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 #1716409


Jwsurfergirl
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 Pictures finally



04/25/08  08:36pm

 #1716453


Toxicneon
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1716409


 Pictures finally

Very nice! He has some snout damage though. :(



04/25/08  09:09pm

 #1716646


DragonMyr
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1716409


 Pictures finally

Nice big CWD. :)

A question though...what are you using for UVB? Your water dragon seems to have sensitive eyes in all of those pictures. Maybe that’s just coincidental, but it’s possible his eyes are getting UVB over-exposure caused by a UVB light that’s not positioned properly. I don’t know if this is the case, but it was just the first thought that popped into my mind after looking at the pics.



04/26/08  12:49am

 #1716793


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: DragonMyr   In reference to Message Id: 1716646


 Pictures finally

I use a heat lamp w/ uvb bulb im not sure what it is i bought it at petsmart. it sits on top of his cage and he likes to sit directly under it, i also had been keeping it on all the time 24hrs because i couldnt get the temp to stay up at night time. I have recently corrected this problem and it is off at night so I’m not sure if it is still affecting him or if it did at all. Like i said im very new to this and i will take all the help i can get.



04/26/08  10:19am

 #1716831


Geezle
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1716793


 Pictures finally

Is your UVB light you got from Petsmart a long tube, or the coil type?



04/26/08  11:14am

 #1716835


Clouddancer22
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  Message To: Geezle   In reference to Message Id: 1716831


 Pictures finally

I was wondering what your humidity levels were?



04/26/08  11:17am

 #1716863


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Clouddancer22   In reference to Message Id: 1716835


 Pictures finally

its a bulb that screws into to the black lamp piece. I don’t know what the humidity levels are the hygrometer broke i need to get a new one.



04/26/08  12:10pm

 #1717033


Geezle
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1716863


 Pictures finally

If it screws into one of the clamp type fixtures like a normal light bulb then watch out! The coil type like you’re describing have been known to put out way too much UVB causing big problems, particularly with the eyes. If you could snap a pic of just the bulb itself, or if there’s any writing on it that would help us be sure, but from those pics, and what you’re telling us you might want to change up your UVB bulb to a regular long tube type.

Those coil ones when they first came out *seemed* like a good idea because you don’t need a special fluorescent fixture, but then people started having eye problems, blindness, and eventually death occurring because the lights are just too strong. It’s like staring directly into the sun for them.

You don’t need to buy a special UVB fixture from the pet store, any fluorescent fixture will work. All I did was get an 18" black light fixture that I from walmart for about $15, then I swapped out the black light that came with it for an 18" UVB bulb I got from the pet store.



04/26/08  03:19pm

 #1717080


Clouddancer22
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  Message To: Geezle   In reference to Message Id: 1717033


 Pictures finally

I was asking about the humidity b/c it appears that he has been losing his spikes, probably due to less than adequate humidity and poor shedding as a result.



04/26/08  04:56pm

 #1717487


Cphill58
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  Message To: Clouddancer22   In reference to Message Id: 1717080


 Pictures finally

Hi surfergirl...
Nice looking boy there... If you wanna see snout damage ...I will post some close ups of mine....poor guy was way mis-treated when I got him. Obviously he was kept in too small a home when younger and now has permanent damage.

It is really important to know what kind of lighting you are using. I wouldn’t wait longer than a week to get that aspect in order.
If you don’t know ...then it’s really important to find out.
if you are sharp you can beat the retail prices by doing some shopping on e-bay for a temp/ hygrometer.
Or places online will be reasonable if you get multiple items to offset shipping.

Everyone is willing to help and soon you will have all the info you need.

Wish you the best
CP
Link
Link



04/27/08  12:03am

 #1718206


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Cphill58   In reference to Message Id: 1717487


 Pictures finally

ok so the bulb is a zoomed 150 watt basking light w/uvb. I bought a new hygrometer and humidity is about 80%. He had snout damage when i got him as well as his feathers missing. They hav been starting to grow back. Shedding....well he sheds in cycles..first it was his back legs then his tail, then his head now we are waiting for his front legs and body to finish up. I weighed him yesterday 298g. Still no name for him but im working on it i hav a few in mind.



04/27/08  06:32pm

 #1718394


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1718206


 Pictures finally. newer pics



04/27/08  08:55pm

 #1718773


Cphill58
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1718394


 Pictures finally. newer pics

I just went to Zoo - Med web site and did not see a bulb made by them in that wattage with true UVB output.

Are you talking about the power sun ? 160 watt
also available in 100 watt units I believe
Link

Or are you referring to this bulb which does not put out UVB as stated by ZOO- Med
Link

Link

If you see your bulb and you read that it does not output UVB ,natural daylight exposure will work great. Un-diffused ...no glass ...no window...if screen has to be used the wider the mesh the better. Regular window screen can cut down the UVB wave length considerably.

I hear that 30 minutes in the sun is all that is required and I don’t recall if that was per day or 2 or 3 x a week. Can someone help me on this ....please.

When I take mine out it’s a multi hour affair with free roaming / climbing toys / water and shade provided.

