Bearded dragons need two types of lights to stay healthy. These are UVA/UVB lights and basking lights. UVA/UVB lights provide the bearded dragon’s body with essential vitamins and minerals, while basking lights provide a controlled and regulated heat source.
In order for the bearded dragon to thrive, it is important to provide it with these two types of lights. UVA and UVB lights strengthen the bones and the immune system of the dragon, while basking lights offer an optimal climate for digestion and overall health.
The basking light should remain on for 12-14 hours a day and the UVA/UVB light should remain on for 8–12 hours a day. Without these two lights, the bearded dragon’s overall health can suffer, so it is essential to properly care for them.
How many lights does a bearded dragon need?
Bearded dragons require two types of lights in their enclosures to keep them healthy and happy. The first type of light is a basking light, which provides the dragon with essential UVB rays used by the body to create vitamin D and absorb calcium.
A basking light should emit full-spectrum UVA/UVB light and should be placed near the basking spot in the cage. The second type of light bearded dragons require is a low-wattage or nocturnal bulb. This bulb provides infrared heat, reducing overall energy consumption and allowing the dragon to stay warm during night hours.
The bulb should be placed on the side of the enclosure and maintained for 12 hours a day. With both of these lights providing heat, bearded dragons should have a temperature gradient in their cage from 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is important to monitor the temperatures in both places by using a thermometer, so you can make sure your dragon is safe.
What time should I turn my bearded dragons light off at night?
Bearded dragons should have a light cycle of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. The light should be turned off at night when the sun goes down, or around 8PM or 9PM. It’s important to mimic a regular day/night cycle since bearded dragons are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day.
If bearded dragons don’t have enough sleep, it can cause them to become sluggish and unhealthy. To ensure their lights are turned off each night, you can use a timer to help automate the process. Additionally, you’ll want to provide an adequate amount of UVB lighting during the day, as bearded dragons requires UVB light in order to absorb vitamin D3 and keep their shells healthy.
Should it be dark at night for bearded dragon?
Yes, bearded dragons need darkness in order to rest. Without darkness, bearded dragons will remain alert and potentially become stressed or agitated. Darkness is also necessary for healthy hormone levels and a satisfied appetite.
When it is dark outside, the bearded dragon’s body will start to produce melatonin which helps to induce sleep. During the day natural sunlight should be used to provide your bearded dragon with a 12-14 hour cycle of light and dark.
Artificial lighting can be used to supplement darkness when natural darkness is not available. The ideal light cycles should have 10-12 hours of light and 12-14 hours of darkness. It is important to provide the dark period in the evening so that your bearded dragon can go to sleep.
If the dark period is not provided, the bearded dragon may become stressed and sleep deprivation can occur.
Where do you put the light on a bearded dragon?
When considering where to put the light on a bearded dragon, the most important thing is to provide a source of basking light. This may be a reptile basking bulb, ceramic heat emitter, special ultraviolet lamp, or a combination of these light sources.
Your pet should have access to a spot with a temperature of 85-95°F (29. 4-35°C), where they can spend time basking and warming up. Bearded dragons require both UVA and UVB to promote the synthesis of vitamin D3, which helps to properly metabolize calcium.
A UVB light should be used in combination with a UVA light and placed a few inches above the basking spot. Finally, during nighttime hours, it is important to provide a source of darkness. By providing a light cycle of about 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness, your pet will have time to rest and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
How close should a heat lamp be to a bearded dragon?
When it comes to heating a bearded dragon tank, it is important to ensure that the lamp is also placed at the correct distance. Generally, it is recommended that the lamp should be placed roughly 8-12 inches away from your bearded dragon.
It is important to note that the exact distance will depend on the wattage of the lamp, the size of the tank, and the climate of the room it is in.
For example, if the lamp is 25 watts and the tank is in a room with a normal temperature, the lamp should be about 8 inches away. If it is 50 watts, the lamp should be around 12 inches away. Also, if the room is cooler than average, the lamp should be moved slightly closer to your dragon.
It’s important to make sure the lamp isn’t too close or too far away to prevent over- or under-heating your tank. Too much heat can cause burns and other health issues, while not enough can cause poor digestion and immune system issues.
To ensure that your bearded dragon is in the appropriate temperature range, you should use a thermometer to measure the heat levels around the tank and adjust the heat lamp accordingly.
Where do you put UVB bulbs?
UVB bulbs should be placed at the top of the enclosure so that the light emitted by the bulb reaches the entirety of the enclosure. It is important to make sure the bulb is not shaded so that the UVB light can penetrate the enclosure evenly.
If a bulb is left covered, it will not be able to emit its full power and provide enough UVB light for your reptile. Additionally, it is important to hang the bulb at the correct distance from your reptile.
Most UVB bulbs will come with instructions that will state the correct distance the bulb needs to be hung based on the size of your habitat. Generally, these instructions recommend the bulb to be hung within 8-12 inches.
Finally, when installing the UVB bulb, it is important to ensure that it is securely attached to your fixture so that it doesn’t come loose or drop unexpectedly.
How do you take care of a bearded dragon at night?
Taking care of a bearded dragon at night is not that much different from taking care of them during the day. Bearded dragons are nocturnal animals and prefer things a bit cooler and darker at night. It’s important to create an environment that is similar to the one they would experience in the wild.
Start by ensuring their enclosure is dark, quiet, and at a temperature that is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Bearded dragons do not like the cold, so having a temperature gauge to ensure that their enclosure is the correct temperature is essential.
Offer your bearded dragon hiding places and provide them with a night time light of some kind that has a dimmer and amber colored LED.
Provide them with water so they can hydrate during the night and provide them food too. You can also use this time to give them baths, as they will often soak up the water while they sleep.
Finally, try to avoid disturbing your bearded dragon at night or waking them up. They will naturally come out during the night when they are awake and active in search of food and nutrients. If your bearded dragon isn’t eating food at night or coming out of its burrow, it might be time to check in with your veterinarian to make sure there isn’t something wrong.
What temperature should the house be for a bearded dragon?
For a bearded dragon, the ideal temperature in their habitat should be 85-88°F (29-31°C) during the day, with a basking spot of 95°F (35°C). At night, the temperature should drop to 75°F (24°C). It is also important to make sure that the temperature does not drop below 65°F (18°C) at any time.
Temperature gradients are important, so a thermometer should be used to measure the temperature in several spots throughout the enclosure to ensure that these temperatures are being met. It is important to remember that the temperature should also never exceed 95-100°F (35-38°C) or else the bearded dragon may become dehydrated or even suffer from heat stroke.
The use of an under-tank heater, basking lights and/or ceramic heat emitters are all good ways to help regulate the temperature in the enclosure.
