UV worries? ....

[Canadaherp]

well i have a tank of dragons, all are VERY VERY small for their age, im wondering if their UV has had anything to do with it, what all do you guys find works the best, becasue i have been noticing sublte hints of calcium problems (occasional twitching) as well these are all dragons that have had small nips and stuff that have never totally healed, so any suggestions ? im planning on switching UV very shortly........ thanks in advance

[Tim Winegard]

I have heard that the Lumichrome 1xx work very well.

[WALTER]

Most reptile bulbs on the market need to be changed every 6 months. Some need to be changed out every 3. If you are noticing twitching they need the UV and more calcium. The Verilux has a UV life of 18 months, which is 3X longer then most on the market. They have also got independent test that prove this.

[Canadaherp]

well this bul has been changed every 4 months, but i dont trust it, Walter, do you know where i can get one in/ or have it shipped to edmonton ? i need just a 36" one for them, please e-mail me odin1@shaw.ca

[nuno]

you should be dusting their crickiets with some calicium powder every other day and make sure there's a branch in the tank that leads up to the bulb so they can get closer to the UV bulb.

Hope this helps,
Nuno

[Canadaherp]

lol nuno, they can get within 1/2" of the uv and they are dusted with calcium and trace amounts of d3 every other feeding, and have vits once a week

[Lisa]

is the light sitting on glass, plexi or screen?

[Canadaherp]

well its really a 1/2" metal mesh

[WALTER]

You are fine then. Any thing under 1/8" will dissipate up to 30% of the UV from the bulb.

[nuno]

It sounds like you have everything covered and everything should be fine!!
I have only one question and that's were the dragons yours from the start cause maybe a previous owner lacked proper care.
If you can expose them to natural sunlight as much as possible that might help, but it sounds like your doing everything right.

Nuno

[Canadaherp]

well they were from a breeder till they were about 3 months old, but im not 100% sure if thats the reason, how often do you mist yours you all, i am starting to think thats it since they barley drink in their weekley bath....

[DBHerper]

What does their diet consist of that is the real question at hand, and yes you are supplementing the food but are you doing it properly. Too many people will improperly supplement the food and not even realize it. If you are supplying the animal with too much d3 ( coming from more than one source ) it could have an effect on their consumption of it. Also what brand of supplements are you using.