What munificent of hurricane lantern bulb should i use for my beard dragons?
Dragon tears is comparatively right, you'll need a uvb source and a heat source. The last post approximately the 10.0 tubes is a little misleading, it is only the Repti-GLO 10.0 tubes by exo-terra that have be causing problems, the Repti-SUN 10.0 tube by Zoo-Med is an excellent tube and should be around 6 inches away from your dragon when he is basking.
The first thing I want to post is that you should avoid the 10.0 bulbs until they have been fixed. The 10.0 bulbs leak great UVB but have a dangerously high UV Index and hold already been documented as causing photo-kerato-conjunctivitis.
Your best bet would be to use a mercury vapor for a bearded dragon. I use Mega Rays next to my dragons. They are purchased online at http://www.reptileuv.com. There are 2 models. One emits heat and the essential UVB and the other in recent times produces the UVB. What you need will depend on the size of the enclosure, including the depth.
Bearded Dragons have dignified UV requirements. The fluorescent tubes only emit high UVB for the first 30 days and hastily decay after that. They also need to be replaced every 6 months to be effective. They are simply a waste of money for a bearded dragon.
The mercury vapors do not need to be replaced every 6 months. I in fact have one light that is nearly 18 months old and it is still pushing 85uWcm2. (I have a solarmeter.) It is definitely worth looking into.
Answers: Bearded Dragons need a couple of different lights. They need a full spectrum high output 10.0 (10%) UVB source as in good health as a dome fixture for the heat/basking bulb. This bulb can be anywhere from a 75w to a 150w bulb depending on the tank.
Zoo Med carries the best UVB florescent light available and I, as in good health as many other herpers, recommend it. It's called the Repti-Sun 10.0.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun-10-... It doesn't matter where on earth you buy it from, I just took this off ebay so you can see what I am talking just about. However, online prices are much cheaper than reptile stores or regular pet stores. UVB bulbs need to be changed every 6 months, because the wavelengths fade away. Also, compact florescent light fixtures do not work as economically and you should always get the tube lights.
As for the basking bulb you can use a regular household spot wispy bulb inside a dome fixture or you can use a specially designed light for reptiles (basically the same thing but more expensive.) http://cgi.ebay.com/Zilla-Premium-Reflec... You can any buy a special reptile brand dome or you can simply go to Lowe's or any other home improvement store and pick one up for $7-$10.
These are both vastly crucial and are needed for proper husbandry. They are essential to your bearded dragons growth, digestion, and mood.
With the basking bulb, you requirement to place a probe thermometer directly underneath it so you can monitor the temps. This is what I mean: http://cgi.ebay.com/Exo-Terra-Reptile-Di... Something like this works best. Never receive the stick on ones. They can be up to 20F off. A good digital thermometer is always recommened as capably as temp guns.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.
Good Luck next to your Bearded Dragons!
I read the first post on lighting and must enunciate that the answer is right on with their information. Just remember to be checking your temps to get them high ample and yes I too use a reg 100 watt household bulb for basking. So much cheaper than what the pet stores sell. Great answer and I was certain pleased to see someone who actually knows. !
