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UVB lighting.

22 14:09:37

Question
QUESTION: I was reading some information about the UVB ratings that each bulb gives off. I also saw that if your fixture has a reflector it can make the rays reach farther and be stronger. Are their symptoms of bearded dragons getting to much UVB. I am thinking that with have the Reptisun 10.0 with the reflector on the back is giving him to much UVB. From the chart at 12 inches it would be at about 30+Wu/Cm2.

ANSWER: Hi Will,
The number you mention is very low as to uvb. Compare that to what real sunshine is and you will see what I mean!!! Be sure to read more of the info on those sites...
Most reptiles can self regulate as to the amount of uvb they need.  Its why its important to not flood the entire cage with uvb.  They need to be able to get out of it when needed.
When using the MV uvb lights its important to also provide a basking area that does not have uvb because when using the Mercury vapor lights, they will get their uvb needs quicker, but will still need to have the basking temperatures for digestion.
When using uvb tubes, it generally takes longer for them to meet their uvb needs.

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QUESTION: I want to thank you for your help. I am taking him to the vet on Tuesday to have his jaw looked at. So I should probably get him to about 8-10 inchs of his tube and light to work best for him. His tank is 36" long so he has a good 12 inchs of 90-95 degrees, basking spot of 150-110, and then a cool side at room tempature of about 85-90 degrees. His tube light is 18" and I run it diagonally so that it only covers about 12" on the side with the basking light but I am not sure if It is close enough to his basking light. I basically put the basking light touching the plastic of the UVB tube fixture.

ANSWER: Hi Will,
It should be fine...just watch so the basking light fixture doesn't melt the uvb fixture.  When you get a chance, get one of the thermometers with the probe on the end of the wires that you can hang at the beardies level , right  where he lays under the light.
Chances are the jaw is normal...but I am a rather be safe than sorry person also.
I'm guessing you mean 95-110 degrees... you can drop the light of that to 105 if its easier.
You do need to provide a cooler area than that... mid 70s to low 80s.
Many times the temperatures are right, its just a matter of where we are testing them.

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QUESTION: I live in Florida. I need a way to make one side cooler. Cause during the summer it gets to anywere from 90-115 outside. So inside is going to be around there while we are all at work. I switched his things around, and made it so he can get closer to the UVB. I think the lip is from the UVB. Cause afterwards he just continually sat under the UVB, and his mouth doesn't seem as bad. I think it is mouth rot because I saw him earlier when he was hunting his crickets. He had it slightly open, not like when he vents, just barely cracker, and it seems as if his lower lip is bigger extends out more then his upper.

Answer
Hi Will,
A few things you can do are... make sure the tank is not in or near a window that would be getting direct sunlight....or use a window blind that blocks the sun.
You can use a thermostat on the heat pads, undertank heater or ceramic heat emitters...you CANNOT use a thermostat on light producing bulbs... You can use a dimmer on light producing bulbs, other than the mercury vapor lamps.
Your home should not reach the outdoor temperatures, nor should the tank if its not in direct sun from a window, or close to a window.
You can lower the wattage of the basking light you are using.
Take a shallow dish of water and freeze it..then place it in the tank on the cool end on the hottest days..it will help keep that end cool. ***Revised**** rather than this(which can cause too much humidity for the beardie, I would place ice packs on the OUTSIDE.. other things....a small fan on top the cage(such as a personal fan, computer fan) this will move the air, keeping it cooler and also a fan can be placed on the outside to move the air around.  Run a dehumidifier in the room...the less humidity, the cooler the air feels.
You may even be able to do away with  a basking light in the hottest part of the day and only run the uvb tube.  Using a timer on the basking light would help with that.  That way, you can just set it for the time you want it to come on or go off.  You will just have to remember to change it for cooler days.
As to the mouth, the vet will be able to tell if it is mouth rot...but you should be able to see something crusty or gunky on the inside and or outside of his lips. Be sure to take a fecal sample in with you so it can be checked for parasites also.