Lighting - Page 2

Dani33 · 04-21-04, 02:16 PM

Yup they need it. In the wild, they are sunworshipers. If you look at that table, it also shows the uv out put of the sun in different places. It's necessary for vitamin D3 which in turn aids in the absorbtion of calcium. They can't get too much uv. You can give them too much D3 from vitamin supplements though. Most also give calcium with D3 for animals living indoors. It's best to give them supplements in moderation.

It's really your choice. Personally, I'm gonna use powersun bulbs. They'll also have time outside in the summer. I'll supplement with D3 during the cold season and without during the summer. If you think about thinking about the initail expense, if you replace the flourescent every 6 months it's $45.00 a pop right. The power sun bulb can last for 2 years with a 1 year warranty for a $100. Best of all, it gives out the most uv.

Just my 2 cents.

doenoe · 04-21-04, 02:33 PM

Ok, thats it..........im gonna go for the powersuns too

No changing my mind anymore.............the powersuns is the way to go for me.......
Thanks for puttin this thread up btw, i was questioning these same things

Greetz Daan

Dani33 · 04-21-04, 02:41 PM

I also wanted to add that they should have a place to get out of the heat if they wish. I let my critters choose. On one side of their tank is cool with a hide and the basking spot on the other side. This way, if they don't feel like basking, they have an option.

Edit: Rob at Canadian Feeders has good prices and is a super nice guy. Maybe try him

http://www.canadianfeeders.com/

Big Mike · 04-21-04, 04:07 PM

Glenn,

Like Dani33 does/said, you can give them some outside time when it's warm. They can absorb lots of UVB on a nice sunny day...but don't skip the artificial UVB. Also, don't put them outside in an enclosed tank or tub that could overheat in the sun.

If you have any fireflies in your area...keep your beardies inside...they are very fatal if eaten.

It sounds like you have done all the research...it's time for some hands on experience...go get that beardie!

One thing that will be hard (especially with your kids) is to let the little guy settle in one he's home. Don't handle it for the first few days...if you can resist. Make sure he's not stressed & eating well.

GP212 · 04-21-04, 07:46 PM

About the amount of uvb that they need. I know that they need it but how much? I just wonder which bulb to buy. The powersuns look like they come in different strengths.Although the only one that I saw at the store was a 100 W.

drewlowe · 04-22-04, 07:37 AM

I'm not sure how jumbled this is going to sound but i'm going to give it a shot. LOL

I'm still learning this part, heck i don't think you ever stop learning about herps no matter how many years you have them.

Lighting and supplemation (calcium, calcium w/ D3), go hand in hand. I'm not sure if there is a "required" amount set in stone. Depending on the type of UVB your using also depends on the right suplementation you use.

For example, If you use the UVB bulbs/flouresents you will have to use the supplement calcium with D3, but if you have them outdoors the need for supplementation goes down, but you should still use the calcium without D3.

I believe if you use the flouresent bulb (accordenly) and the right supplementation, you will not have any problems along with using correct diets.

Jamie

Big Mike · 04-22-04, 08:12 AM

Also,

While it is important to strive to give our critters the best environment possible...don't over think it. Beardies are very hardy, that's one reason they are a very good starter reptile/lizard.

GP212 · 04-22-04, 09:30 AM

WOW! Nobody has ever accused me of "overthinkin" before!
lol
By the way, I have made WOW one of my favorite words lately. It is very versitile. Try it.

Seriously, thanks to all for all of your help. I think that you are correct in saying that I need to get the little guy now. I have not heard back from the pet store yet. They were going to call when they got some in. There is another one that is close to my work that i saw had some . They guy there said that they were about 12 weeks old and that they have had them for about 4 weeks. $110.
I still need to get all of the lighting set up, finnish the top,get the substrate(wheat bran I figure), and then get my temps set. I have a digital thermometer that I got from Radio Shack as someone had suggested.

Thanks again to all!!!!!!!!!!

Glenn

drewlowe · 04-22-04, 09:44 AM

I think you pretty much covered all the "bases" on this one, I believe Big Mike is right, when you get your set up finished it's time for some "hands on" experience.

