Beardie lights and supplement.

Question
Hello,

I currently use a 5.0 reptiglo flourecent tube. Is that a good enough to prevent MBD? I have a baby bearded dragon.
Also, I'm interested in buying T Rex Bearded Dragon Calcium Plus; Iv'e heard it's the best supplement, and it is all in one (Vitamins + calcium) AND it is specially made for beardies.Is that so? If not, what are the best supplements I can give her?

I'm also intereted in Exo Terra 160 Watt Solar Glo Bulb. Description is :

* Optimal levels of UVB, UVA, visual light and heat in one bulb
* Self-ballasted mercury vapor bulb
* Provides the benefits of natural sunlight
* Helps prevent metabolic bone disease

Also If you do choose a bulb, I can replace the normal basking light with the one you chose, but can I leave the flourecent tube?
Can they have too much uvb?

p.s The bearded dragon calcium has enough vitamins and can be used everyday as it is made for bearded dragons, without the risk of having too much vitamins.

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Sarah,

The Exo Terra Solar Glo bulbs are my personal favorite and I swear by them. I have had nothing but success using those bulbs and I think they are well worth the money. Just having that bulb alone provides enough UVA, UVB and heat so that you do not need any other bulbs. That bulb was formulated specifically to prevent MBD and it does a miraculous job healing it as well. I have rehabilitated dozens of MBD patients under these bulbs when strong levels of natural sunlight were not available, and have seen the results on x-rays that the animal's bone density improves with a combination of a bulb of this quality along with proper diet and of course maintaining the correct temperature gradient throughout the enclosure. You would be wise to choose that bulb. Another good thing about that bulb is that it has a 6 month warranty so that if it stops working (burns out), take it back to where you got it for a replacement. Also, it has an automatic overheating sensor...if it gets too hot, it shuts off for 10 minutes then turns back on. I am a strong advocate for that bulb and I always recommend it to others.

Now, as far as the calcium supplement is concerned, sprinkle or dust prey with a calcium supplement just before feeding them to your lizard 3-5 times a week. When you are choosing a calcium supplement, I recommend choosing a simple calcium carbonate like the Zoo Med brand of Repti Calcium without D3. The brand you mentioned contains phosphorous and that works against calcium intake, it can bind calcium intake. Also, calcium carbonate is easily digested. I suggest the Zoo Med Repti Calcium without D3. It is described as:

"Repti Calcium is an ultra fine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Supplement. It is a phosphorus-free calcium supplement for reptiles and amphibians. It has a unique shape/high surface area per gram resulting in increased calcium bioavailability
Additional Information:
Highly bioavailable source of calcium carbonate
Free of harmful impurities (not from Oyster Shells)
Safe levels of Vitamin D3
Use with reptiles that are able to meet their Vitamin D3"

So, in conclusion, getting that one Exo Terra bulb should be sufficient, no need to keep the basking lamp or the tube lamp, unless of course, your terrarium is huge and one bulb will not keep the entire tank lit. Also, use a phosphorous-free calcium carbonate roughly 3-5 times per week. These things, on top of a good diet (20% plants/fruits for beardies) will help to prevent metabolic bone disease.

Thank you for your question and please follow up with any further questions.

Sincerely,

Sara J Gwerder
President
Raptor Rescue Iguana Sanctuary
Shreveport, LA
www.RaptorRescue.org

Good Diet + UVB Radiation + Proper Temperatures + Set Daily Schedule = Healthy + Happy Reptile