Getting Serious for KyJinn

[sickvenom]

this would be my checklist:

uvb bulb
under tank heat pad
background
flat rocks or other platform so he can get 6"-8" of the bulb
misc decor

[Little Wise Owl]

I personally believe the first priority should be getting him a UVB/Heat bulb. With the $50 you're getting soon, you should be able to afford one (though they are very pricey).

Next, I'd get a flat basking rock. Then from there once you have more money, add one or two hiding spots or areas where he can get some privacy.

[mistersprinkles]

Originally Posted by sickvenom

Some uv only last 6 months. You can also add a uth pad. Painting or covering the back and sides would also be a good idea. It looks nicer and it will give him more privacy. Sorry, but I thought you already had a uv light. You can get a uv bulb for your reflector for around $15, and they do come in different wattages.

You don't use UTH with a dragon.

[NennaMeerkat]

Yeah I know not to use a UTH with my guy Even if I didn't know before the way he is so lazy sometimes I would figure it would be dangerous.

[sickvenom]

Originally Posted by mistersprinkles

You don't use UTH with a dragon.

I guess the ground in australia never retains heat?????????????????? These animals are from desert or semi desert areas. Why on earth would you not provide them with some belly heat? It doesn't have to be the main heat source, but to say they don't need it is just plain false and misleading.

[NennaMeerkat]

Originally Posted by sickvenom

I guess the ground in australia never retains heat?????????????????? These animals are from desert or semi desert areas. Why on earth would you not provide them with some belly heat? It doesn't have to be the main heat source, but to say they don't need it is just plain false and misleading.

Honestly I have never heard of anyone using an UTH for a dragon. Same reason why you don't use a heat rock. They have problems with burning their bellies. Besides the heat that the ground retains in the desert is nothing like the heat given off from a heat rock or UTH. I would think if I put in some normal flat rocks in there they would absorb plenty of heat from the heating lamp.

[ilovemypets1988]

nenna, you could look at those 3d foam backgrounds that will give the crickets or other live food items a chance to climb and encourage your dragon to do even more excercise, i dont know what the american market is like for reptile accessories but im assuming that the market is bigger than that over hear in the uk as the usa has a larger amount of keepers (if regarded with the same amount of area).

if hes a climer, you could get a large log for basking which will also smell quite nice when warmed up aswell, and some plants - albeit fake or real - and the tank should look pretty good.

also after reading that u dont keep your water bowl in the tank, would you be interested in using a gel instead to give him fresh water or even try submerging the veggies for half an hour before feeding, he should get enough water from that process.

i dont know much about the bulbs thas been suggested so i cant help with that but it would depend on the height of the tank i should think.

hope these suggestions help somehow

[NennaMeerkat]

also after reading that u dont keep your water bowl in the tank, would you be interested in using a gel instead to give him fresh water or even try submerging the veggies for half an hour before feeding, he should get enough water from that process.

I actually do that. The soaking the veggies part. But if he feels like he needs more I also supply a small water dish for him.


I also like the idea of this foam background thing, but I have never seen them in any of the stores I shop in...so it may be a custom make only. Thankfully though he is a great hunter and if you look at his tank pictures you will see a long log type thing on the "cold" end and he will often move it around a lot if he knows crickets are hiding inside. Quite fun to watch though he makes a racket LOL

[ilovemypets1988]

Originally Posted by NennaMeerkat

I also like the idea of this foam background thing, but I have never seen them in any of the stores I shop in...so it may be a custom make only. Thankfully though he is a great hunter and if you look at his tank pictures you will see a long log type thing on the "cold" end and he will often move it around a lot if he knows crickets are hiding inside. Quite fun to watch though he makes a racket LOL

take a look at this website as they have the backgrounds on it: Reptile terrarium background Reptile Supplies at Bizrate - Buy Pet Supplies Online

again i hope it helps

[ilovemypets1988]

also just had a thought but why dont you use a piece of cork bark for a hide and a basking spot, it would do 2 jobs and only cost a small amount, to give you an example, the 2 pieces on this pic only cost me £14 which would be about $20ish:


(and the tanks 4ft long, so u can compare the size of the bark to the size of the tank)

[red ink]

Originally Posted by sickvenom

I guess the ground in australia never retains heat?????????????????? These animals are from desert or semi desert areas. Why on earth would you not provide them with some belly heat? It doesn't have to be the main heat source, but to say they don't need it is just plain false and misleading.

They have less heat receptors on their belly. They do not bask on the rock when they are hot quite the contrary from my observations of them (personal). They will heat up on rocks in the morning once the rock reaches 40C (on avg) they move. I took a tempgun out there and measured the rock temp when they vacated it as a basking spot. They also will not go on terra that is over 35C, once the terra reaches that temp they are no where to be found. They shelter from it. Those that are out are on logs avoiding contact with the terra.

My set up.
4 x 2 x 2.5
Single MVB light for heat and UVB

[NennaMeerkat]

Red Ink that is a beautiful setup! What is the size of that tank? I know it is probably custom made but...

[red ink]

Originally Posted by NennaMeerkat

Red Ink that is a beautiful setup! What is the size of that tank? I know it is probably custom made but...

It's 4ft long x 2ft wide x 2.5ft high. Yeah it's custom I built it myself.

[NennaMeerkat]

Man that is just beautiful...did you also make the red rock looking things that are on the side?

[red ink]

Originally Posted by NennaMeerkat

Man that is just beautiful...did you also make the red rock looking things that are on the side?

Thanks... yes I made the fake rock walls as well.