for my baby bearded dragon if the temp is right can i just use the uvb light-?

Answer 1

NO. The basking temperature (the side of the tank that has a rock or log to sit on) must be around 105F for a baby beardie. UVB must be within 12 inches of the basking spot, and does not give off heat. The exception to this is a Mercury vapor bulb, very expensive, that gives off heat and UVB. Only use indoor/outdoor digital thermometers to measure temperature. Place the probe end on the basking spot (you can scotch tape it down) and set it to "outdoor". This will give you an accurate temp. Stick on thermometers and dial thermometers can be up to 20F off. Don't forget to change the UVB bulb every 6 months, as they lose potency. Just use a regular lightbulb in a dome reflector and adjust the distance until I get the right temp. Or plug it into a dimmer switch ($10.00 at the hardware store) and you can easily adjust temps that way. Without proper heat temp the beardie cannot digest and metabolize food and nutrients.

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Answer 2

No you can not just use the UVB as an only source of heat because it is more than a heat source it is there daylight so when you shut there daylight aka uvb and make it night it now has no source of heat all night.. I agree that it does nt neeed to be as warm at nigh as the day, but it has to be warmer than most houses, so an alternate heat source at night