First, you will need a heat lamp/ reflector like the one shown to the right. You can buy these at any local hardware store. Mine was about eight dollars. It runs more or less. Then, you will need to get a reptile heat bulb (found at most pet supply stores). The wattage depends on the size of your cage, the larger the cage, the higher the wattage. Please ask the pet store clerk about what size bulb you will need. If you want, you can email a pic of your cage and dimensions to me at : webmaster@dragonsbeard.zzn.com and i can try to help on determining the watts needed. The temperature gradiant should range from 76 F (24 C) on the cool side to 86 F (30 C) on the warm side, with a basking area ranging from 90-110 F. Night time temps should drop no lower than the low to mid 70's (21 C) on the cool side. Now you need your UVB bulb. These can be rather expensive but last a very long time, so this is a good investment, especially since it can determine the life and death of your reptile! This is extremely important!!! Your herp can die if you do not get this. Many serious problems can occur. Click here to read more about the importance of lighting for dragons . Click here to buy a fluorescent bulb.
Not all herps absolutely need uvb (such as many nocturnal species). Bearded dragons, on the other hand do need this. Because of the many different types/sizes of bulbs, you will need to ask your pet shop employee about UVB lights and they should be able to recommend something. I bought a long, fish tank type of reptile UVB bulb for around $30.00. Then, i bought an under counter light fixture for around $8.00 I screwed the fixture into the back of the cage etc. etc. Instead of this method, you can buy a full spectrum bulb which has both UVA and UVB lighting. Make sure that it is a fluorescent bulb, not an incandescent!
If I have not included everything that you need to know about lighting for your dragons, please click here. It should answer the rest of your questions. |
