New owner, new beardie - heating question. (Originally posted in wrong thread)

[fubardad]

Hello all.
Ive been reading as much as possible but I felt I didnt prep enough in regards of the vivarium. The enclosure is a hand-me-down but its a 20gallon Long and I bought new bulbs... 75w zoo med basking/uvb with 75w night (red light) lamps. I purchased the beardie as of yesterday (23rd) as our first family pet to teach the kiddoes 8 and 6 some responsibility.

I have a few questions if I may?
1. During the day I noticed the temperature gauge that came with the tank hasnt gone above 85f. I dont know if I should expect that to be the norm since it is in the corner? I did recently buy a digital laser thermometer but its on its way from AMZ. Should I upgrade the bulb to a 100w since I noticed that the beardie just sticks to the highest area near the light and the temp gauge is hovering around 80-85?
2. Feeding pattern. I have feed the beardie a few crickets in the morning. Is it normal for the beardie to just plainly ignore them or should it be going after them ravenously?
3. Night light. In North Dallas, it does get pretty cold at night so I saw the temp get down to around 65-ish. Should I also upgrade the night bulb to 100w?

Just some generic questions... any specific bulbs you recommend or is zoo med bulbs a good starter setup?

Thanks for your assistance and Happy Holidays!

FD

 

[Tabasco]

First for heat. Do not use a red bulb at night! Get a CHE bulb. Beardies need to cool down some, 65 is ok and long as it does not get below 60. A 50 watt CHE (ceramic heat emmiter) will probably be fine. 75 to 85 is fine for the cool side, (in the day) under basking shoot for 100 to 105. Raise basking rock if needed.

Feeding. Ever dragon is different but often they will not go after live food until they have warmed up. Mine usually 2 hours after lights come on, sometimes 3. Most active between 1 and 3pm.

I keep mine on a 12 hours on, 12 off schedule this time of year. I let enclosure heat up slowly in the am to mimic nature. I use granite or quartz (or both) for basking area, heats up slowly yet retains heat and sheds slowly after lights go off.

 

[fubardad]

First for heat. Do not use a red bulb at night! Get a CHE bulb. Beardies need to cool down some, 65 is ok and long as it does not get below 60. A 50 watt CHE (ceramic heat emmiter) will probably be fine. 75 to 85 is fine for the cool side, (in the day) under basking shoot for 100 to 105. Raise basking rock if needed.

Feeding. Ever dragon is different but often they will not go after live food until they have warmed up. Mine usually 2 hours after lights come on, sometimes 3. Most active between 1 and 3pm.

I keep mine on a 12 hours on, 12 off schedule this time of year. I let enclosure heat up slowly in the am to mimic nature. I use granite or quartz (or both) for basking area, heats up slowly yet retains heat and sheds slowly after lights go off.

@Tabasco Thank you very much. I started reading about the "CHE" light and this will be my first thing I get once the stores open up again. I have a few other questions but I want to see if I can find the answers first... like "How to setup the tank?" From what Im reading, it should be a Hot/Medium/Cold area but where do you put the food/water? In the hot area or cold area?

So far, I have changed the basking light to a 100w and I think I got the temp right... ~100-108 (depending on the area) and the cold areas are 80.

 

[Tabasco]

I put food on cool side, stays fresh longer. Same for water.