I have a 10 gallon tank for my beardeed dragon, and the temp only goes up to 80 degrees.?

Question

Should I get a higher watt bulb for my beardie or no? And my bearded dragon is only about 6 weeks old........And I live in north NJ

Answer 1

You probably do need a higher watt bulb. Did you get the bulb frmo a pet store? You can get proper bulbs meant for bearded dragons that give off the proper uv and heat.

A 10 gallon tank is too small even for a baby as you need to be able to have one half of your tank cooler then the other so they can regulate their temperatures.

Answer 2

Hi,
First, I also live in north Jersey...so hi. I would suggest since you will need at least a 40 gallon breeder tank when he/she gets bigger that you get one now, beleive me it will be much easier to heat with the correct gradients. For babies, a basking temp of 110-115 is recommended and the cool side of the tank should be 85-90. Since a ten gallon tank is so small it is really hard to have that span in temperature. Also, I would not measure temps with anything other then a temp gun or an indoor/outdoor digital probe type thermometer, you would be amazed at how inaccurate other thermometers can be especially those little stick on ones. Whether adult or baby, a bearded dragon needs a temp of at least 95 inorder to be able to digest their food properly which is why they often bask right after eating.
If you can't get the 40 gallon yet, see if you can get a large rubbermaid type bin. I have one I am rearing some of my babies in that is 3 feet long and 2 feet wide and I think it only cost me $9.00 at K-mart. I have an old window screen on the top and on top of that (not on or near the plastic...it will melt) I have my heat lamp and the UVB bulb. A set up like I mentioned above is much easier to get a span in temp that is needed.
In order to raise a temperature in an enclosure you can, raise the branch or other basking item closer to the light, cover exposed screen with a towel to help hold in some of the heat (if using a towel, make sure it does not touch the lilght in any way, you don't want a fire), use a higher watt bulb, or add another bulb (in the same area so that area warms up more but does not heat up cool side as much).
Hope this helps,
Dale
PS while it is hard to get the temps in a ten gallon, it is not impossible so you may want to try the methods above to see if you can get it.

Answer 3

First off, Congrats on your baby beardie... now to answer your question.

1) 10gals is kinda small for a beardie as everyone is saying but to be honest if you can achieve the proper temperatures then it will do for now. The common rule is one and a half times with length of your beardie. A 10gal tank would suit this.

2) Adjusting you Temp. this can be done a couple ways...
a)Higher wattage light bulb - Also means spending more money
b)Raising the substrate - If you bring the beardie closer to the light, the hotter it will be. Please regulate carefully.
c)offering an under the tank heating element. Please be sure that you get one with a rheostat to adjust the wattage accordingly.

Also, I see people mentioning UV. While UV is important, most heat lights only provide UVA. UVA is important but not as important as UVB which is more commonly found in florescent lights. UVB is also easily filtered. So make sure it is not covered by plastic or glass. Even a mesh top filters some UVB. There are heating lights that provide both UVA and UVB and the link is below.

Answer 4

Your bearded dragon will need to be moved into a 40 gallon tank. This is the standard tank for the adult full sized dragon. Since dragons like to have a "sun basking" spot in the tank, I suggest a strong UV light bulb made just for dragons. Although I have to warn you that a good bulb is not cheap. Check for the best bulb running between 100 to 110 degrees and place it at one end of the tank. Your dragon will enjoy the sunk baking spot as it also helps digest his food properly. 80 degrees is the coolest temp for the dragons, but I recommend the bulb and a bigger tank to improve the dragons life.

Answer 5

You will need a bigger tank soon. I would have started off with a 40 gallon from the beginning. The basking area should be at least 100 degrees. Use a regular Light bulb with higher wattage along with a 5% UVA/UVB bulb.

Answer 6

You need to get a bigger tank before long and give your dragon more room. You need a special lightbulb for your dragon (not just any old lightbulb will do ) Visit petsmart online they can give you some information also you can go to reptilerooms.com and they can give you some info too. Enjoy your beardy they are a lot of fun.

Answer 7

hi there
OK u need to get the temps higher ... the basking area...should be at lease 90-103 F the cool side should be 80-88 F night time temps can drop no lower then 65-70f..
i should say u need a higher heat lamp and please please... do not ever use a heat rock it cause to many burns and even death or sand ( or unless till it's an adult) no particle substrate.. till they adults... babies and juveniles bearded dragons tend to eat the sand and get impacted..
come check our info website for more info on beardies and their care sheet under the lizard section..

Answer 8

Sounds like your beardie does need a higher watt.

Answer 9

you should def. get a bigger tank it is way too small! then you could get a higher watt bulb or get one from the pet store like a Reptiglo 10.0. if is getting to cold in the tank at night then you can get a ceramic heat emitter.

Answer 10

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