Uromastyx - spotting question

Question
QUESTION: Tracie,

My boyfriend and I purchased a Mali Uromastyx (or at least, advertised as being a Mali) on Tuesday (06/24), about 6 months old. He (and I say 'he', although he hasn't been sexed) is tannish-green with black freckles on his back and tail.  Wednesday was the first day we set up the UVB light (it's a CFL 5, they didn't have the 10) and the heat lamp. Wednesday night, we noticed that he had orange speckles on his back, that were either brand new or just much more prominent; neither of us remember seeing them previously. He's spent most of his time so far under his hidey rock, but I didn't know it the new spots were an effect of either lamp; and if so, whether it was bad (or good or neutral), or if it was just a natural coloration change.  I would appreciate any help you could offer with our new pet.

Thanks for your time,

Angela

ANSWER: Hello Angela,
Do you mean a compact or coil flourescent?  What brand?  If you got him one of those, you will need to take it back.  
If it is the Reptisun 5 or 10 compact or coil light here is a report for you to read.  Those light can be very dangerous.  They are emitting low wavelength frequency of UVB which is close to UVC.  They are very hard on the eyes, as well.  That could be one reason that he is hiding.
What type of basking light are you using is it a bright white light or a colored light?
What are the temps in his tank?  Their recommended basking is 115-120 measured with a digital probe or a temp gun.  I am not sure if the speckling is due to his UVB light at the moment, but it is more likely that it is improper temperatures.  Unless he is getting ready for a shed, which is possible since he is still growing.
Do change out that UVB light though, to a reptisun 10 flourescent tube light.   

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm


Tracie

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

QUESTION: Tracie,

We did find out that the temp was too low, so we upped the wattage of his basking lamp from 150W to 200W, and we put in a thermometer, so the temp should be about 115 by now (when we left for work this morning it was at 103 and climbing slowly).  The UVB is a CFL-5, (Exo-Terra Repti Glo 5.0 Compact Tropical Terrarium Lamp is the full name); the basking bulb is a ZooMed Repti Basking Spot Lamp, and we have a 150W and a 50W (we added the 50W because the temp was too low; if it's still too low tonight I'll switch the 50W to a 100W). And a new question as well - should we get a different lamp for night?  And you asked about the color of the basking lamp - it's a bright white as well.

Thanks again,

ANSWER: Hello Angela,

Ok, great.  So you are using a digital probe or a temp gun?  If the temperature stays under 120 then that is perfect then.  He should begin to feel better pretty quickly.  
Ok, the Reptiglo 5 compact light is not dangerous per say like the Reptisun 5 or 10 compacts, but, the UVB output is very low.  So I still recommend you get the Reptisun 10 flourescent tube light.  Great the basking light is a bright white one.  Super!
He wont need any nighttime lighting.  If the tank temps fall below 65 then you can use a ceramic heat emitter for heating, but no lighting.  
Don't forget to supplement calcium too 3 or so times per week.  Do not feed crickets or feeders as they are herbivores.  
Let me know how he is doing.

Tracie

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

QUESTION: Tracie,

Thank you so much!  We went from the 150W to 250W heat lamp, and switched to the fluorescent UVB tube, and he's out walking around his tank, exploring the rocks, and basking :) He must have eaten as well, because he defecated a bit.
However, in between basking and walking around, he gets pretty frantic and starts clawing at the sides of the tank. When he doesn't stop after about 30 seconds, I'll pick him up (he's still frantic and clawing like he wants out, and breathing hard), and I'll hold him for a few minutes until he calms down.  This has happened 2 or 3 times in the last 1.5 hours.  It's about 10:30pm Eastern; I still have his heating/UVB lamps on because I wanted him to get enough lighting for today.  Is this usual behavior in a new tank; is it because it's night to him but the lights are on; does he need a short picture border (just grass or something) around the bottom edge of the tank so he realizes there's something there; none of the above?
Also, when we hold him and stroke his head or chin, and he closes his eyes, is he relaxed or trying to shut us out?

Thanks so much again,
Angela

Answer
Hello Angela,

Oh you already got the Reptisun 10 flourescent tube, wow.  You must have found it at a petstore then?  I hope they did not gouge you too much!
He is most likely just still adjusting to everything.  Give him a bit more time.  At least he is out & exploring now & not hiding.  
Yes, he might just need some rest now too since it is nighttime.  
If you want to get a border for the lower part of his tank, that would be fine, it might help him see the tank better.  Plus, it would look nice.
They close their eyes when they are relaxed & enjoy being petted.  No worries there.
What are your temps reading now with the 250watt bulb?

Tracie