What is Reddit's opinion of Zoo Med ReptiSun® 10.0 High Output UVB Fluorescent Bulb 17 Watts, 24-Inch?

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You will definitely want to swap that out for a fluorescent tube that will cover the entire length of your enclosure. They are on sale on Amazon atm. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009YHSWK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can also get an under cabinet light fixture at walmart for like $8 and then mount it inside the cage, so they get maximum amount of uvb. I mounted mine with a ton of gorilla tape, and didn't have any problems with it falling.

I think Cotton would be fine as long as it isn't loose for he/she to ingest. Also, I might try to get the cool side up to 80, mine goes between 80 and 75, maybe consider having the ceramic heater on all of the time, and then just have the lights turn off during the night time. That is usually what I do during the winter, but it is still warm enough for me to get away with not having the CHE on all the time.

Good luck!

Reptisuns are still on sale on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun-Fluorescent-24-Inch/dp/B0009YHSWK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1507935438&sr=8-3&keywords=reptisun+10.0+uvb+bulb

I would also get an under cabinet fluorescent tube to mount in the tank, for the fluorescent tube, you can find them cheap at walmart. or a hardware store.

 

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Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 High Output UVB Fluorescent Bulb 17 Watts, 24-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009YHSWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RY9YPC3C792JKTRR4TCQ

Get a T8 UVB bulb like https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun-Fluorescent-24-Inch/dp/B0009YHSWK which goes up to 48"

Reptisun 10.0 - the tube kind specifically: https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun-Fluorescent-24-Inch/dp/B0009YHSWK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512620485&sr=8-1&keywords=reptisun+10.0+uvb+bulb

There's a compact fluorescent version you should entirely avoid. Compact fluorescents actually emit too much UVC and UVB (high wavelength UV radiation) that basically causes them to get a sunburn on their eyes. Not unlike snow blindness actually, and this too can make them appear sleepy. They get lethargic because they can't see.

You actually will want the ReptiSun 10.0 Flourecent Tube in a length that will span at least 2/3 of the tank. Beardies need UVB on both their hot side and cool side.

UVB is not something you'll want to take the cheap route. UVB is the most crucial. Most long term beardie owners are going to tell you to go with a T8 10.0 Reptisun, as will I. You'll also want to replace the bulb atleast once a year.

You'll want to dust all proteins with the calcium powder, also look into Black Soldier Fly Larvae. Sold as many names Pheonix Worms, Repti Worms etc.

if t5 is the skinny one then no, I think it takes t8.... it uses this kind

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009YHSWK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was a little late, but I responded to you the last time you asked this question here.

Everything you need, including the ReptiSun 10.0 bulb, is available on Amazon for a total of about $40. Replace the ReptiSun bulb at least once a year, though I'd recommend more like every 6-8 months, and you're set.

It might be possible the tank is too hot - that would also explain his/her refusal to bask and hanging out on the cool side. Walmart (used to?) sell this probe thermometer that works well. It looks like they've stopped carrying it but maybe they replaced it with a similar unit. If you get a probe thermometer, you should place the probe on the surface whose temps you are measuring and leave it for an hour to get an accurate reading.

About your UVB bulb, the coil type bulbs (especially Exo Terra's) aren't recommended for bearded dragons, despite the pictures of happy, frolicking beardies on the packaging. You should be able to return it to the store for a refund. I recommend purchasing a 24-inch Repti-sun 10.0 T8 bulb (not the repti-GLO). The 24-inch is a good size for a 40 gallon tank. You will need a new light fixture as well. Walmart carries a cheap fixture (in the lightbulb aisle), Amazon carries it for a higher price too. That fixture is nice because it plugs into the wall. If you opt to get a different fixture, just make sure it is a T8 fixture, otherwise the bulb won't fit. This forum post will show you how to mount it in the tank. IMPORTANT: That fixture has a removable plastic piece covering the bulb, it will block all the UVB so it needs to be removed. Ideally, you will have it mounted inside the tank so that the bulb is 6 - 8 inches from the beardie's eye when he is basking.

Just a random tip - you mentioned how hot the basking bulb gets, you might want to double check that the fixture you are using can handle the bulb's wattage. I had to get a Deep Dome fixture to handle the higher wattage bulbs safely.

You seem very concerned about your beardie's hydration level. Have you seen his poop when it's fresh? Is it soft and well-formed? Do his eyes seem sunken? I really think it is best that you stick to dripping water on his nose. Syringe feeding is an option and sometimes necessary, but it can be stressful to a beardie, and in my opinion, it is better to try other, less stressful, options first. I water my beardies at the sink by running a trickle of warm water over the tip of their noses, if you want to try that.

Crickets that are bigger than the space between his eyes can cause an intestinal impaction, which can be fatal, so it is best to stick to the little crickets.

This is the care guide from the sidebar, in case you are on mobile. :)

You're welcome! :)

I understand that the opinion of multiple breeders outweighs Random Person on the Internet's opinion and if we are talking about a T5 5.0 UVB bulb, then our opinions agree.

In case your beardie doesn't show improvement, I just want to let you know that changing to a T8 10.0 setup wouldn't cost anywhere near $150. The bulb itself is ~$25 (24 inch and 18 inch), an appropriate fixture can be found for less than $20 (24 inch and 18 inch), and it can be mounted like this for ~$6 (Command Hooks).

Hopefully, your beardie will show improvement with the increased baths and will come out of the brumation ready to subdue every female he sees. ;)

Without knowing what they are besides color, it's difficult to say. The red light is totally unnecessary and will disrupt your beardie's day/night cycle - toss that for sure.
If by 'blue' light you mean either a tube or compact UVB light, those should be on during the day, about 10-12 hours.
If by yellow light you mean a heat lamp, then again it should be on for about 10-12 hours, along with the UVB lamp, to provide heat like a sunny basking spot during the day.

All lights should be off at night.

I'm not sure how the app works but the product you linked to doesn't emit enough UVB for a bearded dragon. As soon as you can, you should upgrade to the Reptisun 10.0 T8 bulb. Instructions for mounting it can be found here.

Since you are on mobile, I believe you can't see the links in the sidebar? This care guide is the most important link there and well worth a read.

As far as your original question - I think that until you get the correct UVB bulb, adding in the second bulb might be helpful. You should really prioritize buying the correct bulb. If you are in a warm climate, taking him outside for at least a half hour each day and letting him bask in the sunlight will help.

That tank size is fine for an adult beardie. It is nice to have a bigger enclosure and if you want to build one in the future, here are plans for doing so.

Prior to spending a bunch of money on equipment/lights, you might want to read this care guide. The UVB bulb type and brand are very important - in the US, you want to buy a Reptisun 10.0 T8 bulb. You would want a 24-inch bulb for that enclosure. Even if the beardie comes with that exact bulb, you will probably want to replace it as it needs replaced every six months (even though it is still outputting light). Here are instructions for mounting the UVB fixture and how to set up the lighting in general.

:)

This bulb and this fixture, assuming your tank is 36 inches long and you are in the US.