Getting Serious for KyJinn

NennaMeerkat · 04-25-11, 03:37 PM

First off I would like to ask for no criticism or harsh words about anything I post here. I am looking for help.

Many of you know about my bearded dragon Kyjinn. Here is a pic of him just because I can (and who doesn't love images).

Now he is a healthy guy for the most part having clean sheds, a more or less healthy appetite, and plenty of energy most of the time.

But here is my problem (and I am embarrassed of this and have kept it secret from all of you)

Now the bedding is lizard alfalfa pellets and the temp where the light is 90-92 degrees. Tank size is 40 gallons long (breeder tank I think they are labeled). I don't keep a food bowl in his tank at all times cause he has a habit of using it as a poo bowl instead and the same goes for his water bowl. I put both food and water in when I feed him (every other day) and within 4 hours remove both.

So yes there are problems, I know there are. And I am looking for help. I have 50 dollars (hopefully) coming to me in a few days for my birthday. With this 50 dollars I need to know what I can do to help his environment.

Keep in mind I cannot afford a larger tank and WILL NOT change the bedding. Other than that help me out guys...but be nice about it please.

I love my dragon KyJinn but hadn't opened my eyes to his home's pitiful state until today. I also realize that I shouldn't give advice (or have no right to) when I have one that isn't living as optimal as possible. I want to change all of that.

Lankyrob · 04-25-11, 03:44 PM

In terms of the tank size, $50 here would buy a second hand 4ft x 2ft x 2 ft viv. Obviously i have no idea what the second hand market in the US is like.

I assume the light is a heat+uv bulb? May be worth getting a higher wattage bulb to get the temps up over 105f?

In other terms i like having rocks and wood in my lizards tank, gives roaches and crickets places to run whic hthen gives the lizard a chance to hunt rather than just eat.

sickvenom · 04-25-11, 03:48 PM

looks like your issues are decor related. You might look into some kind of platform that will allow him to get closer to the uv bulb. Other than that, I know breeders who keep theirs in cages that look exactly like yours.

sickvenom · 04-25-11, 03:50 PM

You might also want to block off most of your screen top. That will help to keep heat in the tank. That could be something as simple as a piece of cardboard.

stephanbakir · 04-25-11, 03:51 PM

You can MAKE him a larger terrarium for under 50$ easily

sickvenom · 04-25-11, 03:58 PM

That enclosure is just fine for the time being. I would get some nice flat stones and make a basking spot.

NennaMeerkat · 04-25-11, 03:59 PM

I am no builder and know no builder. So for now bigger tank is a no go. I will look into a second hand tank on craigslist but what I have seen so far are tanks without lids OR tanks that go for the same if I bought brand new.

Other than that, I know breeders who keep theirs in cages that look exactly like yours.

That does make me feel quite a bit better about his home. I would have thought it was rather sloppy and ill conceived.

That being said...does anyone know the wattage bulb I need to get the temps up? And does he need a UV bulb as well? Is it possible to buy a bulb that provides UV and heat?

bo2as · 04-25-11, 04:10 PM

i beleive it is possile to uy a bulb that provides both.. im not surebut i beleive so. as for the tank flat rock are a good idea and maybe a backdrop and a higher branch. HE is GorgEOUse tho

NennaMeerkat · 04-25-11, 04:45 PM

Thanks bo2as. I want to do him right since he does deserve better. Maybe I can get him to eat more frequently and not be so picky if he is happier with his home.

Lankyrob · 04-25-11, 04:52 PM

He MUST have UV as well as heat, it can cause serious disorders if they dont get enough uv. We use Mercury Vapour Bulbs (mvb) as they do provide heat and uv all in one bulb. They are more expensive than having separate bulbs but imo the tank looks neater with just the one light fitting. Mvb also get pretty hot so they dont need such high wattage tho they cant be used on thermostats so there is some playing around to do to get the right temps.

Ours go on at 9am temps get up to about 115f at peak and we turn them off at about 6pm, the lizards get 9 hours of uv and also a day night temp cycle as the viv cools overnight.

NennaMeerkat · 04-25-11, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

He MUST have UV as well as heat, it can cause serious disorders if they dont get enough uv. We use Mercury Vapour Bulbs (mvb) as they do provide heat and uv all in one bulb. They are more expensive than having separate bulbs but imo the tank looks neater with just the one light fitting. Mvb also get pretty hot so they dont need such high wattage tho they cant be used on thermostats so there is some playing around to do to get the right temps.

Ours go on at 9am temps get up to about 115f at peak and we turn them off at about 6pm, the lizards get 9 hours of uv and also a day night temp cycle as the viv cools overnight.

We give KyJinn about the same amount of hours for his light to be on. And I agree about the lighting I would much rather have one bulb than two for "neatness" purposes. Do you have a ball park figure on wattage I would need? If they are expensive I don't want to have to buy several to find the right range.

I am guessing the light we have been using (or the brand) has been a UV and Heat in one bulb since our guy is quite healthy and has never shown any problems (other than being a finicky eater).

Lankyrob · 04-25-11, 05:21 PM

Lack of uv is something that would show after quite a long period, it affects their bone density. Our bulbs are in a 30inch high viv and a 125w bulb is hot enough. The brand we use a solarglo and cost £55, they get replaced yearly (unless they blow for some reason early) - all uv bulbs are rated for a set period, after which the uv given out starts to lessen, this varies with the type of bulb and the manufacturer.

NennaMeerkat · 04-25-11, 05:24 PM

Thanks for the info Lanky. We haven't seen a problem with his bones considering how he runs, jumps, and everything else with no problem. So perhaps we have just been lucky enough to get the UV and heat bulbs together.

However I will look for the one you mentioned when I go to my store within the next couple of days. I could care less about the cost especially if it is more or less a yearly buy. That to me is easily done without a problem

Thanks for your help!

sickvenom · 04-25-11, 06:06 PM

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.

NennaMeerkat · 04-25-11, 06:12 PM

Thanks sick I am thinking of getting a background for him though not sure on it wrapping around the sides...possibly maybe. Since this tank will be used in the future I don't want to paint the sides or anything like that.

I guess my biggest fault is not having a UV bulb. That will be the first thing I strive to remedy if nothing else.