Just got paid...Need advice before I buy a bunch of things.

[comtec101]

So about a week ago I made a post complaining about bad information from vets and pet stores. I was able to get a lot of good information about what I needed to change. Now im sitting here on lllreptile.com loading my shopping cart with all these things. I am getting a 18x18x36 screen cage. I was wondering if I need an 18" 5.0 reptisun linear uvb bulb or if it needs to be 15"? With the 18" in a light fixture I figure the entire light on top would be a bit over 18". I only need 1 of these correct? Also, does anyone recommend a certain kind of digital thermostat?

 

[boj3434]

Yes you only need one and I suggest getting at least the 18 inch bulb so the 21 inch fixture i think. But you can get way cheaper fixtures at walmart for like $5.

 

[pssh]

Only one UVB light, the 18 will work if you make it go diagonally, which is better in my opinion. If it's not diagonal it will hang off a little.

 

[jeanjacket812]

I saved 13 bucks by getting my 18 by 18 by 36 from DIYcages.com instead of lll, it was 60 shipping included!

 

[atsutane]

walmart sells shorter fixtures for cheap... (6$) lowes and home depot sell bigger for slightly more but less expensive than a "reptile hood" and they do the exact same thing, light up the light bulb

the bulbs are best to buy online because that is the cheapest i have found them...

recommended plants can be found at lowes and homedepot right around this time of year, my suggestion get a 6$ walmart pothos ( make sure its not a philodendron)
scheffs and dracena are also good buys and add to the decor of your cage and help increase humidity


keep in mind you will want a bigger cage for your cham soner or later so my advice since the bulbs dont cost very much more for the size up is get a bigger lamp than you need right now and then you wont have to buy later

 

[Texas Panther Man]

I bought two fixtures 1 for the uvb and 1 for the plant light i use. I use either schefflera, ficus, hibiscus, or jasmine in my cages. The jasmine is great it is non toxic and is a viney plant that blooms. Repot anything in organic soil and cover the soil with river rocks or screen. Go get some grape vine wreaths from hobby store and clean them and break the down into your vines for your cham to climb around on. Then your set as far as decorating. You need to get to lowes or hd and get a dig hydrom/therm. I got mine for 12 bux.

 

[comtec101]

thanks for the responses! Ill post a pic when im done with my setup

 

[comtec101]

Looking at suppliments. I realize with the common suppliment schedule I will need pure calcium without d3, calcium w/ d3 and a vitamin suppliment. Which 3 brands do you guys recommend? Most of the brands I have looked at all have lots of extra vitamins in it and not just the pure calcium. If I am supposed to dust with vitamins only once or twice a month alternating with the d3, then what exactly do I use for just the regular calcium duster? Also I notice people use reptivite for the vitamin suppliment. Since im using d3 twice a month, does that mean I get reptivite without d3 and use that twice a month alternating with the d3?

 

[jeanjacket812]

There is a repcal double package deal on there (Repcal with D3 and Herptivite for $11.99) and get the green lable repcal without D3 and you're good to go.

 

[jeanjacket812]

And use the coupon code Rcal to save $2.00 bucks!

 

[pssh]

I use repcal that I bought from LLLreptile. Calcium without d3 most feedings, calcium with d3 twice a month, and a multivitamin once a month for my veiled and panther.

 

[jeanjacket812]

What I do to supplement is I use the pure Repcal w/o D3 Monday through Friday, I use nothing on Saturday and on Sunday I alternate between herptivite and Repcal with D3. So I only use Herptivite and Repcal with D3 each twice a month.

 

[comtec101]

awesome! thanks so much guys

 

[comtec101]

Just placed an order for a bunch of stuff. The only 2 things im missing that I need right away is silkworms (not need right away but I would like to vary the diet) and also a laying place for when she lays eggs. Does anyone have recommended places/sites for these 2 things?

 

[pssh]

Sponsors for the silk worms. I'm using a smaller bin for my girls cage, then I have a big trash bin for her when she starts digging. I'm using moist play sand.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

Yeah like pssh said just keep a small rubbermade bucket in there at least 6-8 inches deep. When she starts really showing an interest in digging thats when i took my females to a small kitchen trash can. I filled that 3/4 of the way up with mixture of sand and organic soil. I put a couple of sticks in mine just so she can get out of the dirt and take a break. They are not neccessary. Just make sure you dont put to much dirt in so she cant climb out of the can or else put screen over the top. Then leave her alone til she digs and deposits.

 

[DJ Richey Rich]

Cheaper rep-cal free shipping Josh's Frogs. You get calcium with D3 and Herptivite to your door for $18.99
http://www.joshsfrogs.com/product/1482/27/herptivite-and-rep-cal-combo-free-shipping Edit didnt see the $2 cupon so its same price at lllreptiles

 

[Texas Panther Man]

You might want to check scremeleons site for supps also. I think they had a deal on all 3 supps for like 20.00. I cant remember the exact price but i think it was cheapest i found.