First Time Beardie Owner

[sonja]

Oops *furniture.

 

[Aleena]

So sad. I wish I could put my girls in there with styrofoam. They would tear it up. Does covering it with grout harden it??? I would watch those fake plants, I'd be nervous about them. I agree on the lamps! My favorite tank is one that slides open in front, the only reason I need to go in through the top on that one is to move the big things out to clean it.

 

[sonja]

Yeah the grout turns it almost as hard as concrete. I don't think even a full grown beardie could tear it apart. I'm keeping a close eye on the plants. Most posts I've readabout them say that if they are introduced to them early then they wont try to eat them as adults...it's just another fixture in their cage. Of course as soon as I see him messing with them they'll dissappear.

 

[Aleena]

Yeah the grout turns it almost as hard as concrete. I don't think even a full grown beardie could tear it apart. I'm keeping a close eye on the plants. Most posts I've readabout them say that if they are introduced to them early then they wont try to eat them as adults...it's just another fixture in their cage. Of course as soon as I see him messing with them they'll dissappear.

I still see my girls tryin to nip at green spots on newspaper...

 

[Germ]

Very nice enclosure

. Really like it's simplicity. So nice to see someone that has done their homework.

122F seems a little hot, though, might want to raise the light a bit.

 

[sonja]

Well I have a question about the temp. I live in northern NH and the average temp outside is 40-45. This week, however, it's been in the 70's! So my problem is that when its cool outside, the temp of the cage is 100-108. When its warm out the basking spot gets hot! (123 is the hottest I've seen it.) how do I regulate the temp in the warmer months so that hes not burning up and the room hes in isnt hot as well?

 

[Aleena]

Well I have a question about the temp. I live in northern NH and the average temp outside is 40-45. This week, however, it's been in the 70's! So my problem is that when its cool outside, the temp of the cage is 100-108. When its warm out the basking spot gets hot! (123 is the hottest I've seen it.) how do I regulate the temp in the warmer months so that hes not burning up and the room hes in isnt hot as well?

a/c? I'm having the same issue as it's warming up in my room... try a lower wattage basking bulb, have one for warm weather and one for cool weather? We're about to reduce wattage on all our bulbs.

 

[sonja]

a/c? I'm having the same issue as it's warming up in my room... try a lower wattage basking bulb, have one for warm weather and one for cool weather? We're about to reduce wattage on all our bulbs.

Oh good idea with reducing wattages. A/c wouldn't make sense as we don't have very many hot days in the summer. As it is, because of the basking bulb and the uvb bulb,my husbands gonna flip when the electric bill comes next month.

 

[Germ]

Or raise the bulb on the hot days ... By the way the cool side temp should be taken opposite the basking bulb near the floor.

 

[sonja]

That would work too, except it only makes the room that much hotter. I have a 100 watt bulb right now but might try a 75 watt. Is that the next wattage down from 100? Or is there an 80 or 90?

 

[Germ]

Possibly use a lower wattage 'Spot' type bulb so the heat/light is radiated more directional.

 

[sonja]

Any brands you reccommend? Going into the petstore and looking at bulbs is completely overwhelming!!

 

[Germ]

Personally, I never buy my basking bulbs from the Pet Stores. The equivalent can be found at most larger Hardware stores, generally for less than half the price. Any white or clear bulb will work very well. We all usually have to play with different types & wattages, until we find what works for our ambient room temps, distances & setups. Personally I use Philips Halogen Flood bulbs in all my enclosures, 75W in the summer, 50W in the summer, Brighter/whiter light, more heat per watt, less power consumption, really good heat penetration & this works very well for all my enclosures. Rated for 3000 hrs and if not banged around, I usually get much longer than that, the odd time a little less. Any heat bulb is going to affect the ambient room temps to some degree. Wiring in a dimmer may be an idea & help control your heat also, but will generally shorten bulb life.

 

[sonja]

Personally, I never buy my basking bulbs from the Pet Stores. The equivalent can be found at most larger Hardware stores, generally for less than half the price. Any white or clear bulb will work very well. We all usually have to play with different types & wattages, until we find what works for our ambient room temps, distances & setups. Personally I use Philips Halogen Flood bulbs in all my enclosures, 75W in the winter, 50W in the summer, Brighter/whiter light, more heat per watt, less power consumption, really good heat penetration & this works very well for all my enclosures. Rated for 3000 hrs and if not banged around, I usually get much longer than that, the odd time a little less. Any heat bulb is going to affect the ambient room temps to some degree. Wiring in a dimmer may be an idea & help control your heat also, but will generally shorten bulb life.

Thank you!! Very helpful!

 

[Wellovelizards]

Never thought about the halogen love it