Could use some help with lighting suggestions

[Hasullivan73]

I’m new to owning a bearded dragon. Not sure the sex yet, but we love him?
I thought I did enough research before getting him, regarding lighting.
we originally started him in. 10 gal starter tank. He was tiny. Estimated 2 months give or take.
He just shed for the first time and has doubled in size since we got him about a month ago. He’s currently 7 and 1/2” long.
We just bought him a bigger tank. 30 gallon long.
I bought a 100 watt uva uvb mercury vapor light as someone recommended that as a good source of uvb light and heat.
I have it in the tank and so far it’s only getting a temp around 90 degrees which I know isn’t enough for him.
ideally had him at about 103 for basking and about 83/85 for the colder end.
I’m starting to lose my mind as there is so much info out there and so many different opinions for lighting and brands and types etc.
anyone have any suggestions of lighting and basking info for a 30 gal?
Not sure if I should start over with different lighting or what. Would I just need a stronger watt mercury vapor light? I have 100 watt now.
Please help.
thanks

 

[averyhanna_]

hello! i’m not sure if this is true, but i’ve heard mercury vapor bulbs can be damaging. i have a 40 gallon tank currently and for basking, i use the exoterra 150 watt bulb with a ceramic dome that lets me dim the bulb, which makes it really easy to regulate the temperature. i have it sitting right on top of his cage. for uvb lights, i recommend a tube light. try to stay away from coils as they can hurt your beardies eyes! you’ll want one that covers 2/3s of your enclosure. again, mine sits right on top!

 

[Hasullivan73]

hello! i’m not sure if this is true, but i’ve heard mercury vapor bulbs can be damaging. i have a 40 gallon tank currently and for basking, i use the exoterra 150 watt bulb with a ceramic dome that lets me dim the bulb, which makes it really easy to regulate the temperature. i have it sitting right on top of his cage. for uvb lights, i recommend a tube light. try to stay away from coils as they can hurt your beardies eyes! you’ll want one that covers 2/3s of your enclosure. again, mine sits right on top!

Thank you so much for that info. Ok so I took the mercury vapor bulb off and replaced it with the 100 watt intense bulb and his temps are now much better. He’s at 103 right now.
I just purchased the tube light and fixture as well.
I already feel so much better about him with the change in lighting. Also, he doesn’t chase crickets anymore. He may eat one or two but then that’s it. Is that normal?? He seems to only like the worms. I started feeding him a variety as opposed to just crickets. (Waxworms occasionally, and some silkworms and super worms) I’m just kind of worried he’s not interested in crickets anymore. They’re no bigger than the space between his eyes, so it’s not the size.

 

[averyhanna_]

have you tried dubias? he might be more interested in those!