#169336

 Confuuuused :S

After my visit to a pet shop today I am thoroughly confused about many things, so I thought I wld ask u experts for ur opinion :D I’ve heard many conflicting things about heat mats an whether they’re appropriate for beardies so wat do ppl think? If there’s anyone here that uses one how do they think they are? what other form of heating could I use to keep my temps up at night? There isn’t another bulb fixture in the viv I’m getting so how wld I rig up a non -light emmitting heat bulb if this is the best form of heat?
Also how does the stat work with whatever heat form I choose, does it keep the heat form calibrated in between 2 temps say 65-75, then the basking lamp brings the overall temp of the high point in the viv up to 100 ish? Oooh I’m so confused about these things, could someone kindly please tell me in basic language how I set all this up!
Sorry if I’m being really dumb, and thanks loads for your help

 #169340

 Confuuuused :S

 #169347

 Confuuuused :S

Sean

 #169353

 Confuuuused :S

oh wow ok I didnt realise it wld be that easy, clearly the pet shops are just trying to get more money out of me It annoys me so much, you’re supposed to be able to trust pet stores but they really do seem like they don’t know anything
just another question how would I set up the ceramic heater? :S Like how would I hang it in the viv? Is it just like a bulb? Many thanks for all your excellant help.

 #169356

 Confuuuused :S

Sean

 #169362

 Confuuuused :S

 #169371

 Confuuuused :S

Money-saving tips:
I use 100-watt incandescents for day heat (just your normal bulbs, but don’t use "softwhite" or "reveal", use the cheap kind, they emit more heat) and fasten them inside ceramic-socket clamps. You can find the clamps at Wal-Mart too, also Home Depot - just make sure you get the ceramic ones if you are using over 60-watt bulbs. For UV lighting fixtures, you can use under-counter flourescent fixtures (again, Wal-Mart, about 6-8 bucks) without the frosted plastic, or ESU - I think that’s the brand - sells fixtures with UV bulbs already in place, and when the light needs to be changed, the fixture is reusable. Change the UV bulbs every 3-4 months.
I try to use Zoo-Med Reptisun 5.0 bulbs, and supplement often with natural sunlight.
You can also use Mercury Vapor bulbs - they combine heat AND light, but you have to hang them from a fixture - you can’t let them rest on anything or sit at an angle - and I’m just not that handy....
Night bulbs have to be purchased from a reptile supplier, I either wait for a local reptile show, or purchase them at (ugh) Petsmart. It’s more cost-effective than paying shipping.

 #169384

 Confuuuused :S

 #169741

 Confuuuused :S

I’m thinking def go with the MV bulbs, they seem much more effective, I duno.. The temps at night here will drop to easily below 50 in winter, summer fine I wld imagine but I wld def need something for night-time don’t u think? For ages I was gona get a heat mat but now it wld appear I have to change my whole beliefs lol, do u think heat mats are an English kind of thing? Coz every literature I have read here says that heat mats are ok but Im more inclined to believe u guys!I don’t know wat to think now though :( I would prefer to use a CHE but is it ok to not have this controlled by any kind of thermostat? I am wary of using my heat source without a stat coz this way I can’t control it, do u guys think it wld be a prob? I gota say I don’t know what I wld do without ur help!

 #169780

 Confuuuused :S

bump.. and another thing, the D3 compact reptile lamps can’t be used as a basking lamp can they? or can they?!

 #169859

 Confuuuused :S

bump... and one more thing (really do think I’ve finished now!) how does a clamp lamp work? If u have any answers or suggestions on anything I’d be extremely grateful! Thank you loads for all your help!

 #169864

 Confuuuused :S

 #169882

 Confuuuused :S

Hello and welcome to the forum! It has helped a lot of us. Most pet stores sadly, can’t always be trusted to give the right info. The info given to you here has been excellent. You can also learn a lot about the correct feeding and substrate. That is another area where pet stores can sadly be lacking. I love to tell new members to go to www.beautifuldragons.com for great diet info. I will go now and leave you in very capable hands....Joan (without Puffy)

 #169999

 Confuuuused :S

 #170025

 Confuuuused :S

 #170301

 Confuuuused :S

I miss my Puffy, but he is with a wonderful family that I met here on the forum! They are the best! So I know he is in the best of hands! He may be comin home with a baby sister from there!! I look forward to talking more when i return to the Great White North. In the mean time, Aloha from Kauai Hawaii!!! Joan (aka Puffbaby)

 #170453

 Confuuuused :S

your telling me its chilly! It is sooo hard to get out of bed sometimes! Thats why I thought I’d need another heater, dnt want the poor beardie freezing his tail off! will get basics first then add on bits if an when I need to. Ah Joan it sounds lovely! How I wish I was in Hawaii!! (only holiday-ish smiley there is!)