First Beardie Questions

[Abraxxos]

So the Daytona expo was this weekend and I brought home a little beardie for my boyfriend and I. My good camera is lost somewhere in the abyss of my apartment so I have to deal with cruddy webcam pictures, but it's better than nothing.

Here is the enclosure:
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g416/ShaeKindlewood/tesla_zpse4d7ef8f.jpg
Take note that the heat lamp has been moved closer to the rock structure so it sits near the top.

So, we've named him Tesla and have just a few questions:

His diet: I've picked up crickets and super worms. I picked up calcium dust and vitamin dust. (Vita one day cal the next) I also picked up some beardie pellets just in case. As for veggies I picked up fresh turnip greens and cilantro. Then tomatoes, peaches, cantaloupe, mango, and kiwi for sharing to see what all fruits I can get him to eat. I might be forgetting something, but if you think there's something I need to change, do tell.

His enclosure: He is in a 20 long for now with play sand. The rocks serve as both his hide and his basking spot although there is also adequate space to hide on the cool side under the large artificial plant. This is also where his salad bowl is. His cool side is sitting about 86-90 and his basking spot is about 102-106. At the highest point of pride rock, the temp is hitting about 109. Some people were telling me I need a basking spot between 100 and 110, so I thought this would be a good in between. I'm using a bulb that's both heat and UVB.

I'm currently drawing a blank on other information. If I'm doing something wrong, please tell me. I'm more of a snake person myself and this is going to be my first lizard as well as the boyfriends first reptile. So tips and advice please.

Also, the bulb is a 160 watt (they sold out of the 125 I wanted) and the bulb, if I turn it off, won't turn back on for a while. Is this normal? The bulb also sort of smells like it's burning but I can't see that it is. It's driving me nuts. Any ideas? What should I do? Should I even be worried about it?

[thinkbig317]

My MVB bulb does the same thing! Only smelt like it was burning though when I first got it and it went away shorlty after. But if I giggle the cord or mess with it at all it will turn off....then come back on a little bit after. It's weird. I would be careful w/ the tomatoes due to them being acidic. Also 90 F on the cool side is too warm. I wouldnt let the cool side get above 85 F. They need to be able to cool down when they need to. Everything else looks and sounds great! Good luck!

[Abraxxos]

My MVB bulb does the same thing! Only smelt like it was burning though when I first got it and it went away shorlty after. But if I giggle the cord or mess with it at all it will turn off....then come back on a little bit after. It's weird. I would be careful w/ the tomatoes due to them being acidic. Also 90 F on the cool side is too warm. I wouldnt let the cool side get above 85 F. They need to be able to cool down when they need to. Everything else looks and sounds great! Good luck!

So it isn't just my bulb. That's odd.

I read that you can feed tomatoes but to do it rarely.

Got it, scoot the heat lamp to let one side get cooler. Thanks!

[Hannibalcanibal]

If it is a MVB (mercury vapor bulb), then yes, it is normal for it not to turn on if it is turned off, they have a built in timer.

I'm not sure if cilantro is safe to feed, because it is aromatic, but i'm not 100%sure either way.

I'd keep the basking spot 110-120 degrees, remember, they come from Australia, so it's not like it's going to get too hot unless it can burn him.

How big is he? A twenty long is not going to be big enough for an adult, they "need" at least a forty gallon long, though i would recommend a 4x2x2 for an adult.

Also... With tomatoes, they are part of the nightshade family, so i'd not feed too much in case the fruit has any toxins.

[thinkbig317]

Cilantro is safe (high vit A) but I would not feed as a staple.

[Hannibalcanibal]

Cilantro is safe (high vit A) but I would not feed as a staple.

Thank you for the confirmation.

Yeah, as a staple i just feed organic kale and swiss chard i grow myself, it's cheap and is nutritious.

Keep in mind i do feed them other plant matter on occasion, but not as a staple.

[Abraxxos]

If it is a MVB (mercury vapor bulb), then yes, it is normal for it not to turn on if it is turned off, they have a built in timer.

