Anything to change and how to plan for a new enclosure

[StellaG]

Hi all,

Here are a few pics of Stella’s current enclosure which is 36x18x18 with rough tile floor. We covered the sides because she seemed to be annoyed with her reflection?

We have a T8 10% with hole cut into the screen for full light exposure. High and low areas for UVB access. Basking runs around 104 degrees. Humidity is at 39% and cool areas around 80 degrees and warm around 90-95. Cool hide is 80.

We have a separate lay bin for her with washed play sand and a heat lamp to use when needed(hasn’t needed yet).

She is about 11 months.

Should anything be changed with her current enclosure? What size enclosure is appropriate for a female long term?

 

[Sadie]

Hi all,

Here are a few pics of Stella’s current enclosure which is 36x18x18 with rough tile floor. We covered the sides because she seemed to be annoyed with her reflection?

We have a T8 10% with hole cut into the screen for full light exposure. High and low areas for UVB access. Basking runs around 104 degrees. Humidity is at 39% and cool areas around 80 degrees and warm around 90-95. Cool hide is 80.

We have a separate lay bin for her with washed play sand and a heat lamp to use when needed(hasn’t needed yet).

She is about 11 months.

Should anything be changed with her current enclosure? What size enclosure is appropriate for a female long term?

A 75-120 gallon tank is recommended for a full size dragon w/ that being said your going to need to upgrade the UVB to a T 5 24" fixture --- the current UVB needs to be unobstructed NO screen the way it is positioned now shes getting little to NO UVB -- the T 8 is not strong enough to go thru the screen - distance 6-8 inches directly above the basking decor ---- please move the tank off the floor --- how are you taking the basking temps? They should be taken w/ a digital probe thermometer placed on the basking decor piece for 10 min or so temps should be 95-100 --- the tile is nice but you do not want rough or shes going to end up w/ abrasions on the feet and tummy- you want a slated textured ceramic tile no smooth or rough --- here is a piece of mine I got at Home Depot -- I would also get a digital probe hygrometer - place the probe on the center back wall it will read the whole tank

 

[StellaG]

A 75-120 gallon tank is recommended for a full size dragon w/ that being said your going to need to upgrade the UVB to a T 5 24" fixture --- the current UVB needs to be unobstructed NO screen the way it is positioned now shes getting little to NO UVB -- the T 8 is not strong enough to go thru the screen - distance 6-8 inches directly above the basking decor ---- please move the tank off the floor --- how are you taking the basking temps? They should be taken w/ a digital probe thermometer placed on the basking decor piece for 10 min or so temps should be 95-100 --- the tile is nice but you do not want rough or shes going to end up w/ abrasions on the feet and tummy- you want a slated textured ceramic tile no smooth or rough --- here is a piece of mine I got at Home Depot -- I would also get a digital probe hygrometer - place the probe on the center back wall it will read the whole tank

I’m confused. I cut a hole in the screen under the light so there’s no screen between the bulb and the enclosure. It is already 24” bulb. I’m also curious, what did people do before T5 were readily available? We’re beardies just sick all the time?

Basking temp is taken using a temp gun.

The texture is like slate. So that is bad or good? It’s smooth enough to rub with a paper towel and it doesn’t tear the towel up but rougher than a smooth coated tile. Her feet and belly seem fine. She will have a vet visit in a few weeks and they can verify.

There is a digital hygrometer pictured in the photo. It does not have a probe but is in the enclosure 100% of the time. It is toward the center back of the tank now.

Yes we are figuring out a way to raise it off the floor. Since we need a new enclosure soon we are planning for it to fit that vs the current one we have. She is in a low traffic area so I figured for now it’s ok but long term raise it. How critical would it be to raise it now, what would be the signs the current set up is causing problems?

 

[Sadie]

I’m confused. I cut a hole in the screen under the light so there’s no screen between the bulb and the enclosure. It is already 24” bulb. I’m also curious, what did people do before T5 were readily available? We’re beardies just sick all the time?

Basking temp is taken using a temp gun.

The texture is like slate. So that is bad or good? It’s smooth enough to rub with a paper towel and it doesn’t tear the towel up but rougher than a smooth coated tile. Her feet and belly seem fine. She will have a vet visit in a few weeks and they can verify.

There is a digital hygrometer pictured in the photo. It does not have a probe but is in the enclosure 100% of the time. It is toward the center back of the tank now.

Yes we are figuring out a way to raise it off the floor. Since we need a new enclosure soon we are planning for it to fit that vs the current one we have. She is in a low traffic area so I figured for now it’s ok but long term raise it. How critical would it be to raise it now, what would be the signs the current set up is causing problems?

Ok as long as your uvb is unobstructed your good-- I can't answer your question about past UVB's - and the answer would be more than likely yes-- temps and UVB are the two most important things in the tank and no I don't think moving the tank off the floor is going to effect her- the tile should be ok if it's not causing abrasions you posted it was rough so that's why I responded - your hygrometer should be fine then-- NO ENEMAS please at the vet--- if they want a fecal bring one in - they can end in disaster--

 

[StellaG]

Ok as long as your uvb is unobstructed your good-- I can't answer your question about past UVB's - and the answer would be more than likely yes-- temps and UVB are the two most important things in the tank and no I don't think moving the tank off the floor is going to effect her- the tile should be ok if it's not causing abrasions you posted it was rough so that's why I responded - your hygrometer should be fine then-- NO ENEMAS please at the vet--- if they want a fecal bring one in - they can end in disaster--

Ok! Thanks for reviewing and your time. I’m glad to know what is ok for now vs what will be optimal as we upgrade. I’ll be sure to keep a stool sample to take to the vet. Since she is new to us I think a fecal would be wise.