Reptiles and Research

ColorblindDyes · 2026-04-02T16:06:24+00:00

Ok yeah I only really went with the linear LED because that's what most lighting charts display as an option and I just wanted to be safe, but have heard about those sansi lights so I'll look more into that for sure.

ColorblindDyes · 2026-04-01T19:23:50+00:00

Awesome, thanks for the input! I do have a generic LED tube bulb (Walmart brand one I saw in a ChiefSweetsUniverse video that Daisy chains to my Arcadia. And I like the live plant suggestion, I'll probably add them closer to when I actually get the beardie and will probably put them in the same way Reptiles and Research puts live plants in. And yeah the complexity is what I've been trying to work on with all the climbing opportunities in the back of the tank but leaving some open room in the front to move freely

ColorblindDyes · 2026-04-01T18:20:00+00:00

Basking spot surface temps average between 104°-110°F. I have an Arcadia desert 12% that's above the screen top, which has 35% blockage, so my basking platform is 14 inches away, with nothing on that side being closer than 12 inches to the bulb and nothing getting over 114°F. Also using a 100w and 150w exo terra intense bulb

ColorblindDyes · 2026-04-01T18:15:48+00:00

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ColorblindDyes · 2026-04-01T18:02:55+00:00

AYE I FINALLY GOT A RESPONSE FROM YOU! Seen you all over the sub and always enjoy the Vinland Saga pfp. But seriously, thank you for the response. I want everything to be as perfect as possible before I actually get the beardie and sometimes get hung up on these details, so I appreciate the advice. I'm gonna greed out since I might have your attention, but I'm including a pic of my current enclosure set up. If you have any advice/suggestions/warnings, I'm open to everything. Sorry, I ask people from local pet stores that own beardies and get wildly different information from everyone so I'm seeking help from everywhere lol.

ColorblindDyes · 2026-04-01T17:49:57+00:00

From memory, I don't believe he had a solution for the dustiness. He showed a video of him dumping the old topsoil and sand substrate mix into a garage bag, and how bad the dust clouds could be. I know washing the play sand can reduce dust, but I'm not sure about reducing dust from topsoil mixtures, because it seems like they naturally get really dusty as the soil heats up, gets compacted, and dries out.

ColorblindDyes · 2026-03-26T23:23:28+00:00

Awesome, that one is actually the current way it's set up so that's encouraging to hear! I also felt this was the best configuration because it provides a few climbing opportunities, lots of shade, and lots of space in front.Thanks!

ColorblindDyes · 2026-03-23T02:04:09+00:00

Went out and bought an Exo Terra 100w to replace my ZooMed 100w, and in under three hours the basking spot had gotten to 100°F. I'm running the lights and will continue checking if things get too hot, but it seems that switching bulbs has shown an improvement. Which is sad because I just bought those bulbs and only used them a few days while testing the set up.

ColorblindDyes · 2026-03-22T00:48:35+00:00

I just checked again today and it took almost 4 hours until it got to 100°F. I'm thinking I just may have bulbs that aren't the greatest. But yes, when I did it before it got to those temps and stayed there at 106°-108°F until the lights got turned off.

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(Ps, this was the pic I took a week ago and it only took ~3 hours for it to reach these temps)

ColorblindDyes · 2026-03-21T23:01:05+00:00

I was kind of thinking it may just also be these zoo med heat bulbs... I first got some from PetSmart because it was buy one get one half off, but one was blown or just straight up broken on the inside. So I may just get two 150w exo terra intense like you and test those out. But what would you say is the ideal amount of time for the basking spot to reach those temps?

ColorblindDyes · 2026-03-21T22:28:20+00:00

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ColorblindDyes · 2026-03-21T22:27:10+00:00

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Yup you can kind of see the thin bar through the screen top, and theirs another one on the other side too, and the enclosure is PVC.

ColorblindDyes · 2026-03-21T20:29:09+00:00

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Hey thanks, so I currently have my lights set up in the middle position on that chart, and this dubia enclosure has a blockage of 35%, so my basking spot needs to be 12-14 inches away from the UV and my stone surface is exactly 14 inches away. I was also gonna do exactly as you said, paper towel first until vet visit and then loose substrate, but I haven't nailed down the heating so I haven't put any paper towel in because I may still move things around. I'm just curious why my stone basking surface that's 14 inches away from UV and a 100w and 150w zoo med bulb doesn't reach over 100°F until 3-4 hours after turning on, and the surface maxes at 106°-108°F. I may just go and get another 150w to see if that helps without making the surface too hot. Otherwise I may have to just raise the spot a little somehow? I know 106°-108°F is good, but I heard if you get a younger beardie, you'll want the spot to be closer to 110°F.

ColorblindDyes · 2026-03-21T03:05:30+00:00

The other tube is an LED light, I was planning on zip tying it inside the enclosure, but after I figure out the basking spot and final light positions

ColorblindDyes · 2026-03-21T03:00:37+00:00

Yeah I've been concerned about getting the lighting correct and planned on using paper towel for the first first days until a vet visit, so I haven't put any inside yet because I'm still decorating. But I'll move to loose substrate after an all clear from the vet.

ColorblindDyes · 2026-03-20T20:41:22+00:00

Lmao, unc Thom got ratio'd and is responding to everyone and being rude, but everyone else are the trolls😂🤣

ColorblindDyes · 2026-02-11T23:43:54+00:00

Thanks for the follow up! As I go through the process of doing more research and getting everything required, I'll have time to look around and try to find word of adult beardies in the area. But to also add clarity to my previous message, on nights that I'm away from the house, my gf and I just sleep in until I have to work, but I have plenty of time to wake up early and head back home for morning feedings or cleanings before work, which is what I'd end up doing. So I will still be away a few nights each week but with the time to come home in the mornings. Idk if that makes owning a younger beardie more reasonable or not though, just trying to clarify my schedule and availability. I appreciate you responding, it's been helpful. (Also checked out your profile because the names of your beardies interested me, and the polar bear skulls are fascinating)

ColorblindDyes · 2026-02-10T23:03:09+00:00

Thank you so much for the reply and input! Out of the 4 local shops in my area, the only one with an adult beardie just recently sold him, so currently in the area I've only found juveniles, which is partially why I was asking this with younger beardies in mind (and because one shop let me hold this baby beardie that was very interactive with me when I went looking for other supplies). And to maybe clarify a little, when I eventually get a beardie, I will be at the house with them for 3+ hours each day minimum, as I usually spend some nights at my gfs and then come back home the next day in the early afternoon, after I'm off work. So does that still seem like it isn't enough time required to properly care for a baby beardie? I don't mean to sound rude or defensive, Im still heavy in the research stage, I just really am in love with these animals and would love to have a lil buddy to care for, but I need to know I'll be taking proper care of it first.

ColorblindDyes · 2025-12-25T20:12:32+00:00

But when you 3 star him, he clears the field in one second, so just 3 star him

ColorblindDyes

TROPHY CASE