I'm not sure if cilantro is safe to feed, because it is aromatic, but i'm not 100%sure either way.

I'd keep the basking spot 110-120 degrees, remember, they come from Australia, so it's not like it's going to get too hot unless it can burn him.

How big is he? A twenty long is not going to be big enough for an adult, they "need" at least a forty gallon long, though i would recommend a 4x2x2 for an adult.

Also... With tomatoes, they are part of the nightshade family, so i'd not feed too much in case the fruit has any toxins.

He's a baby baby. I can't remember how many weeks the guy said, but hes only... 3-4 inches... maybe? He's tiny. I have a 55 set aside for when he gets big enough.

[Hannibalcanibal]

He's a baby baby. I can't remember how many weeks the guy said, but hes only... 3-4 inches... maybe? He's tiny. I have a 55 set aside for when he gets big enough.

Planning ahead i see ;) Good for you, i hate seeing people keeping full-grown beardies in tiny tanks... the worst i saw was a five gallon in a kijiji ad.

[Abraxxos]

Planning ahead i see ;) Good for you, i hate seeing people keeping full-grown beardies in tiny tanks... the worst i saw was a five gallon in a kijiji ad.

Most definitely. If you're not going to take the time and money to make an effort to properly care for an animal, why get one? I looked up stuff on beardies and most said the same you did, minimum of a 40 gal, comfy in a 50+. I got a deal a few months ago on a bunch of 55's so I have 5 of them and only 3 are being used.

[Valvaren]

Nutrition Content (http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Nutrition.html)

[murrindindi]

Hi, there`s a minimum enclosure size for some MVB`s, what make is it?
Also, the minimum distance from the surface of the bulb to the surface of the animal (not the surface of the basking object) is usually around 30cm (12 inches).
The problem with these small tanks is that it`s extremely difficult to get a decent temp gradient, the dragon would be far better housed in a larger enclosure right now.
You basically need to know two temps; the coolest ambient (air) @ approx. 24c (75f), then the SURFACE temp at the basking site @ between approx. 40 to 43c+ (105 to 110f+). The humidity should range between approx. 30 to 50%+, the lower figure will be around the basking area.

[Abraxxos]

Hi, there`s a minimum enclosure size for some MVB`s, what make is it?
Also, the minimum distance from the surface of the bulb to the surface of the animal (not the surface of the basking object) is usually around 30cm (12 inches).
The problem with these small tanks is that it`s extremely difficult to get a decent temp gradient, the dragon would be far better housed in a larger enclosure right now.
You basically need to know two temps; the coolest ambient (air) @ approx. 24c (75f), then the SURFACE temp at the basking site @ between approx. 40 to 43c+ (105 to 110f+). The humidity should range between approx. 30 to 50%+, the lower figure will be around the basking area.

The ambient temp in my apartment is between 76 and 80. It doesn't get any hotter unless I'm away for a day or so. I was told by the breeder to allow them within 12 inches and to give them a climb so they may get as close as they want. I'm getting a lot of mixed readings from people and sites saying basking spot should be 100-106 to 100-110 to 110-120 and I'm really sitting here going.... Oh boy... ^_^;

Edit: I don't know what bulb exactly it is. I'm not at my apartment right now to look but it's a 160 watt.

[Hannibalcanibal]

The ambient temp in my apartment is between 76 and 80. It doesn't get any hotter unless I'm away for a day or so. I was told by the breeder to allow them within 12 inches and to give them a climb so they may get as close as they want. I'm getting a lot of mixed readings from people and sites saying basking spot should be 100-106 to 100-110 to 110-120 and I'm really sitting here going.... Oh boy... ^_^;

Any of those will work, but everyone has different ideas as to how hot they should be kept. I keep mine 110-120, but most breeders i have talked too say 100-110.

IMO, unless it can burn your lizard and unless it will make the enclosure too hot, anything above 100 is fine.

Also, it is most likely a MVB, as those are the only ones i am aware of that are commonly available at pet stores, emit uvb and come in 125 and 160 watts.

