Heat mats

[TJL]

So when I set up Cleo's 40breeder tank, the guy at the pet store suggested that in addition to the basking lamp and uv light that we put a heating may on hot side as well. Reason being is that she's 3 mo and it's a big tank. He suggested it be placed on the side of tank instead of underneath and be on 24 hrs a day til she's a few mo older. So we did this. She came home and was eating 10 or so crickets 2-3 times a day-no interest in veggies yet. Two days ago I read the heat mat is unnecessary so we take it off. Now she's only eating like 4-5 crickets per day! Should I put the heat mat back on to see if that's the problem? I've got a digital thermometer and her basking spot is 105-110.


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[PatsyB]

The heat mat is bad all around. Plus, once you take it off you can't really stick it back on safely. The heat mat heats the glass in the spot that it is in and that is it. So I doubt it was making a difference.

Your temps sound perfect in the basking spot. What kind of bulb are you using for UVB and do you have multiple places for Cleo to hide?

 

[TJL]

Using a 100w zoomed reptile basking spot lamp and a 15w-t8-no Desert50 strip light(fluorescent thing). Yep Cleo has spaces to hide on the hot side and cool side. I'm just worried why she went from 30+crickets a day to 5. Which started when we took the heat matt off the side of tank. She looks alert and colors fine. I do wish I could get her to eat veggies. Weave tried mustard and collard greens, kale, carrots, cucumbers blue berries and topped it with beardie food.


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[PatsyB]

How long have you had her? Sometimes when you just get them they are fine but then after a few days they realize that they are somewhere new and then kinda slow down while they adjust a little more to their new home.

The Zilla UVB light bulb isn't the best and the dessert 50 doesn't put out enough UVB. I would change the bulb to a Reptisun 10.0 bulb or an Arcadia brand bulb.

 

[TJL]

We got her on 6/7.

I have a spare repti halogen brand 100watt basking light. Would that be better?

Also instead of my Desert 50 a reptisun 10.0?? Is that also a strip light or is it a round bulb that will require another fixture? Thank so much for all the help


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[PatsyB]

The strip light is your UVB. You can use the same fixture just get the same length ReptiSun 10.0 bulb to go in it. I know the fixture you are talking about, I had the same one and same bulb when I first started. You're 100w Zoomed basking light is perfect.

Since you just got her on 6/7 my guess is that she is still adjusting to things. You could cover the sides of her tank to make her feel a little more secure and then once she starts eating more you can take the cover off. I did that with mine, I just used construction paper for a few weeks.

I also have a pacman frog that wouldn't eat for the first week I brought him home. I covered his tank and he started eating everything in site!

 

[TJL]

Thank for the tips.


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[Hdrydr31]

don't worry on the greens not being eaten yet just keep offering it. As babies 80% will be live protein and 20% greens as they get older that will typically switch..