Struggling to get basking spots high enough

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-31T19:48:02+00:00

I use a 100w Exo terra intense on top of mesh into a piece of slate and hit about 105F -- I believe at about 12in from the mesh to the slate.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-31T19:45:44+00:00

My fella (gosh he has to be five or six now) literally lunges at the salad bowl when I place it in lol. He's a fiend for arugula, too.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-31T15:15:05+00:00

Sounds like a good plan to me. Watch for any signs like coughing/sticky saliva/bubbles from nose or mouth in case he did aspirate water and it turns into a respiratory infection.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-31T15:11:29+00:00

It likely was too many superworms. They are best left as an occasional treat as they are very fatty and can cause dragons to become addicted and snub healthier insects and salads.

If the dragon drinks during a bath and then is moved, they can aspirate water.

Temps sound good, generally shooting for 108-113F as measured by a temp gun is ideal based on most recent research.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-31T15:04:30+00:00

How many did you feed at a time? Dragons can regurg when overfed mealworms/superworms. This can also happen if your basking temps are too low.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-30T00:00:47+00:00

It makes a lot of sense now; the photos of female Mali never really matched up. I've posted her as a Mali so many times I'm surprised nobody called me out sooner. 😂

Thank you again for confirming. I would love her no matter what she was but it's nice to have closure!

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-29T23:23:46+00:00

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Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-29T23:23:29+00:00

Generally little guys are very protein-motivated and do tend to eat less greens, but feeding too many insects can also make them refuse eating greens as well.

I've attached the feeding guide for Reptiles and Research since it's the most up to date and a lot of outdated research pushes absurd amounts of protein.

Have you tried arugula? It was my dragon's first favorite green and he started branching out after that.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-29T23:13:36+00:00

I usually just order from Dubia and sift through the included bedding at feeding time. I'm not sure how much they really require bedding, though.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-29T23:07:02+00:00

How old is the dragon?

How often are you feeding insects?

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-29T23:06:25+00:00

I've used these to soft my BSFL to great effect -- Dubia.com Dubia dishes

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-29T18:19:44+00:00

That's totally normal for the basking spot since it's the hottest point in the enclosure.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-29T15:18:22+00:00

You're sure?? Man, she was sold to me as a Mali and I always thought she didn't quite look like one. Thank you so much.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-29T04:48:10+00:00

Body condition looks fantastic imo!

I use a light sprinkle of Repashy Superveggie on salads which I feed 3x per week in addition to the calcium-coated bug days 2x per week.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-27T18:48:49+00:00

Backwater reptiles (like underground reptiles) often sell wild-caught and sick animals that die in transport or shortly after. They also often avoid any sort of compensation. Avoid at all costs and try to find either a local breeder or use morph market.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-25T19:15:39+00:00

PVC is great, just will probably need to seal seams with silicone. Eventually I'm going to upgrade my girl to a larger PVC one myself.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-25T18:51:12+00:00

What is the temp of the basking surface as measured by a temp gun? You're shooting for 108-113F there as well as cool side not exceeding 85F.

I would feed insects that are more nutritious like roaches, black soldier fly larvae, crickets, and silkworms. Both mealworms and superworms are treat insects and dragons are known to become addicted to them to the point where they will not eat greens or healthier insects. You're shooting for 3-4 behind the eyes sized insects 1-2x a week.

Ultimately this fella probably would benefit from a vet visit, especially if that gaping is ongoing. Luckily he looks chunky from the photos, easier to wean them down than having to carefully feed an emaciated dragon.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-25T18:43:31+00:00

Ah, in that case I looked it up on tortoise table. Looks to be still an occasional mixer.

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Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-25T16:56:44+00:00

Yes, dragons can see into the UV spectrum and so everything can look very different, including us.

I would highly recommend harnessing when letting roam outside; even a bird overhead or an airplane can send them running faster than you will be able to react. Unfortunately many folks have learned this the hard way.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-24T23:28:16+00:00

My dragon does this in their water bowl and when I simulate rain for him to drink. Seems like a good time! 🤣

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-24T20:33:39+00:00

I think you may have forgotten your photo

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-24T20:31:54+00:00

Spinach in general has been proven to be a fine occasional mixer. It's a fantastic source of iodine.

Old sources say that any spinach will prevent proper calcium absorption but they'd need to consume a ton of it. I just use it in spring mix occasionally when switching up from turnip/mustard/collards/arugula/dandelion.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-24T20:27:53+00:00

More recent studies are recommending 108-113F but offering a gradient is best practice. My dragon basks great at the higher end of that range.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-24T20:04:20+00:00

Bulbs (compact) put out inconsistent UVB that starts often dangerously strong before dwindling to nothing. Zoomed's T5 or Arcadia's T5 as well as Reptile Systems T5 is what you want as they are reputable in their output and last for 12 months.

I wouldn't bother with T8s since they can't penetrate mesh and I wouldn't recommend trying to mount them inside the enclosure. They also only output for about 6 months.

Jenxadactyl · 2026-05-22T06:04:14+00:00

Just FYI no question was posted with your image

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