help heating beardies.

[billyh]

hey,
i just got a new tank for my beardies and it is all glasss. it is 4ft.
just wondering what the best type of heating is for them is, any ideas on setting up and heating will be much apreciated. also is it possible to house a shingleback in there to.

 

[mysnakesau]

A basking spot up to 35c, thereabouts, using a light bulb is the best heating for a beardy. The wattage of the bulb will depend on how high his tank his, or should I say, how high or low his basking spot is. Whether its the floor, or a log or rock, or whatever you use directly under his basking spot, its that spot that needs to be maximum temperature. And use a spot bulb (with silver frosted/painted reflector on the light bulb) so that the heat can be directed downwards.

For our bearded dragon we used a normal, household 50W downlight. With the glass front removed it will serve as heat and UV - both are crucial for dragons. I had a high rock that he could climb up to get close to the light, and had my thermostat set so that the hottest spot on top of this rock went no hotter than about 38c. Yes the temps do sound a little high, but I had heaps of basking spots at different levels and a temperature of 28 or lower at the opposite end of his tank, so he could move around to regulate his temperature needs.

To avoid needing a thermostat I would suggest ordinary light bulbs, not the downlights. You can get spot bulbs for about $5 at Coles, Bunnings, most supermarkets ranging from 40W up to 150W. Start with a lower wattage and if it doesn't heat up enough, buy the next size up - least they aren't totally costly since you can use others in lights around the house.

Otherwise, there are also plenty of lighting available at reptile/pet stores as well. If you choose to use a thermostat try getting a dimming one rather than one that turns on/off.

As far as UV is concerned, if you can give your beardy access to natural sunlight for 4-6 hours a week, my Bearded Dragon Manual suggests that 4 hours of real sunlight provides same benefits as having a artificial uv light on 10 hours a day.

 

[billyh]

thanks mate, what about heating at night, did u say the downlights produce uv? sorry confused me there.

 

[Lollypop]

Heating at night isn't necessary unless your tank will be outside. Lights & heating all go off otherwise, usually easiest to use a cheap timer from Bunnings set for about 10hrs/day (following daylight Hrs outside is an easy way to set your timer up). Natural sunlight is absolutely the best, but failing this u will need a light that gives UVA + UVB. Be aware that glass cuts out nearly all UVB so it it's a fish tank u have, DON'T put the glass tops on to retain the heat. Also don't put his tank in a sunny spot thinking that'll give him his daily sunlight 'cause as said no UVB'll get thru, plus you'll cook him. Hope that helps

 

[lemonz]

when you say downlights, do you mean the nice ones? last time i checked, they didnt supply ultraviolet light waves. If you want things to work out conviniently, use a mercury vapour bulb, which have heat and ultraviolet light. they last a lot longer, and are better. Although i use a seperate heat and UV light.
As for keeping a shigle back in there too, make sure you have little moisture. i keep my blueys wioth my beardies a lot of the time, but shingles dont like water, they prefer to get offered water every couple of days, where as beardies like to bathe in there water. other wise there shouldnt be a problem with it.

 

[Lollypop]

when you say downlights, do you mean the nice ones? last time i checked, they didnt supply ultraviolet light waves.

Thanks, I was thinking the same thing but figured it must be a misprint(?)

 

[mysnakesau]

Well thats what I heard from representatives at our local Herp Group. He says the downlights are UV producers but the glass front on the bulbs filters the UV. By removing the glass front it will provide your beardy with UV and heat.

 

[Lollypop]

Wow! I'd certainly want some more confirmation on that before taking it as gospel, unless of course this fellow is an authority on UV. I'm not bagging you, I'm just a natural born sceptic . Anyone else out there heard of this as well??

 

[Kyro]

There is heaps of info out there on using down lights, biggest risk is that without the cover on them if they blow you end up with glass everywhere. I know of several people that only use them & have done for years no probs.

 

[billyh]

so im going to have a repti-glo 10 fluro tube across the top, a reflector globe 60 or 75 watt for basking and also and infrared for a bit more heat, whats a good substrate, desert sand looks good anyone use it how does it go, i usually paper cat litter.

 

[Lollypop]

There is heaps of info out there on using down lights, biggest risk is that without the cover on them if they blow you end up with glass everywhere. I know of several people that only use them & have done for years no probs.

I'm so sorry, the exploding lights reminded me I did know that. 2 kids later & my memories shot

I DO remember reading an awful lot about the reptiglo 10 & how dangerous it is, the UV is unstable(?)to put it basically, & causes health problems with eyes, diet etc. The reptiSUN 10 fluro is good, & even the reptiglo 8 or 5 fluro.
Substrate is personal, lot of people don't recommend sand of any description. I've always used a sandy loam with no problems (touch wood). Have I heard desert sand can stain your beardie???? - blast the kids:lol:

 

[billyh]

ok thanks, where can i get reptisun 10, how about them nec t-10 how do they go, what does enclosure light up like, how much %uvb and how far does it travel.
does anyone use reptiglo 10 and hasnt had any problems.

 

[billyh]

could i use a 100w aussie sun MVP in a glass tank 4ft L x 40cm h x 35cm w.