Beardie Lighting Question

Question
QUESTION: Based on recent guidance, we changed from a UVB compact to a UVB tube.  We are using a borrowed Reptiglo 8.0 light from the pet store until they get another in. But in another response, you indicated that someone should not use Reptiglo 10.0 tube , but use a Reptisun 10.0 tube. Is it something with all Reptiglos?  Is the Reptiglo 8.0 OK?  What is your recommendations for UVB tube lighting for beardies (brand and "strength)?  Also, I have a question about the basking light.  We had been using a Zoomed 75 watt basking spot light. I would prefer to use a bulb that will fit in the tube fixture (it has space for two bulbs, but they would not be spot lights.  Is this OK?  Main reason is that we have already gotten the spot light too close to the aquarium rim and it melted into the screen as we were adding crickets.  Another question has to do with the spot light. I had measured the temp at his basking spot (light directly over the spot) and it was just under 105 F using probe thermometer.  It had been consistent as I checked it over several days.  Two days ago, I noticed he was resting with his rear feet up on his "heels".  He also was not using the direct basking area as much.  I rechecked the temperature and it was 110 F (which I think is too hot).  Any idea why the basking light temperature was that much different?  The only reason I could think of was the outside temperature was a little warmer, but the inside temperature of our house has remained about 71F. I was surprised that this 75 watt has been ok, based on other things I have read which indicate I should need a 100 watt bulb.  The spot light is in a fixture with white interior, but the report on the bad compacts indicate that the UVB is not affected much by the white interiors (not sure about heat effects).  Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: Hello Ken,

Great questions.  The Reptiglo 8 flourescent tube UVB's are fine.  However, when the upgrade of the Exoterra was made, which was the Reptiglo 10 flourescent tube UVB, they incorrect photo-therapy phosphor mixture on the bulb itself as well as the incorrect type of glass.  
So yes, the Reptiglo 8 is fine, no problem.  My recommendations for flourescent tube UVB lights are either the Reptiglo 8 or the Reptisun 10.  
The Zoomed 75 watt basking light is a screw in type, right?  That is the type of light you need to use for heating.  A flourescent tube light does not put out enough heat, just light for brightness.
I like to use the natural daylight spot or flood lamps.  They are the type of lights that have the bluish tint to the bulb.  They put out very bright white light.  
The recommended basking temps are 95-110 but no higher.  How large of a tank do you have?  How close is the basking light to his basking spot?  The cooler end should be around 78-82 & the ambient temps should not be any higher than 85 or so, otherwise, he will overheat.  
The white interior is not as reflective, that is why it does not increase UVB output, or heat.  You will get more reflective action with a metal or chrome interior.  Like when you use your UVB, the fixture needs to have a reflective backing to help direct the UVB's downward more towards him.
What are you using to measure your temps?  A temp gun or a digital probe are the 2 types of thermometers you should use.
Is the tank beside a window in which the sunlight shines directly into the tank?  If so, you are going to make sure the sun does not shine directly inside, otherwise, the ambient temps will climb too much & can bake him.  Glass holds heat very well.

Tracie

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

QUESTION: Thank you again for your help. Here is the info you asked for. The Zommed 75 watt bulb is a screw in spotlight bulb. Is using a screw in non-spot light ok (since it would go in the Flukers 36 inch fixture I have (and be pointed sideways, not down) as a replacement for the spotlight?  The spotlight is currently about 12 inches from the light to his basking spot. The tank is a 40 gallon (36"Lx18"Wx16"H)- again I am surprised that the 75 W spot keeps it at 105 normally, but it jumped to 110 some this week. The tank is not near a window and the 110 F was measured after dark.  I am checking it with a probe Zoomed digital thermometer.  The spotlight looks clear (slight tint, but no discernable color). Temperatures in the cool end of the tank are roughly 75-78F.  The tube fixture has a metal reflective interior on the inside sides and top.  

More questions are that I asked a question last week about him closing his eyes fairly often and keeping them closed for a short period and then doing it again.  Based on your advise and the report you provided link to, I replaced the compact UVB with the tube.  It has been 8 days and he still does the eye closing thing.  Maybe not as much, but still a good bit. Any ideas as to why he is still continuing it. We had used the UVB compact about a week to 1 1/2 weeks before shutting it off last Wednesday. Last question for now is that the tube bulb we are using is borrowed (see previous note) and produces little or no heat. The pet store we borrowed it from had a Reptisun Desert 10.0 (like you recommended) on one of their tanks and theirs puts off enough heat to make the fixture fairly warm (using same fixture as we have). I thought these UVB tube bulbs did not put off heat - salesperson said that it did since it was a desert bulb - does this make sense?  Thanks again for your helping us novices.

ANSWER: Hello Ken,
That is fine for a basking light, as long as it is a bright white light, no problem.  It should be directed straight down though so it doesn't glare in his eyes.  
Good that the tube fixture has reflective backing, excellent to hear.  So you are using a Reptisun 10 flourescent tube UVB now?  It should not put out much significant heat. It will not put out enough to be enough for a basking spot.  So, place the basking light right beside the Reptisun flourescent tube UVB light, at one end on the basking end.  The tube will run part of the length of the tank, & then you have the cooler end.  Your temps sound fine.   
How large is their tank at the store though?  Well, also, they may not have been using a fixture with reflective backing but just plastic which would make it hotter.  The reflective backing bounces the heat (what little there is) & light back down & the fixture doesn't get real hot.  
The reason he is still closing his eye, or eyes, is because they are probably still irritated a little bit.  It will most likely take a few weeks for his eyes to get back to normal.  Is there any swelling?  You could get some saline eye drops & try to get a little of that in his eyes in case they are dry too.  
Be patient, it will take time for them to heal.  As long as he can see, that is good.  I have worked with several clients whose dragons lost their sight altogether.  One passed away as he did not catch it in time & his dragon became very ill from radiation poisoning & partial blindness.  It was very sad.  
How close do you have the light?  Make sure right now, that the Reptisun 10 is 10 inches from him right now.  
How is his eating?  

Tracie


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

QUESTION: Just to make sure I understood, using a non-spot light is ok?  Again the fixture within the tube fixture for a socket bulb is horizonal.  Regarding the position of the tube within the fixture, I can't put the tube on one end. The 36 inch fixture has the 18 tube bulb located in the middle of the fixture with the two sockets for screw in bulbs on each end.  I assume this is ok.  Would you verify? The tube bulb is about 12 to 14 inches to his basking spot (measured at an angle (approx 20 degree angle measured), so it is close to the 10 inches you recommend. We are still using the borrowed 18" Reptiglo 8.0, but the 18" Reptisun 10.0 has come in. The tanks at the store are the same as ours (40 gal and 36x18x16).  He is eating about a dozen to 1 1/2 dozen of the 1/8 to 1/4 inch crickets.  We got him to eat a little of his greens (turnip, mustard, collard kale) mix and even got him to take a few pieces out of our hand - not much, but a little. That was neat since he is still very skittish. He also has started molting - noticed it yesterday- and it was significant today. We sprayed him - he gets real bothered by it and won't move for a while when we put him back into his tank.  We put him in water yesterday -first time he stayed any length of time - usually gets right back out. Thank you again.

Answer
Hello Ken,

Yes, you can use a floodlight as long as it will focus a good basking spot, no problem.  
So are you saying there is room for 3 bulbs on the light fixture?  Could you send me a picture to my home email, I think you are talking about the compact light.  I would like to see what the bulbs look like.  
My home email is:  Drache613@tampabay.rr.com
So he is eating well then, that is great!  It sounds like he is eating some greens as well, & even a few out of your hands, too.

Tracie