But I would really like it ...for your lizards sake, and yours... if you could verify the UVB type bulb.

Here is a great link with the UVB mystery unveiled....lot of reading if you find the time..

Link

Nice job so far ...keep in touch
CP



04/28/08  09:22am

 #1718788


Dizzyliciouss
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1716409


 Pictures finally

beautiful



04/28/08  09:38am

 #1718894


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Dizzyliciouss   In reference to Message Id: 1718788


 Pictures finally

Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp 150 watt
ZOO MED LABORATORIES

Product Description
Unique patented double reflector focuses 35% more heat and light into a tight beam. Perfect for use with high heat basking reptiles, such as tropical and desert species. Provides beneficial UVA rays which promote breeding and feeding



04/28/08  12:21pm

 #1718960


Cphill58
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1718894


 Pictures finally

OK , well that says much ....that is a heat basking lamp ....but it produces no UVB ...UVB is essential for these lizards and many others to survive...

They can’t produce and render calcium from their diets with out it.
Make sure you get a proper UVB light

What is proper?
Your choices are 3 fold
1 ) A fluorescent tube and fixture producing no additional heat (Minimum 5.0)
2 ) A compact fluorescent bulb ...the new curly cue type made specifically for reptiles and clearly states UVB output. (not recommended)
3 ) A mercury vapor UVB bulb which produces heat also.

First off , the compacts are not recommended because they are know to cause harm to the animal. Overdosing and results like sunburn/ and photo-kerato-conjunctivitis. Manufacturers have been notified and are taking steps to correct this as updates and reports are here at this link Link

Currently there is no known new model or "new and improved" compact fluorescent on the market that I know of. Responsible companies have included more specific instructions and /or offered refunds. And have burned in (150 hrs) pre lamping prior to sale to minimize excessive output

The tube style fluorescent will require a fixture ...but smart money saving folks like me can go to Lowes or The Home Depot and get a fixture..then the tube at the pet store.

Do try to get a tube as long as reasonable to allow coverage of the basking area. Usually the generic instruction says to cover the tank length. But this is different for a tree dweller or more upright enclosure.

The last choice is the all in one Mercury Vapor bulb which produces heat also. I like these but I also have a tube for the summer months when the heat is not needed. The mercury vapor bulbs can not be used on a dimmer or rheostat like my basking lamp can, so it’s on or off for this unit.

I hope this info is helpful ...I geez practically wrote a book ...lol hope I didn’t confuse.

Regards
CP



04/28/08  01:46pm

 #1719005


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Cphill58   In reference to Message Id: 1718960


 Pictures finally

Thank you so much. I think we have a regular fluorescent light that we got at the reptile expo. it doesnt produce heat either. I can just put on his tank with the basking bulb? Is leaving the basking bulb on for 12 hours still the recommended time frame? How long for the fluorescent light? I appreciate your feedback it helps me to make sure I’m taking good care of my dragon.



04/28/08  02:55pm

 #1719066


Minya
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1719005


 Pictures finally

awwwww! what a sweet baby you have - congratulations!!! turn lights off after 10-12 hours. if you have a black or red night bulb that’s okay to stay on. in the first photos, your guy’s eyes are really watery. probably from the 24 hr light.



04/28/08  03:44pm

 #1719074


Pocochu
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1719005


 Pictures finally

You know I just switched over to the MVB lights for my iggys and I love them.....They are a little pricey but worth it.........When I build my new vivs for my WD’s (I have 6 WD’s) thats what I’m going to use...They give off heat as well as UVB rays...



04/28/08  03:57pm

 #1719080


Minya
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  Message To: Pocochu   In reference to Message Id: 1719074


 Pictures finally

i have the Mercury vapor bulbs also. i love them!! they give off both UVA and UVB and can be up to 6 feet away from the reptile.



04/28/08  04:00pm

 #1719323


Charly Brown
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  Message To: Minya   In reference to Message Id: 1719080


 Pictures finally

You must be doing a good job with him... He looks way better in the second set of pictures...
I recently made the switch to those curly UVB bulbs so no I’m mad I spent all that money on them. I was told they were better because they lasted a year instead of 4 months like the tube bulbs...
Anyways glad to see your dragon is coming around, keep up the good work..



04/28/08  06:18pm

 #1719503


Cphill58
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  Message To: Charly Brown   In reference to Message Id: 1719323


 Pictures finally

Surfer girl,
Yes please do get the tube fluorescent for your fixture. Take the fixture with you unless you know what type / size bulb it takes...it will be the t-8 with 2 small pins on each side...or the t-12 with 1 fat pin on each side.

We all have our opinions on what we like ...as far as the mercury vapor bulbs go in any set up they get hot. unless you order the 60 watt unit. The typical store will have 100 watt and or 160 watt...They are great for large set ups. And they do cost more but last longer also.

Just as long as the lizard gets what he needs , that’s the important part.

The UVB tube will last 6-9 months and although they may still produce light the UVB phosphate inside will expire and cease to emit UVB wave length. That is the case with all UVB lights ...the length of time with the mercury vapor bulbs are about 12 months ...some say longer.

