need to revise lighting

[RaptonX]

I am thinking I should revise the lighting in Raz's cage, the Reptisun 5.0 is too far as from what I have read.
Would fastening it just below the air vent work better or would that be too dangerous.

The inside of the cage is about 39 inches high. On the log he is about 24 inches away from the reptisun

Everything else seems to be ok, the overall temp is around 80, and basking temps in the low 90's, humidity reads around 70 (the gauge goes from 0 to 100), but UVB I am pretty sure could be better.

I would take Raz out into the sun, but he is very squirmy.

Here is a pic of the cage.... That bright glow is the basking lamp, and the white glow is the reptisun 5.0....

[Tesa]

Yep, it's definately too far away. I would suggest mounting a shelf on one wall for Raz to use as a basking spot and hang another shelf about 16 inches above it to mount the light fixture (underneath) on so she can lay directly below it. She needs to be within a foot or so away from the light.

Ask Dom what to do! He's the McGyver not me!! ;D

[RaptonX]

Yeah......a shelf is probably the best way......Hmm, should I mount it just above the two temp gauges on the basking lamp side?

And do I really need a second shelf if the UV lamp allows the basking lamp light to shine through?

[Tesa]

wait a minute.....lol
what are the dimensions of the cage??
I was suggesting a shelf for basking because igs like to lay flat and throw their arms back behind them. From this angle, it looks like he can't get really comfy for a snooze when basking.
If you were to mount one shelf for Raz to lay on, and then hang the UVB light directly above him then Raz gets the best of both worlds. Attach it however you can rig it so it's stable.
(I would have to do a shelf and hang the UVB from the bottom because I wouldn't be able to come up with a better way. I'd have it swinging from the ceiling using duct tape ;D)

Some people make hammocks for theirs igs to hang out in too. My Thrasher used to have a triangular one that I put in the corner. She loved it! But she outgrew it and I haven't made a new one yet.
That driftwood is awesome by the way!! I can just see him dangling from it with his head his food bowl. ;D

[Lyn]

Yea I was going to suggest a basking shelf also, but just make sure he cannot get to either of the bulb or CHE or else he will get major burns...maybe a caging for the two heat emitters would be an option...gotta protect that cutie...and you could use that driftwood as a ladder to the shelf.....good luck...Lyn

[dominick]

Hi Raptonx-

Yes, the UVB light is way too far away. It needs to be 10-12" from the basking spot. Any farther and the UVB exposure diminishes and is no longer effective.

I would suggest first adding a bsking shelf (or hammock) to the cage. No more than 12" from the UVB light.

Then, using a wire mesh, create a "cage" around the light fixtues (UVB and heat lamp). This will prevent the Iguana from coming in contact with the hot lights and receiving thermal burns.

That should fix up your last husbandry issues. As Lyn sugested, turn the driftwood to create a natural ladder to the basking shelf. Igs love to climb, and bask in the highest place they can get. Climbing up to the shelf will help keep her muscles toned and strong.

Good luck. Let us know how things turned out.

[RaptonX]

Dimensions are 39 inches tall, 42 inches wide, and 18 inches deep,,, this is on the inside.

Hmm, could the UVB lamp be mounted on the side, just above the two temprature gauges, or is side mounting dangerous?

The lamp itself is just a plastic holder that has no direct reflector, so it radiates from all sides, except the side its mounted with.

Hmm...I better draw a diagram...I work better when its visual.

[Tesa]

This is what I'm talking about......
Thrasher loves it.

[prism_wolf]

Actually...about 8" from the ig is best. You would be surprised at how much actual UVB there is left at 12".

Tomorrow I'll take some readings off of my Reptisun 5.0 48" tube and the 18" tube at the different distances... 8",10" & 12". The 18" is much newer...only about a month old. The 48" is almost a year old...and time for me to measure again anyway for UVB desintigration.

Here's how I have my guy set up:
album4055.fotopic.net/p2039497.html

[RaptonX]

The only thing I'm worried about from side mounting flurescent UVB is moisture running into it...maybe I could seal it up on some parts.....Idealy it would be cool to mount a shelf and put a lamp under it, but since that would get in the way of the basking lamp, it would be kinda blah....

He seems to like basking on the log, so placing the lamp on the log seems to be the best bet........though I am gonna build another cage soon anyway...will certianly put shelfs in that one.

Hmm...I thought reptisun bulbs lose their UVB effect after 6 months....a year?

[Tesa]

It is recommended that they be replaced every 6 months because they are known to deteriorate and become less effective. Prism made mention of a UVB meter. She is able to test hers to ensure that the bulb is still functioning properly.

Just put the UVB tube however you need to so that it's close enough to be effective. I wouldn't think there'd be enough water dripping around to hurt anything.
(Unless you are getting crazy with a garden hose) ;D

[RaptonX]

How much does a UVB meter cost? I heard they can be expensive.

[dominick]

Hi RaptonX-

Go here for information on it.

groups.yahoo.com/group/UVB_Meter_Owners/

This is a Yahoo! group dedicated to UVB meter measurements and testing.

This group places large "group" orders every few months to bring the cost down. I think they are around $140.00, but check with Diane there to be sure. she just placed an order and has a few left if you want one. Just e-mail her there.

Good luck.