Our dragon only likes the cool side.

[SKM73]

Hi - My family is about 4 months in to owning our BD. We had him (Rex) at the vet last week and they wanted us to move him into a bigger aquarium. He is now in a 36x18x18. We use the Zoo Med POWERSUN 160W MVB. The lamp is in the back right corner and is about 4 inches above the screen. Since the move into his new home Rex has lost interest in basking and only likes the cool side. The lamp is on a timer 12 on/12 off. Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated. So glad I found this forum. The local pet store sucks!

 

[DarwinDragon]

I don't have a lid because my tank is so deep, so I don't know from any personal experience, I just remember reading recently-
Consider Mungi's Buddha's post- http://www.beardeddragonforum.com/index.php?threads/care-sheet.7517/#post-71541
Is the light above the screen?
Peace, Love and Dragons!

 

[Germ]

The MVB that you are using may well be the cause of your Dilemma ... A 160W MVB is designed for a much larger enclosure than a 40 Gal Breeder, as it requires an enclosure large enough to allow for an absolute minimum safe distance of 15" from bulb to the nearest point in the enclosure that the BD has access, which should be the Basking Spot. While most manufacturers recommend 18-20" to be safer from a 160W MVB. Setup to be closer than this, can be harmful to the BD, as an MVB can put out harmful Low Level UV in the 'C' spectrum at closer distances.

Are these a good Bulb, Yes, in the right application where the minimum safe distances can be adhered to, in a larger setup that a 40 Gal Breeder is not. You & your BD would be much better off with a 10.0 UVB Tube, preferably with the fixture mounted inside the enclosure under the screen.

PowerSun installation instructions ...

Mega-Ray

What are your temps Basking Spot & Cool Side & what type of thermometer are you measuring them with? Posting pics of your setup would also be a great help.

A few good links that you may find of interest ...

Basic BD Care Sheet - A Place To Start

Bearded Dragon --- Exclusive Care Info Library

Beautiful Dragons Nutrition Chart

Is Bearded Dragon Co-habitation a good plan?

How to sex a Bearded Dragon
How To Sex A Bearded Dragon

 

[Charley]

Germ you are an ace with info :-D

 

[SKM73]

Thanks guys here are a few pics of our new home. It is a 36 x 18 x 18 with the POWERSUN MVB 160W sitting above the screen. Off to the pet store to get a new thermometer to get readings. He just stays on the left side (cool side) of his home and does not like the warm and basking spot. He he eats good and is going to the bathroom but chooses to be in his hiding spot.
Tried a new digital thermometer w/ a probe our basking spot only got to 92 and the cool side was 88.

 

[SKM73]

We fixed the problem. Dumped the old set up. It was definitely the MVB. We mounted the Zilla Slimline below the screen and removed the clear casing from the fixture. Added a dome fixture with a 90 w Halogen Flood. He is out of the cool side and basking away. Thanks alot.

 

[Pat B]

Wow! This forum has the best information!! and yes....most pet store reptile 'specialists' don't know anything about reptiles. They are there to sell not answer questions and if they do the information is wrong. I learned that the hard way...bought an expensive bulb and come to find out....didn't need it!! Glad you found this forum....you can't go wrong! Welcome to BDF....and come back often with your questions and concerns! We are here to help!!