Young Mali Uromastyx

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I purchased a Mali Uromastyx about a week ago, and its great. I would just like some feedback on his enclosure and such.
Its about 6" and in a 48x18x18 tank with millet seed for substrate(which he loves chomping on). I live in cold Michigan so heating is an effort. During the day I have a 150w basking lamp and a regular 100w house bulb running alongside a 5.0 UVB reptile strip. It stays around 105 for the ambient air in the hot side and around 90 in the cool side. The basking spot ranges from 115-130. At night I use a 75w red light that keeps his sleeping area in the low 80's to high 70's. I may also turn the red light occasionally during the day if he needs a little extra heat.
Ive been feeding him primarily Endive, Escarole and Bok Choy. And dusting it regularly with a calcium supplement, and also a multivitamin.
He's seemed quite happy the last few days especially.
The only thing I am concerned about is that for the first few days I had him on reptile carpet. Yesterday I put in the seed bedding, and since then hes seemed less interested in his greens and more interested in eating the seed. Is this uncommon for something that is new?

Any feed back would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

ANSWER: Hello Leland,

Your setup sounds pretty good.  The temperatures look good.  Are you measuring them with a digital probe or a temp gun for accuracy?  It is nice to see a Uro owner who has done their homework & is providing adequate heating! :-))
I would however, after a 4-5 month timeframe, upgrade to a Reptisun 10 tube bulb.  The Reptisun 5 is ok, but not as strong.  Do you have the UVB tube on top of screen?  If so, remember the screen does filter out a lot of the UVB lighting.

So he is eating more seed than greens?  That can happen.  You could get some bird seed also, which he might like.  Have you tried alfalfa sprouts, lentils, & other cooked beans (NO kidney beans), for him along with greens too?

Overall, everything looks great.  The calcium should be given 5 times per week right now & 1-2 times a week for vitamins, since he is still growing.  

Give him time to adjust to the millet.  If this continues, & he still is not eating his greens like he should, you may need to switch to another substrate for awhile.

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the fast reply!
I am using a digital thermometer and a temp gun.
I plan on using the 10 bulb when I replace this one. The fixture I purchased came with the 5 bulb, and I couldn't find one that came with a 10.
I wouldn't say he eats more seed than greens. He still eats quite a few decent peices. But I think the snacking has made a bit of a difference. If he really starts to ignore the greens I'll remove the seed.
Have you had any reason to think that the infrared light at night has a negative effect on their sleep? I have been told by a few people that no lights should be on at all.
Thanks again!

Answer
Hello Leland,

Great, using both thermometers your temps should be very accurate then!  
When you are ready to upgrade, get your Reptisun 10 tube bulb from here:

http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-fluorescent-bulbs/504983/zoo-med-rept

So, he is a little snacker now, huh?  Well, that is ok then.  Just keep a close eye on him & make sure he is eating enough vegetation versus seed.  You can add some bird seed too for more variety.  

Yes, Infrared lights are a spectrum that they can see & it can disturb their sleeping patterns.  If you feel that you need some nighttime heating, I would use a ceramic heat emitter instead which emits just heat but no light.  I feel that reptiles do much better sleeping in the dark.

Tracie