[Valvaren]

I also agree with bigger being better. I have my Dragon in a 4x2x2 and she loves it. More active and happier then in any tank.

[murrindindi]

The ambient temp in my apartment is between 76 and 80. It doesn't get any hotter unless I'm away for a day or so. I was told by the breeder to allow them within 12 inches and to give them a climb so they may get as close as they want. I'm getting a lot of mixed readings from people and sites saying basking spot should be 100-106 to 100-110 to 110-120 and I'm really sitting here going.... Oh boy... ^_^;

Edit: I don't know what bulb exactly it is. I'm not at my apartment right now to look but it's a 160 watt.


You need to find out exactly what the minimum distance should be from the surface of the bulb to the surface of the animal. I`ve been using MVB`s for many years, if the manufacturers instructions are not followed precisely they can cause serious burns (the info should be in the instructions that came with the bulb).
The bulb looked to be on a slight angle, if that`s the case it shortens the life of it considerably, it needs to be hanging straight down.

[Abraxxos]

You need to find out exactly what the minimum distance should be from the surface of the bulb to the surface of the animal. I`ve been using MVB`s for many years, if the manufacturers instructions are not followed precisely they can cause serious burns (the info should be in the instructions that came with the bulb).
The bulb looked to be on a slight angle, if that`s the case it shortens the life of it considerably, it needs to be hanging straight down.

I am actually not at my house right now because I'm with my sister looking for those... hook screw things so I can properly hang and lift the light.

[Abraxxos]

You need to find out exactly what the minimum distance should be from the surface of the bulb to the surface of the animal. I`ve been using MVB`s for many years, if the manufacturers instructions are not followed precisely they can cause serious burns (the info should be in the instructions that came with the bulb).
The bulb looked to be on a slight angle, if that`s the case it shortens the life of it considerably, it needs to be hanging straight down.

Okay it's a Solar Glo from exo-terra. It says a min of 12 inches however I'm going to leave it mounted an inch above the screen. 12 inches? At 12 inches my temp is at 88 degrees. Not 90. Not 95. And certainly not over 100 or any where near 110. I'm getting a nice gradient from one end of the tank to the other. Call it a bad decision if you will, but I'm going to let the dragon decide. I have multiple breeders at the con who were telling me it was fine to let them within 12 inches of it because if they weren't comfortable they'd move so...

Like I said, 12 inches is giving me a surface temp of less than 90 and an ambient air temp of 81. That's not hot enough. If you have a better solution, please tell.

[murrindindi]

Okay it's a Solar Glo from exo-terra. It says a min of 12 inches however I'm going to leave it mounted an inch above the screen. 12 inches? At 12 inches my temp is at 88 degrees. Not 90. Not 95. And certainly not over 100 or any where near 110. I'm getting a nice gradient from one end of the tank to the other. Call it a bad decision if you will, but I'm going to let the dragon decide. I have multiple breeders at the con who were telling me it was fine to let them within 12 inches of it because if they weren't comfortable they'd move so...

Like I said, 12 inches is giving me a surface temp of less than 90 and an ambient air temp of 81. That's not hot enough. If you have a better solution, please tell.


Hi again, whatever the "multiple breeders" tell you, the dragon needs to be a MINIMUM of 30cm (12 inches) from the surface of the MVB. As far as you saying you`ll let the dragon decide, that`s ridiculous, YOU are responsible for providing the safest, most supportive conditions, the animal has no say in the matter, it will bask under the bulb no matter how close it may be, completely unaware of the danger.
These bulbs are for use in relatively large enclosures, not tiny fishtanks such as this. (No disrespect, I`m try to offer some reliable info)!

[Abraxxos]

Hi again, whatever the "multiple breeders" tell you, the dragon needs to be a MINIMUM of 30cm (12 inches) from the surface of the MVB. As far as you saying you`ll let the dragon decide, that`s ridiculous, YOU are responsible for providing the safest, most supportive conditions, the animal has no say in the matter, it will bask under the bulb no matter how close it may be, completely unaware of the danger.
These bulbs are for use in relatively large enclosures, not tiny fishtanks such as this. (No disrespect, I`m try to offer some reliable info)!