Directions will come with the light follow them and you should be fine..

As far as the day night thing ...here in So Cal we are having a heat wave I need no lights or heat at night currently. It is important that they get sleep at night. White light is not good for sleep patterns.
Get red or blue colored bulbs / heat to suit your needs at the reptile supply or pet store. These 2 colors are the least disturbing to the lizard and they sleep well with these. I have been told they cannot see this color ...like color blind.

They should get 12 hours daylight and 12 hours sleep pattern , however my guy likes to start heading for the nightly roost at 4:30 -5:00 pm , we construction workers are early risers and he is up at 5:00 am wondering if I am going to feed him...lol

Depending on your heat requirments you can get what you need as far as wattage is concerned. I know from experience that my 100 watt INFARED SPOT at about 15 inches away was too hot. And I got it wet one morning misting and it popped. So I use a 75 watt now. Some regular looking colored bulbs at the pet store are 60 watt. But again with the heat wave in SO CAl , I just turn it off. Inside temps at night are 78 or 77.
You will end up with a surplus of items ....lol...then you can make a bigger set up. Trial and error and 4 bulbs later you will get it perfect.

The other option is a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) there are pros and cons to this item too. They get hot and can burn you or the lizard badly and must be secured in such a way that no skin comes in contact with them. they do last a long time, are moisture and humidity proof/ won’t explode with water / misting.
And these CHE’s can be used on a dimmer switch to reduce output and electrical usage. I like the fact I can buy a 100-or- 150 watt and tune it down right where I need it, especially in the colder season I can raise it back up.



I am so glad you got all this straightened out ..... lol.... I feel relieved.

P.S. I too bought a 10.0 compact curly cue bulb before I knew any better



04/28/08  07:58pm

 #1719660


RVFR
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  Message To: Cphill58   In reference to Message Id: 1719503


 Pictures finally

Nice photos, what a big Boy , Hope mine looks like him, if its a him. also good info in this thread as I’m getting ready to explore terrarium options. I’ve been eying this one made by Exo Terra

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/glass_terrarium.php # pt-2614



04/28/08  10:03pm

 #1720440


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: RVFR   In reference to Message Id: 1719660


 Pictures finally

I think he is looking better. I put the tube bulb on his cage as well and he seems to be happier but its only been a few days. Let me know what you guys think? Another question I have is I put fake plants on a vine and the suction cups dont keep it up when my dragon climbs on them.. GRRRR and suggestions on how to keep the vine up??? Thanks for all of your help!!!!



04/29/08  06:25pm

 #1721475


Charly Brown
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1720440


 Pictures finally

I just read the link that Cphill put up and it says the problems with the UVB happen in the Mercury bulbs as well. So should we all throw out those as well?????



04/30/08  07:45pm

 #1721517


Yexalen
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  Message To: Charly Brown   In reference to Message Id: 1721475


 Pictures finally

Maybe somebody should start a new thread about uv so people read it.... the bad the good the all



04/30/08  08:30pm

 #1721585


Cphill58
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  Message To: Charly Brown   In reference to Message Id: 1721475


 Pictures finally

Quote:

just read the link that Cphill put up and it says the problems with the UVB happen in the Mercury bulbs



I went to the link to try to find this info. It is a very lengthy report and i must have missed it or something. could you please be more specific Charly. Steer me there or PM me.

It’s hard to read your tone... but I hope the info I gave was accurate. As it was surfer girl had no uvb at all.
Even with due diligence I have used the suspect compact bulbs safely , now that they included warnings and instructions and distances,but that is another story

CP



04/30/08  09:28pm

 #1722108


Charly Brown
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  Message To: Cphill58   In reference to Message Id: 1721585


 Pictures finally

In previous years, we have heard of a few isolated cases; usually these have been following the positioning of an especially high-UVB lamp (such as certain types of mercury vapor lamp) particularly close to a species that does not normally bask in sunlight. However, there seems to have been a sudden increase in the number of cases reported, over the last 12 months,

That’s the part that says it happens in the mercury bulbs as well. I’m about to replace all of the coil lamps and just want to make sure I’m making the right choice. It says in there to that they burn the coil lamps 180 hours to cut back the UVB when you get it. Does that mean they are safe now and they have fixed the problem??? I’m so confused. I have used the coil one for the last year with no problems.
(Cloud) I would like your input on this please.....



05/01/08  11:56am

 #1722248


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Cphill58   In reference to Message Id: 1721585


 Pictures finally

but I have UVB now!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for all those who have helped me I greatly appreciate it!!!!



05/01/08  02:48pm

 #1722271


Jwsurfergirl
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  Message To: Jwsurfergirl   In reference to Message Id: 1722248


 Pictures finally

The tube UVB bulb is working great!! My water dragon loves sitting under it. Its near his basking lamp too. He was lying on his branch limp....legs and arms hanging down breathing comfortable just chillin!!! Its such a great site to see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



05/01/08  03:07pm
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