Cwd----uvb

Dragon-Keeper · #1 (**permalink**) 02-28-2005, 02:11 AM

I have 70 dollars CAD at the moment, I dont know right now how much the UVB set ups are at the local store(which isnt so local, about 30 mins away). I want to get him the UVB, but, I am torn, I dont know whether I should get him the waterfall and fogger, because I KNOW that would make him more comfortable. What I am really asking is, if it is worth it to buy the UVB RIGHT NOW, or if its not that important and I can wait untill I buy a bigger cage(around may).

NicoleRussell · #2 (**permalink**) 02-28-2005, 12:21 PM

UVB. There is no waiting.
Go to Reptile direct or reptileuv.com and order a GOOD bulb. You will nver find a suitable one for a wd at your local store.
What size cage are you using and what substrate?

Dragon-Keeper · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 12:44 AM

Hes on bark, in a 30 something gallon tank. For the bulbs, do i have to buy a lamp too?

Dragon-Keeper · #4 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 12:46 AM

Why is it that you incist that it is completely neccissary, and others say it has no benefit. What is the proof to back either side up?

NicoleRussell · #5 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 12:09 PM

wow.
I don't know where to begin.
CWD's, like AWD's are uvb dependant. They need UVB to (from studies done to date) create the perfect amount of D3 in their bodies. D3 is stored and if given in excess orally, can be toxic after it builds past the levels where the animal can benefit from it. It's one of those situations where too much can kill and well---too little can kill too. The only way to know if the right amount is given is to buy a GREAT bulb and let the animal bask and let it's body do what it is supposed to do.
I have seen Xrays---in fact I will try my best to go dig them up over at Kingsnake----of CWD's that were denied uvb. It was an accident of the part of the owner---he supplied UVB but through a lens cover---and did not know that all the UVB was being filtered.
Their bones (the CWD's) were so sparse and they were literally disappearing on the ends...the animals were falling from branches and breaking bones because of the condition of their skeletal system.
Not that I needed to see that. But it seems others did.
It's pretty clear to me that if an animal basks in the UVB and creates ANYTHING chemically from that basking they need it. Period.
They only thing left for arguement is the case of monitors---which is a totally different discussion.
But waterdragons are from an area of the world that allows them to bask at certain levels of UVB---and the evidence (for the people who need it) is there if you research it.
Like I said---I will try and look up those pics----I haven't been there for a LONG time so I don't know where to begin---but for this---it's worth it.

Dragon-Keeper · #6 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 12:44 PM

I looked at some bulbs already on the internet but my mother wont let me buy them, I have talked her into buying me one from the store. What he has are long tubes, are those ok?

NicoleRussell · #7 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 12:50 PM

http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.php?photo=54084
pic

That was the thread starter= for some reason I can't see the thread but if you search I'm sure you can uncover the facts. The pics are all you need really.
The only tubes that are ok are the iguana lights.....but you need to replace them every 6 months and put the basking point RIGHT under the bulb.

Rmk1999 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 01:45 PM

just a quick ? why would your mom let you get a pet but then not get what is necessary to properly care for it?

NicoleRussell · #9 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rmk1999

just a quick ? why would your mom let you get a pet but then not get what is necessary to properly care for it?

Well of course your right.
I didn't want to go there because lectures like that generally do nothing but drive someone away though--and being he already has the animal I want to try and help.

Rmk1999 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 08:11 PM

i wasn't going for a lecture...i just didn't understand the logic

Dragon-Keeper · #11 (**permalink**) 03-04-2005, 11:31 PM

I dont understand it either, I am going tomorrow! One of his toes look very bad......would that be because of the lack of UVB?

Dragon-Keeper · #12 (**permalink**) 03-04-2005, 11:40 PM

I see one of the lizards in that pic is very dark and the other is very light, isn't their colour an indication of their health? Mine is very bright along the top of its body and its head but dark at its tail...

NicoleRussell · #13 (**permalink**) 03-05-2005, 12:04 AM

Well the color was magnificent because dragons that are denied UVb start to turn a brilliant color--but this is a beautiful mask. It hides so many problems I couldn't begin to tell you.
There is a guy who is basically looked down upon in most circles---he's a breeder of captive bred WD's. He does not believe in UVB for WD's---he has even been in print in reptiles magazine. The guy is a perfect example of how some breeders have power over new comers (and even some not so newbies) just because they breed. Breeding does not make a culturalist---or a scientist---or a conservationalist---or anything---except a breeder.
He sells "blue" dragons. And most people who study UVB know how they are produced...and what is creating that very blue color---and it's very sad.
Can you can see the full gut on that Xrayed dragon? His digestive system is basically shutting down as well.
Don't ever let anyone tell you WD's do not need UVB.

Dragon-Keeper · #14 (**permalink**) 03-05-2005, 12:53 AM

The toe looks swollen..

NicoleRussell · #15 (**permalink**) 03-05-2005, 01:12 AM

Dragon keeper:
on the xray? or on your dragon? You dragon could have any number of things wrong---can you upload a photo?
on the Xray the toes were disappearing. The animals were brought tho the vet because they started falling out of trees---unable to keep themselves on branches....and they were breaking bones trying. When xrayed it was obvious they had the symptoms associated with MBD.
They were treated with injections---MVB therapy---and other things that escape me right now. They pulled through believe it or not. It was a long time ago but I never forgot the whole thing---and even though the thread is gone I'm glad the photo remains for us to look at.
The owner was very on top of everything...the only mistake is that he listened to a box that told him he was providing GREAT UVB, when in fact he was essentially providing none......that company *still* produces those bulbs and that fixture----and refuses to stop BTW.
So much for trusting a company and a box.
That's why I am such an advocate of Mac industries....they simply cannot be beat for quality or price (when you understand how much you are getting).
To read more go to: www.reptileuv.com

Dragon-Keeper · #16 (**permalink**) 03-05-2005, 06:03 PM

I think I just bought a light from that company, He said 7% UVB bulb, I had to buy the whole system, cost me $70. I will be sure to take the plastic off. I bought some Iguana bites(closest i could find to WD), do you think he'll eat them? They are made by Nature Zone*. My CWD's toe is what i was talking about. He always sits in the water hammock I have, i took it out because I thought it may be the water thats hurting his feet. I am saving up for a bigger cage now, what do you think I should get, a screen one?(not real screen but like mesh) or a bigger aquarium.

NicoleRussell · #17 (**permalink**) 03-05-2005, 06:08 PM

BOB does not sell TUBES---and covers---which site did you go to??

NicoleRussell · #18 (**permalink**) 03-05-2005, 06:10 PM

mesh cages are the worst things for green wd's. The humidity is very important for them and it's hard keeping it stable in anything mesh---that and UVB will not penetrat mesh so you would have to cut it up anyway.

Dragon-Keeper · #19 (**permalink**) 03-05-2005, 06:25 PM

ok, so aquarium/terrarium it is! I bought the light at the store

NicoleRussell · #20 (**permalink**) 03-05-2005, 07:38 PM

what is the name of the light? I ask because you very possibly are running a light and paying for electricity and are still producing little in the way of UVB.

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