I understand you're just trying to convey information. No offense taken. :) However, these are people breeding them. Lots of them. In these conditions and they have no problems with the beardies they have. Moving the bulb away gives me insufficient heat. If a bulb supposedly so powerful can't even heat up a 20 gallon tank how could it ever manage heating a larger tank? My beardie needs temps over 90. 12 inches isn't going to give me temps over 90. If there is a better bulb I can use, please tell. Apparently the bulb I have bought won't be good enough which is annoying considering the money paid for it. I have a 75 watt basking bulb a third of this size that at 20 inches gives me heat spots of 110. Shame it isn't a UVB or I'd switch to using that bulb.

And this isn't me ignoring a problem. This is me realizing that dealing with one problem is creating another one I still don't have any ideas on fixing..

[murrindindi]

It doesn`t matter whether the people breeding them tell you the dragon can move as close to the MVB as it wants, you need to follow the manufacturers instructions, THEY know what`s best/safest! I believe this enclosure is far too small for this bulb, as I`ve already said.
The main problem you have with getting the temps up is that the MVB is outside the enclosure with screen between it and the basking site, in effect much of the heat`s lost to the room, and if the holes in the screen are less than 1/4 inch much of the UVB`s blocked, too!


I haven`t used that particular brand myself, so I`m not sure of the precise details on minimum enclosure size, but these instructions are for the "Powersun" MVB`s:


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6826638251_c2c7a45d86_z.jpg

[Abraxxos]

It doesn't matter whether the people breeding them tell you

Really? Because considering they've been keeping them and breeding them successfully for years... I sort of have to think that y'know, just maybe they know what they're talking about. Sorry but what are the problems of having them this close? Do you know? I don't. There doesn't seem to be any problems. I'm not saying there aren't problems, I'm just saying I've been talking to people who have had them and didn't have problems with this. Is there a bulb that can do what I want and need it to do that you recommend?

Edit: I'm also not entirely sure this is an MVB. Would MVB be written somewhere on here. I read that MVB do heat, UVB and UVA... This box says nothing about UVA

[murrindindi]

The Exo-Terra 125 and 160w bulbs ARE MVB`s.
Incubating Bearded dragon eggs has nothing to do with knowing the minimum distance a particular MVB needs to be from an animal! :)
You can accept or reject my advise and the advise from one MVB manufacturer that I`ve shown, the responsibility for this animal is all yours.
When you say you cannot get the temp over 90f which temp is that, ambient or surface?
EDIT: The problem with having them closer than the recommended distances is that the intense heat and light will probably cause serious burns.

[Abraxxos]

Here ya go

12 inches is giving me a surface temp of less than 90 and an ambient air temp of 81. That's not hot enough. If you have a better solution, please tell.

[smy_749]

Wasn't abraxxos banned? O.o

[Abraxxos]

Wasn't abraxxos banned? O.o

It was a requested temp ban, actually. I'm super, thanks for asking. ^_^

[SKYlord]

Yes, I'm sure you requested it with all of the swearing you did.

[smy_749]

Yes, I'm sure you requested it with all of the swearing you did.

lol thats what I was thinking.

[Abraxxos]

Believe whatever you wish. Either way it's too insignificant to make any difference. I'm here now. Stay on topic ^_^

[Lankyrob]

We used to use a 125w MVB in a 4x2x2 foot vivarium and it gave us surface temps of 140f, i am estimating that the bulb was approx 18inches from the substrate.

[murrindindi]

We used to use a 125w MVB in a 4x2x2 foot vivarium and it gave us surface temps of 140f, i am estimating that the bulb was approx 18inches from the substrate.


Hi, the OP has his bulb outside with screen between it and the animal, it`s hardly surprising much of the heat is lost to the room the tank`s in. With a solid top (I presume yours was?) it means you have a "self contained" environment for the most part, and it`s much easier to control the conditions. Unfortunately the OP`s current fishtank is much too small to be using a MVB anyway.

