My daughter recieved a Bearded Dragon for Christmas, so I have been doing as much reading as I can on them.

I just ordered an new enclosure for him (Spike) that is 4 x 2 x 2. I really want to build this as BEST as I can and I just don't have the knowledge base to do it. He is in a 30 gal right now, and already he is getting too big for it imho.

I have read a lot on substrate, feeding etc. And he has been to the vet and appears to be doing great, other than he is a picky eater about his greens o_O

I am an aquarist and have 3 reef tanks at home, and I know lighting requirements change per depth in them.. but cant seem to find lighting specs for Bearded Dragons in this regard.

What sort of lighting am I going to need for this new enclosure? IE: watts, how many, brand preferances etc.

Any help would be much appreciated. I am trying my best to learn all that I can in this short time.

Beth

Welcome to HC! We are always glad when people do research before they get in over their heads.
We have a detailed caresheet here and you can get the best UVB lighting at www.reptileuv.com. Make sure you have at least 2 good thermometers (warm side, cool side) and ask many more questions along the way.

Don't worry too much about his eating greens, younger dragons prefer crix, you can grate up some yam and butternut squash (very fine pieces) and mix that in to the greens for enticement.

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In addition if you feed the greens early in the morning and don't feed the crix until the evening it will help as well.
LOL! Given a choice are you going for the steak or the broccoli?

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I personally would go for the veggies....but I see your point =)

Does anyone know of a Canadian Supplier of similar lights? Looking around it seems that zoo med is my only choice for lighting.

I have a plethora of extra aquarium lighting (3 reef tanks) that can be used for ambience.. what about the heat? I have 175 whatt MH - they are hot as heck - is it too bright?

Thanks,

Beth

hey I have a saltwater tank too, but I did all fish with a few blue legged crabs.(reef lighting is way too expensive)

i think that it will be too bright and too hot. your looking to heat only one side of the enclosure and leave the other end cool. basically the cool end can range from 75-80 degrees the warm end should be around 90-95 and the basking spot should be about 110-115.