What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bulb

Discussion in 'Enclosures, Heating & Lighting' started by Kitsune79, Jan 9, 2006.

  1. Kitsune79

    Kitsune79 New Member

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    I have heard a few different opinions on what wattage bulb I will need to heat my 75-gallon Bearded Dragon tank.
    Some say 100-watt should be enough, some say 150/160, and then yesterday someone told me for that size tank I should go with 250 watt.

    Also I wanted to know-
    I will be using a 48" fluorescent reptisun 10.0 for the UVB/UVA light.
    But I was wondering if for the first year or 2 I should also use one of those Mercury Vapor Heat combination bulbs instead of a plain basking bulb while the BD is growing, or would that be *too* much UVB when used along with a fluorescent?
     
  2. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  3. Mike89

    Mike89 Member

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    RE: What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bul

    In my opinion a 160 Watt MVB from reptileuv.com (the SB series produces heat as well as UVB) should heat the tank well on its own.....maybe a 60-100 watt on teh cool side......it is really a trial and error process though.
     
  4. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  5. Kitsune79

    Kitsune79 New Member

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    RE: What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bul

    K thanks!

    Is it ok to use both the fluorescent reptisun 10.0 AND the mercury vapor though at the same time? Or can you only use 1 source of UVA/UVB rays?
     
  6. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  7. Mike89

    Mike89 Member

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    RE: What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bul

    A lot of UV is just as bad as not enough. Probably not the best idea to use both.....unless they are on oppostie sides of the tank.
     
  8. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  9. AustraliaGuy89

    AustraliaGuy89 New Member

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    RE: What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bul

    I have a thermometer that says my dragon's basking zone is apprx. 105*F from about a foot away with a 60 watt. bulb! I see all these pics of Bearded Dragons very close to the bulb and hear of higher wattage. Any suggestions?
     
  10. JEFFREH

    JEFFREH Administrator

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  11. Mike89

    Mike89 Member

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    RE: What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bul

    What size tank is it? What is it made of?
     
  12. Kitsune79

    Kitsune79 New Member

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    175
    RE: What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bul

    Also what kind o thermometer do you use b/c if it's not a digital tehrmometer, chances are you are getting inaccurate temp. readings
     
  13. AustraliaGuy89

    AustraliaGuy89 New Member

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    100
    RE: What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bul

    It's a 55 gallon tank. I have one of those circular thermometers that sticks to the wall. I don't think it's too cold because I see him stay under it and start to pant, so I think it's warm enough. I just wondered why I have a far distance and low wattage?
     
  14. DaCubs

    DaCubs Well-Known Member

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    4,313
    RE: What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bul

    Oooooh, those dial-type thermometers are known to be pretty far off at times. 10-15 degrees, sometimes even more.
    You really should get a digitial thermometer with a little probe so you know exactly what the temps are.
     
  15. AustraliaGuy89

    AustraliaGuy89 New Member

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    100
    RE: What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bul

    Where do they sell them? Pet stores? Lowes? and how much? I'll really try and get one! I'm really tight on money because my Dragon is being treated for a respiratory problem. Thanks for the all the help!
     
  16. DaCubs

    DaCubs Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    4,313
    RE: What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bul

    Walmart, Target, and Radio Shack are good places. Lowes may have them, too. Any indoor/outdoor therm with a little probe works perfectly. They go for about $15.
     
  17. AustraliaGuy89

    AustraliaGuy89 New Member

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    100
    RE: What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bul

    Alsome! My brother works at Target I can see if he can pick me up one. Thanks a ton!
     
  18. Kitsune79

    Kitsune79 New Member

    Messages:
    175
    RE: What wattage heat bulb for 75-gallon, And ? about MV bul

    I got my ESU digital thermometer at Petsmart for only $7.99
    I have been testing it now in the tank, as well as random areas around the house to make sure it reads right and so far it is accurate.
     

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