[Lankyrob]

Hi, the OP has his bulb outside with screen between it and the animal, it`s hardly surprising much of the heat is lost to the room the tank`s in. With a solid top (I presume yours was?) it means you have a "self contained" environment for the most part, and it`s much easier to control the conditions. Unfortunately the OP`s current fishtank is much too small to be using a MVB anyway.

I'll be honest - didn't read tye whole thread, just perked my interest with the claim of temps he was getting.

Totally agree that allt he heat is warming the room rather than the tank, yes mine was in an enclosed vivarium rather than a fish tank :)

[Abraxxos]

It just means I'm going to have to get a separate bulb for closer heating. Switched the bulb to a different enclosure - a 6x3x3. Even covered, the temps are still the same. Raising only by 2 degrees which is still not enough. The heat is in the cage, the bulb just isn't providing enough of it. It gives me the UVB I want, it is simply unsatisfactory for heating.

[Freebody]

So the Daytona expo was this weekend and I brought home a little beardie for my boyfriend and I. My good camera is lost somewhere in the abyss of my apartment so I have to deal with cruddy webcam pictures, but it's better than nothing.

Here is the enclosure:
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g416/ShaeKindlewood/tesla_zpse4d7ef8f.jpg
Take note that the heat lamp has been moved closer to the rock structure so it sits near the top.

So, we've named him Tesla and have just a few questions:

His diet: I've picked up crickets and super worms. I picked up calcium dust and vitamin dust. (Vita one day cal the next) I also picked up some beardie pellets just in case. As for veggies I picked up fresh turnip greens and cilantro. Then tomatoes, peaches, cantaloupe, mango, and kiwi for sharing to see what all fruits I can get him to eat. I might be forgetting something, but if you think there's something I need to change, do tell.

His enclosure: He is in a 20 long for now with play sand. The rocks serve as both his hide and his basking spot although there is also adequate space to hide on the cool side under the large artificial plant. This is also where his salad bowl is. His cool side is sitting about 86-90 and his basking spot is about 102-106. At the highest point of pride rock, the temp is hitting about 109. Some people were telling me I need a basking spot between 100 and 110, so I thought this would be a good in between. I'm using a bulb that's both heat and UVB.

I'm currently drawing a blank on other information. If I'm doing something wrong, please tell me. I'm more of a snake person myself and this is going to be my first lizard as well as the boyfriends first reptile. So tips and advice please.

Also, the bulb is a 160 watt (they sold out of the 125 I wanted) and the bulb, if I turn it off, won't turn back on for a while. Is this normal? The bulb also sort of smells like it's burning but I can't see that it is. It's driving me nuts. Any ideas? What should I do? Should I even be worried about it?

cage looks good, everything sounds good,you should get rid of the sand, use paper towel, they sample everything and sand could lead to impaction, i have been reading coiled UV bulbs are terrible for these guys, use UV tubes. heres a great site for which food to feed your beardie.Nutrition Content (http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Nutrition.html)

[murrindindi]

cage looks good, everything sounds good,you should get rid of the sand, use paper towel, they sample everything and sand could lead to impaction, i have been reading coiled UV bulbs are terrible for these guys, use UV tubes. heres a great site for which food to feed your beardie.Nutrition Content (http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Nutrition.html)


Hi, are you kidding, this is a 20 gallon fishtank with a 160w MVB, coolest ambient temps are between 86 to 90f and that in your opinion is "good"? :confused:

[murrindindi]

It just means I'm going to have to get a separate bulb for closer heating. Switched the bulb to a different enclosure - a 6x3x3. Even covered, the temps are still the same. Raising only by 2 degrees which is still not enough. The heat is in the cage, the bulb just isn't providing enough of it. It gives me the UVB I want, it is simply unsatisfactory for heating.


Hi again, when you say the top in the 6 x 3 x 3 is covered, is that totally and with what? I still don`t understand how you cannot manage to get the recommended surface temps @ between approx 40 to 43c + using a 160w MVB. Can you show a few photos of the bulb in position? Thanks!

