Basking Lights & Temperatures
Most enclosures will require two different light sources. One light to provide UVB and one light to provide the heat required in maintaining basking temperatures. Lighting and temperatures are both equally important and closely tied.
As cold-blooded animals, bearded dragons require heat not only to synthesize vitamins and minerals but also to digest their food. Bearded dragons also need a wide enough temperature gradient within their enclosures to offer them space to cool their bodies and prevent overheating. A simple incandescent "basking" bulb can provide the higher temperatures needed while also providing bright visual light, both important in stimulating a dragon's appetite.
The dragon's basking area should have a bulb mounted above or within the enclosure (depending on enclosure size/style) and pointed towards a basking area. We maintain this area within the range of 34- 40 degrees Celsius (94-104 Fahrenheit) during the dragon's daylight hours. An average temperature setting of 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) in the basking area allows for a generous variance of temperature in either direction due to changing airflow or room temperature. Make sure your dragon cannot reach the heat lamp if it is mounted inside the enclosure. Serious injury can result. A basking bulb can be purchased at any pet supply store, however a standard small spotlight or clear household bulb can be just as effective after finding the correct wattage for its application. Begin with a 75-watt bulb and work up or down until you maintain a temperature within the acceptable range. The height of your basking area can also be raised with rock, branches or fixtures to warm the area.
The dragon's basking area should have a bulb mounted above or within the enclosure (depending on enclosure size/style) and pointed towards a basking area. We maintain this area within the range of 34- 40 degrees Celsius (94-104 Fahrenheit) during the dragon's daylight hours. An average temperature setting of 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) in the basking area allows for a generous variance of temperature in either direction due to changing airflow or room temperature. Make sure your dragon cannot reach the heat lamp if it is mounted inside the enclosure. Serious injury can result. A basking bulb can be purchased at any pet supply store, however a standard small spotlight or clear household bulb can be just as effective after finding the correct wattage for its application. Begin with a 75-watt bulb and work up or down until you maintain a temperature within the acceptable range. The height of your basking area can also be raised with rock, branches or fixtures to warm the area.
Temperatures
We maintain the cooler side of the enclosures in the area of 25 - 28 degrees Celsius (77 - 82 Fahrenheit). Place all vegetable dishes at this side to delay wilting. If your enclosure is in a cooler area of your home or the air temperature is generally below normal room temperature, additional heat sources may be required to maintain temperatures, such as a under tank heat pad or additional ceramic heat producing sources. Nighttime temperatures in the 16 - 20 degrees Celsius (60 - 70 Fahrenheit) range are acceptable. If the correct temperature variance is not maintained it can interfere in the dragon's thermoregulation process and have a serious effect on its health. Remember, bright light and correct temperatures stimulate dragons to eat.
Enclosure temperatures should be monitored on a regular basis and can easily be checked daily with probe style thermometers, one at each end of the enclosure. Laser style temperature guns are also an excellent option if you are maintaining several enclosures.
Enclosure temperatures should be monitored on a regular basis and can easily be checked daily with probe style thermometers, one at each end of the enclosure. Laser style temperature guns are also an excellent option if you are maintaining several enclosures.
Lighting Cycle
Over the dragons "summer", lighting should be on for 14 hours daily and off for 10.
During the dragons "winter" or shutdown period, commonly known as brumation lighting should be gradually decreased to be on for 8 hours daily and off for 16.
There should be no direct light sources during "night time" hours.
During the dragons "winter" or shutdown period, commonly known as brumation lighting should be gradually decreased to be on for 8 hours daily and off for 16.
There should be no direct light sources during "night time" hours.
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Rik & Rosana Smith - westcoastdragons@shaw.ca Phone: (250) 618-5408
All rights reserved. Copyright 2007 - 2009. West Coast Dragons ~ Vancouver Island Breeders
All rights reserved. Copyright 2007 - 2009. West Coast Dragons ~ Vancouver Island Breeders
West Coast Dragons
Vancouver Island Breeders
