Getting ready for my new dragon - an adult. I'd like to get one of those high-density polyethylene plastic cages I think, mostly because I don't want an aquarium and I'm not nearly handy enough to make something myself. I've found one that I think looks really nice (expensive though - but then they all seem to be...), but I have some questions.
First, it doesn't have extra ventilation - only the screens for the dome and the screen for the fluorescent strip. Is this okay or is that not nearly enough airflow? (Link to see what I'm talking about is here.)
Second, on that same link you'll see that the fluorescent bulb area, which is of course where I'd put the UVB light, is all the way to the front, whereas the dome area (basking light) is all the way to the back. Is that a problem that the UVB would not be super close to the basking area?
If you have any suggestions for these type of cages, please let me know! I don't even know who their direct competitors are.
Third, is it better to have the basking light and UVB mounted inside the cage (I found one manufacturer who does that) or is it okay outside (like the link from the earlier questions)?
And last - how do I know how strong a bulb (basking) to buy? I keep reading that a regular floodlight is okay (flood, not spot, yes?) - is that true? And best off with a rheostat (dimmer) rather than true thermostat right?, so the light doesn't keep going on and off during the day?
That's it for now - thanks so much ahead of time for any help and guidance - I need to get this enclosure thing worked out really soon - running out of time!
First, it doesn't have extra ventilation - only the screens for the dome and the screen for the fluorescent strip. Is this okay or is that not nearly enough airflow? (Link to see what I'm talking about is here.)
Second, on that same link you'll see that the fluorescent bulb area, which is of course where I'd put the UVB light, is all the way to the front, whereas the dome area (basking light) is all the way to the back. Is that a problem that the UVB would not be super close to the basking area?
If you have any suggestions for these type of cages, please let me know! I don't even know who their direct competitors are.
Third, is it better to have the basking light and UVB mounted inside the cage (I found one manufacturer who does that) or is it okay outside (like the link from the earlier questions)?
And last - how do I know how strong a bulb (basking) to buy? I keep reading that a regular floodlight is okay (flood, not spot, yes?) - is that true? And best off with a rheostat (dimmer) rather than true thermostat right?, so the light doesn't keep going on and off during the day?
That's it for now - thanks so much ahead of time for any help and guidance - I need to get this enclosure thing worked out really soon - running out of time!