[poison123]

What equipment are you using to measure the suface temps? I believe you have said before that you prefer the analogs?

[Abraxxos]

Hi again, when you say the top in the 6 x 3 x 3 is covered, is that totally and with what? I still don`t understand how you cannot manage to get the recommended surface temps @ between approx 40 to 43c + using a 160w MVB. Can you show a few photos of the bulb in position? Thanks!

Well right now it's back on my dragon. The 6x3x3 is my boa enclosure. If I remember, I'll switch it back tonight and let it run a bit after I've turned it off of the beardie. I think I'll be busy tonight though.

The 6x3x3 has the built in light system for screw in lights like this. It hangs straight down.

Either way, I'm grabbing a heat bulb and a hook screw later today so that will fix the problems.

[Abraxxos]

What equipment are you using to measure the suface temps? I believe you have said before that you prefer the analogs?

I still have analogs in a few of the tanks, but I've been using a digital hydrometer/thermometer combo and a temp gun for determining surface and ambient temperatures.

[Freebody]

Hi, are you kidding, this is a 20 gallon fishtank with a 160w MVB, coolest ambient temps are between 86 to 90f and that in your opinion is "good"? :confused:

well i never heard of a tube uvb/heat bulb to be honest, and a uvb tube i what i said to use, nothing wrong with a 20 gallon "fish tank" more is better but thats fine, its not for snakes which mostly need humidity, last thing you want is humidity for you beardie so its sounds just fine to me, abient temps at 86-90, well thats what you want high side to be honest, get your cool side down to low 80s high 70s would be ideal, but what its at night imho should not cause any ill effects, but this is just what i have read all over the net, to be honest i never read anything about this uvb/heat bulbs, as far as the 160w is concerned get herpstat, or a reostat if you cant afford the herpstat, you can build reostats that work great for cheep, How to make your own Rheostat for less than $7! Detailed instructions. - CornSnakes.com Forums (http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19168)

[murrindindi]

Well right now it's back on my dragon. The 6x3x3 is my boa enclosure. If I remember, I'll switch it back tonight and let it run a bit after I've turned it off of the beardie. I think I'll be busy tonight though.

The 6x3x3 has the built in light system for screw in lights like this. It hangs straight down.

Either way, I'm grabbing a heat bulb and a hook screw later today so that will fix the problems.

Depending on the height of the enclosure, it might be best to just drill a small hole in the top and pass the electric flex through, that way you can raise/lower the bulb `til you get the surface temp you want, rather than fixing it directly to the top.
This is my monitor`s basking site just to give you an idea, I need more bulbs because of his size. The type I use are low wattage halogen bulbs (flood, not spot), they are excellent for creating basking sites, cheap to buy, too. I expect you may only need a 40 to 50w (maybe just the one, perhaps two)?

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8322444543_e8b89cdbc2_z.jpg

[murrindindi]

well i never heard of a tube uvb/heat bulb to be honest, and a uvb tube i what i said to use, nothing wrong with a 20 gallon "fish tank" more is better but thats fine, its not for snakes which mostly need humidity, last thing you want is humidity for you beardie so its sounds just fine to me, abient temps at 86-90, well thats what you want high side to be honest, get your cool side down to low 80s high 70s would be ideal, but what its at night imho should not cause any ill effects, but this is just what i have read all over the net, to be honest i never read anything about this uvb/heat bulbs, as far as the 160w is concerned get herpstat, or a reostat if you cant afford the herpstat, you can build reostats that work great for cheep, How to make your own Rheostat for less than $7! Detailed instructions. - CornSnakes.com Forums (http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19168)


