UVB Size

[thekidep3]

Im getting a bearded dragon soon and to start im going to put him/her in a 20 gallon long until it gets big enough for something bigger. My question is, can i buy a uvb thats big and will probably cover most of the 20 gallon tank and when i switch it be the perfect size for the bigger tank, or should i buy one that'll cover half the 20 gallon and one that'll cover half of the bigger tank. in other words, can i use the uvb fixture i plan on using for my adult tank on the 20 gallon until i move up to the big tank?

[Ga_herps]

my larger adult bearded cages have the 24 inch fixtures, and the reason I did this size is just the same reason you are. It will go over a 20 long perfectly, and when your beardie gets big enough you can put it over or in (whichever way you mount it) the cage. I do replace the bulbs every six months, and during the summer they really do not need it since they get 3 to 5 days a week outdoors depending on temps and weather. Oh forgot to add i use the 5.0 instead of the 10.0 since its literally mounted 10 inches above the basking rock & log.

[thekidep3]

my larger adult bearded cages have the 24 inch fixtures, and the reason I did this size is just the same reason you are. It will go over a 20 long perfectly, and when your beardie gets big enough you can put it over or in (whichever way you mount it) the cage. I do replace the bulbs every six months, and during the summer they really do not need it since they get 3 to 5 days a week outdoors depending on temps and weather. Oh forgot to add i use the 5.0 instead of the 10.0 since its literally mounted 10 inches above the basking rock & log.

Thanks alot. Really helped me out.

[kellysballs]

I have the zoomed 100watt Powersun (self ballasted mercury vapor lamp) for all my uv needing animals. I love these things. They give usable UVB up to 6ft from the lamp. They must be placed at least 18" from the animal but the animal will actually make their own D3 in quantities that so closley match what they can get from the sun that you only need to dose with D3 once every 10 days or so. Still need to give calcium but you just need the kind with out D3. I have 2 beardies and a redfoot tortoise that have these bulbs and I will never go back to florescents unless heat is an issue with the species.

When it comes to florescent UVB lighting it is super important to get as many watts as possible on your critter and make sure they are no more than 12'' from the florescent UVB light. Also the florescents need to be changed every 6 months to make sure your animal is still getting the amount of UVB it needs. A 20g long tank is 30'' long so you could get a 24'' bulb if you wanna go the florescent route. but when you upgrade tanks you have to make sure it is not more than 12'' or so deep.

Good luck!

[jjmitchell]

I like the zoomed powersun bulbs as well.... they maycost more in the beginning but will save you in the long run, they seem to be the gift that keeps on giving.