These guys do some funny stuff and mine are complete sweethearts, i don't think i could do with out at least one beardie in my house. I'm sure your wife will "warm" up to them. Just be careful you don't come addicted like the rest of us, or you'll be counting down the days when the kids move out so you can convert their room to hold more herps. LOL

I think the only thing we haven't hit on was diets, lol. If you do have questions about that just let us know, I'm sure many people will give good advice.

As some one else suggested before i think an investment into a cheap $5 timer may be a good one. That way the lights go on and off at the same time daily, no worries about forgeting to turn them on or off. They are VERY easy to set up and i consider my 4 to be my life savers, LOL.

tHeGiNo · 04-23-04, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Actually the UVB flouresents are supposed to be replaced every 6 month to a 1 year but there are exceptions to every rule.

Yep. However, not everyone, infact HARDELY anyone is equipped with a measuring device in regards to UVB rays. Therefore, would you not say it is right to suggest replacing every six months? If you wait a year, and it does burn out in six months, then your going six months without UVB. Or, as you mentioned, yours pooped out in three. Thats nine months without UVB.

Quote:

I just spoke to a customer service rep at zoomed. The powersun bulbs have to be mounted vertically in a fixed position. If you move them ie: on and off of a screen top, they'll eventually break.

Wow, thanks for posting that information. I must admit, I did not know this. You would think this would be something they would let you know on the packaging...

sevenofthorns · 04-23-04, 07:31 PM

It is in their new instructions, but the older bulbs didn't have it listed. Any new bulbs out of zoomed are supposed to have it.

drewlowe · 04-23-04, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tHeGiNo
Yep. However, not everyone, infact HARDELY anyone is equipped with a measuring device in regards to UVB rays. Therefore, would you not say it is right to suggest replacing every six months? If you wait a year, and it does burn out in six months, then your going six months without UVB. Or, as you mentioned, yours pooped out in three. Thats nine months without UVB.

I would suggest to either buy one or find someone that has one, that would be the best thing to do. I understand 160 + shipping is alot to spend on a uvb meter (at least for most people, myself included), but there are advantages. You can test them at any time, you know if your UVB has ran out, or if it last longer. As i said i had one go in 3 months so that would have left them without uvb for 3 months until the next change anyway. Yes nine months are more but 3 months is still to long without UVB.

Jamie

Icefire · 05-03-04, 07:45 PM

I was asking myself that question ,so I started that thread too.
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showt...threadid=43107

now I have discovered a group who DO test their bulb/tube for
UVB.
here is the difference between Reptisun 5.0 and PowerSun MV.

Tester Brand Watts Type Time Used Tested at UVB Reading.
Carole Powersun 100 watt flood 2 months 12" 10
Jen Powersun 100 watt Flood 2 months 12" 10
Darry PowerSun 100 watt flood 2 month 12" 16

Beautiful Powersun 160 watt flood brand new 12" 47
Darry PowerSun 160 watt flood 2 months 12" 36
Darry PowerSun 160 watt flood 2 months 12" 36

Darry Reptisun 5.0 40W/48" brand new 12" 21/ends and 32/middle
Veronica Reptisun 5.0 40W/48" 6.5 months 12" 15
Diane ReptiSun 5.0 40W/48" 8 months 12" 9
Jenn Reptisun 5.0 40W/48" 10 months 12" 13
Darry Iguanaht 5.0 40W/48" 1 year 12" 20/ends and 30/middle
Darry Reptisun 5.0 40W/48" 2+ years 12" 18/ends and 27/middle
In fact, PowerSun do output more, but take MORE watts.
so Reptisun give more UVB/Watts VS PowerSun.

Those PowerSun are in fact 160Watts Versus 40Watts Tube.
so if you would want to be fair, take 3 to 4 time the value of any
tube (48 inch, 40Watts) versus 160 Watts Power Sun.
I.E. Reptisun Brand new (32 in the middle) would be in fact 128 if
you use 4 Tube which totalise 160Watts.

We need to compare banana with banana not, banana VS apple.
so Watts VS Watts would be the best thing to look as a base.

Those are from that group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UVB_Meter_Owners/

I have modified 3 value that were 8" and 10" and not 12"
using rules of 3