Heating at night questions?

[chickenwing654]

Hi,

I have a female adult bearded who has developed a Respiratory infection I believe.  She's making a clicking noise, gasping for breathe, black beard.  Labored breathing, then 30 minutes later, is fine. 

Before you ask, I Will try to get a appointment today.  I believe I have all the right husbandry, except for two things.  I have playsand in my tanks, and room gets down to high 60's at night.  I am in the process of changing over to tile as we speak.  I used a heat emitter last night on her and kept her around 85 degrees.  I checked with temp gun.  During day basking site is 108, and low side mid 80's.

She is eating good, drinking good, pooping good.

Now for my questions.  What is the best way to heat a tank at night?  The night time in the room gets down the the upper 60's at night.  I have heat cable (100 watt) cable looped all under the tank.   I have her in a 55 gallon fish tank, so it has open cover (except for middle section with glass).  Wondering what would be the best way to heat tank at night?

Would I be better off putting a couple of heat emitters in the tank, somehow cover the top to keep heat in, put a electric heat below the tank and run all night?  Looking for suggestions?

Thanks
Tazz

[zebrajanie]

As far as I can see.. you've got it down with the temps.. If she does have an Upper respiratory infection, then that heat emitter will do fine for the duration.. Just keep in mind, higher temps mean more fluids should be offered. 
Hope that helps out !  Good luck at the Vets !

[123TFM456]

what type of heat bulbs are you using? 60-100watts or more deepening on the size of your vivarium should be used as it might be to cold and a heat sorce at night such as a heat mat or ceramic bulbs (preferred) should be used always.

[chickenwing654]

Hi,

Just back from vet...I did not return home with her.

 I think she had a allergic reaction to medicine vet injected (fortaz).  She stopped breathing immediately after injection.   She was very lively and fighting doc who whas examining her.  Then went limp, and was told she stopped breathing.  After 15 minutes, waiting in the lobby, I was brought back in and told she was brought back, and being on 100% oxygen in a tank.  She is still pretty lifeless. 

The doctor agreed with my diagnoses of a Respiratory infection with her wheezing.  Told being brought to vet stresses her out and with the shock of the injection she cardiac arrested on the spot.  I still think she had a allergic reaction myself.  Because she instantly stopped moving.

Told she wouldn't make the ride home if I took her home immediately.  So I gave ok to keep her on 100% oxygen for up to three days to see if she bounces back.   The way she looked when I left, I do not have much faith bringing her home alive.

Doc injected her in her front leg after weighing her.  Is this normal?


Thoughts?