideas will be very appreciated.
im worried it could get to hot, or cause a fire if the tank is too small for such a powerful light.

 

[billyh]

bump.

 

[billyh]

cmon can anyone help me out?

 

[billyh]

bump.

 

[SlothHead]

What age are the beardies?

 

[Dave]

Yes its fine.. they cdant be on a thermostat either.

 

[billyh]

just guessing 4 months they are about 15 - 20 cm.

 

[billyh]

the tank is glass does that matter.

 

[Dave]

Not really i use MVBS 100 or 160watt in glass and wood..

 

[billyh]

so everything should be ok, the tank isnt to small is it.

 

[Dave]

No, all my adults are in 4x2x2 (120x60x60 or 120x50x60) etc

 

[billyh]

thanks mate.

 

[dailyskin]

Sorry but I have to disagree... If the MVB is self-ballasted, and inside the enclosure, a 4 x 2 x 2 can get waaay too hot with a 100w MVB!

Since it can't be on thermostat, on hot days it is too much!! Even on some average days the temps can get too high. It might be fine for some people, but for our enclosure, inside the living room, the temps were getting to over 50 when I tried it!

The solution I have arrived at is this: I have a 60w EXTERNALLY ballasted MVB, on for 10 hours a day, plus a normal 60watt globe on a thermostat for extra heat. I get temps of: 43 hot spot, high 30s hot end, mid 20s cool end.

 

[billyh]

the tank is pretty much open at the top and has good ventalation.

 

[billyh]

would it help if i chuck up a pic of the enclosure,