Bearded Dragon lighting

Question
Hi,

I'm trying to think of ways to bring my tank lighting closer to my bearded dragons. My tank is 60 in wide, 20 in high, and 18 in deep. My lights sit at the top of my tank on mesh lids, and there's about 2 inches of sand in my tank. I use a 150 watt basking lights and a reptisun 10.0 UVB tube bulb in square fixtures.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Justin

Answer
Hi Justin,

Bringing your dragons closer to your lighting is really the best approach. You definitely want some barrier in between them and the heat light so keeping it on the mesh lid is recommended. Depending on the fixture type some keepers will hook the UVB fixture (with wires) on the tank rim so that it hangs lower down inside the enclosure. It is not something I would recommend for active climbing reptiles. They can still get into trouble by climbing on and dislodging the bulb. You really don't want broken glass and the contents of a fluorescent bulb in your tank. Not to mention the expense of replacing the bulb.

Beardeds are pretty good climbers as long as the surface has a bit of roughness and is angled or in steps. They can't climb well vertically. Depending on how natural a look you want, you can use rough surfaced rocks, cork bark or other barked wood to create surfaces that angle up toward the light. Plain wood with some reptile carpet or other rough covering stapled onto it will also work. Bricks are another option but be careful of the total weight. Tanks made for reptiles have thinner glass then those sold for aquarium use.
Creating an angled basking area or one in steps leading up to the heat will give your beardeds more options to thermoregulate then a straight platform right under the light.
Ideally they should be within about 8 to 10 inches of your UVB bulb and your basking temp. should be in the 35 - 42 C range.