The problem is that when you (not you specifically, just generally speaking) offer someone advise it`s best to be as sure as we can be that the info is accurate, otherwise it can and often will cause some problems to the animal/s in question. The problem with a 20 gallon tank is that it`s extremely difficult to get a decent temp range, as we can see from the OP`s posts.
The MVB`s have a minimum enclosure size and minimum distance from the surface of the bulb to the surface of the animal, they can cause quite serious burns if not set up according to the manufacturers instructions (the 20g is FAR too small).
Contrary to popular opinion, the humidity should range between approx. 30 to 50%+. Unfortunately, many keepers, especially those outside Australia are under the impression that they need virtually no humidity, but that is totally incorrect. So many myths are in place, it makes it so difficult to get the most basic of info across at times.
I hope this reply helps you understand a little better just what these animals require from us in these respects! :)

[Abraxxos]

Depending on the height of the enclosure, it might be best to just drill a small hole in the top and pass the electric flex through, that way you can raise/lower the bulb `til you get the surface temp you want, rather than fixing it directly to the top.
This is my monitor`s basking site just to give you an idea, I need more bulbs because of his size. The type I use are low wattage halogen bulbs (flood, not spot), they are excellent for creating basking sites, cheap to buy, too. I expect you may only need a 40 to 50w (maybe just the one, perhaps two)?

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8322444543_e8b89cdbc2_z.jpg

I bought these enclosures. I'm not big on building/construction projects so... No drilling. Not to mention, as I already said, that bulb does not go in that enclosure. That enclosure is finely managed with a different bulb. I was just popping the UVB in to see it in a non-screen top enclosure.

[Abraxxos]

The problem is that when you (not you specifically, just generally speaking) offer someone advise it`s best to be as sure as we can be that the info is accurate, otherwise it can and often will cause some problems to the animal/s in question. The problem with a 20 gallon tank is that it`s extremely difficult to get a decent temp range, as we can see from the OP`s posts.
The MVB`s have a minimum enclosure size and minimum distance from the surface of the bulb to the surface of the animal, they can cause quite serious burns if not set up according to the manufacturers instructions (the 20g is FAR too small).
Contrary to popular opinion, the humidity should range between approx. 30 to 50%+. Unfortunately, many keepers, especially those outside Australia are under the impression that they need virtually no humidity, but that is totally incorrect. So many myths are in place, it makes it so difficult to get the most basic of info across at times.
I hope this reply helps you understand a little better just what these animals require from us in these respects!

With my current set up, I'm getting a gradient of roughly 40 degrees so if 40 degrees of difference between hot spot and cool spot isn't a good gradient...? That is a perfectly acceptable gradient. A 4 inch lizard does not need a giant enclosure right now and I will upgrade him when he grows and there is nothing wrong with that. Besides, upon reading the bulb instructions, while I read a minimum distance, at no point was there mention of a minimum enclosure size. I have a gradient. I have UVB. I have heat. If there are no other problems with the set up, I think I'm pretty good. :)

[murrindindi]

It seems you have all the answers and your conditions/husbandry are perfect, what did you ask advise for in the first place?

[Abraxxos]

It seems you have all the answers and your conditions/husbandry are perfect, what did you ask advise for in the first place?

Well everybody's husbandry will have kinks at some point, like mine just did. It's why I asked. I likely wouldn't have moved the UVB further away if I hadn't asked because I wouldn't have known to.

So, now I'm stepping away from husbandry related questions and going to something else I'm dealing with... Diet. Alright, so I listed off the stuff I've bought him so far and I've got about 4 great nutrition lists here... So I know what to get, now how do I get to him to eat them? He's interested in eating the grass outside when I took him out for pictures which I wouldn't allow much to his dismay and he tried eating the potted plant I had in there, which I promptly removed. However, dispite his obvious attempts to eat some plant matter, he couldn't ignore the veggies I've put in any more than he is right now. Turnip greens, a smidge of cilantro, I tried some tomato. I tried peach, I tried cantaloupe and mango and... This little bugger just doesn't seem interested. I've put it in the bowl and I've put it in front of him. No interest... He's eating crickets just fine but not his veggies. Any ways I could make them more appetizing to him?

[Mikoh4792]

I don't know how legit this source is but it was out of a quick google search

getting dragons to eat veggies (http://www.bio.miami.edu/ktosney/file/BDveg.html)