New to Bearded dragon

[Pilf]

I have just placed my order for Arcadia T5 Pro 39 w 12% kit to be delivered with in 3 days. So very excited for this!
Will obviously post pics, once it’s installed.

 

[Badwolfe]

I have just placed my order for Arcadia T5 Pro 39 w 12% kit to be delivered with in 3 days. So very excited for this!
Will obviously post pics, once it’s installed.

Its an excellent lighting system. i use it in my Beardy setup. Very easy to install with a nice natural looking light.

Inserting and removing the tube is smooth too. A lot of ballasts can be very stiff when it comes to twisting the tube in and out but not these. They also have the ability to chain multiple ballasts together for bigger set ups meaning you only need one plug for multiple units

 

[Pilf]

So I have few items to install in front of my tube for protection, which one would be best?

these are the 3 screen I have, which of the 3 would be best to allow maximum light penetration and maximum safety.

 

[Sadie]

So I have few items to install in front of my tube for protection, which one would be best?

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these are the 3 screen I have, which of the 3 would be best to allow maximum light penetration and maximum safety.

the chicken wire -- its almost like having it unobstructed -- use the 12-15 inches for distance

 

[Pilf]

the chicken wire -- its almost like having it unobstructed -- use the 12-15 inches for distance

Was thinking that one too, now you mention 12-15 inches between higher basking spot and tube… as Sadie mention to me before.

 

[Sadie]

Was thinking that one too, now you mention 12-15 inches between higher basking spot and tube… as Sadie mention to me before.

You want the distance from the UVB to the basking decor 12-15 inches directly below the UVB

 

[Badwolfe]

the chicken wire is going to let in the most light but let out the most insects

 

[Pilf]

the chicken wire is going to let in the most light but let out the most insects

I am feeding him insects, I do not throw insects and let them be… when I am saying that I am feeding him insects is that I let him chase one insect till he catch it before throw him another one… and if he have enough and don’t finish, the remaining are getting back in their own enclosure for next time… so the chicken wire will be plenty good in order to prevent the boy to jump and hit the tube by any chances…

 

[Badwolfe]

I am feeding him insects, I do not throw insects and let them be… when I am saying that I am feeding him insects is that I let him chase one insect till he catch it before throw him another one… and if he have enough and don’t finish, the remaining are getting back in their own enclosure for next time… so the chicken wire will be plenty good in order to prevent the boy to jump and hit the tube by any chances…

I'd go with the chicken wire then. Its the obvious choice for maximum light penetration. Make sure there aren't any areas in your viv where your dragon can reach thats puts him less than 12" from the bulb

 

[Pilf]

I'd go with the chicken wire then. Its the obvious choice for maximum light penetration. Make sure there aren't any areas in your viv where your dragon can reach thats puts him less than 12" from the bulb

Noted and will do, yet you can see so many bearded dragon enclosure with the wrong set up, it’s amazing!
Can’t wait…

 

[Pilf]

So basically I am feeding boy almost on a daily basis wether it’s veggies one day, the other day I give him, 5 mealworms, 2 locusts, 2 super worms (once in a while) 2-3 mealworm nymphs, and 2 Dubia roaches maybe a ringworm or two (again very seldom ou) by then I stop as I feel he is slowing down eating… I may throw in the mix a slice of carrot or two which is probably his favourite veggie (carrot)

I’ll make sure I do not over feed him, but taking in account he was pretty much neglected for his first 3 years of his life, he deserve treats at the moment for him to enhance his general mood, he did change so much since he is with me, I use to visit his previous owner and I never seen him so actif as he is today… he seem to be very happy… and my kit should arrive sometime today so that will be installed today or tomorrow, can’t wait!

I have embrace this hobby as much as I could so far, I have a locusts enclosure with around 39-49 specimens in it along with Dubia roaches 6 females, 1 male, I have collected from the little forest nearby some wood lice to clean up their enclosure, I also added regular sized worms like 4-5 pieces to keep the soil aerated… this is a test tank, but it is going well so far. And even if I have some cannibalism happening, it’s not a big deal as they will all end up in my boy’s belly…

 

[Pilf]

It has arrived juste now!

Installation tomorrow…

very excited!

 

[Pilf]

I have no regrets whatsoever, costly (100€ At my door from France) but super easy to connect, plug and play, super nice bright… I had to try it

he is going to be sooo pleased, now I have to rethink the placement of my heat lamp as where I installed it, now it’s in the way of the new tube end.

 

[Badwolfe]

that illuminates a 4ft viv nicely

 

[Pilf]

that illuminates a 4ft viv nicely

Yes it’s mind blowing the rendering of this light, thanks guys for the advise… he will be very pleased…

 

[Pilf]

.

 

[Pilf]

I finished the installation…

mot is nice and bright indeed…

Probably some adjustments here and there to be done.

 

[Badwolfe]

Looks good bud. Only thing I'd add is another hide on the cool side

 

[Pilf]

Looks good bud. Only thing I'd add is another hide on the cool side

Yes it is part of the plan… but I just didn’t have anything at hand right now.

 

[Pilf]

Here is a side by side comparaison.

1: original set up from previous owner for the first 3 years of his life ( no working heat bulbe at the time of rescue, no UVB lighting.

2: my original set up, which consist of a 60w heat lamp and a 18w UVB tube mounted on a regular fixture.

3: here is my final set up, same heat light and an Arcadia T5 Pro 39w 12%.

the lighting is just amazing… I am seeing new colors in my boy that pops out with the new tube and it should only get better from now on.

thanks guys for the advice: @Sadie & @Badwolfe