Most reptiles need sunlight, but inside their enclosures, you can use UVB to replicate their natural living conditions. From its nutritional properties to regulating body temperature, UVB light is vital for many types of cold-blooded creatures. But when it comes to picking a T5 fluorescent or standard globe, it’s difficult to know which is right for your reptile. To take the confusion out of reptile lighting, this guide delves into UVB intensity, specific lighting products, and tips for raising cold-blooded pets.
Why is UVB Lighting Important for Reptiles?
UVB (ultraviolet B radiation) is an intense light spectrum produced by the sun. Most reptiles rely on UVB to develop vitamin D3 in their skin, which they use to process calcium. If these creatures don’t have access to sunlight or UVB, they’ll be at risk of metabolic bone disease, leading to a poor quality of life. To prevent common reptile illnesses from affecting your pet, they need UVB light.
Of course, nocturnal reptiles, such as leopard geckos and ball pythons, don’t need special UVB light, but they can still benefit from external light. Providing snakes, lizards, and other ectothermic creatures with a light source during the day imitates their natural environment, making for a happier pet.
Common Types of Reptile UVB Lights
Shopping for a UVB light for your new lizard, snake, or tiny tortoise can be challenging if you aren’t sure what to look for. Each type of reptile requires a specific light intensity, so you need to know which product supports your pet’s long-term well-being. For instance, a bearded dragon will benefit from a 70-watt light compared to a 35-watt light for a turtle.
Reptile lights are available in UVB bulbs and fluorescent tubes. These types of lights should be replaced every 6 months. After this period, the globe will continue to produce light, but it won’t provide UVB, which is the wavelength your reptile needs to be healthy. You can check the strength of the globe using a solarmeter to determine whether it’s viable.
Most reptile keepers use fluorescent tubes because they diffuse the light. The T5 strip light is considered the best because they are stronger than the T8 tubes, producing a higher output of wattage. If your tank has a short distance between the lid and the floor, it’s better to use the T8, which is less intense than the T5.
Best Light Intensity for Reptile Enclosures
To determine which light intensity or strength suits your reptile, you must be aware of the UVI, or ultraviolet index. Every reptile has its own compatible UVI to regulate temperature and maintain its health. The UVI strength your reptile requires is based on the distance between the light and basking areas. The higher the percentage of UVB that is indicated on the light, the higher the level of UVI.
In addition to the UVI levels, the reptile’s natural habitat and access to light are important factors in lighting selection. Four lighting zones, known as the Ferguson zones, represent specific UV ranges. For example, zone 1 reptiles prefer shady areas, zone 3 reptiles enjoy full sun, and zone 4 animals bask in midday heat.
For a pet bearded dragon, you can install a T5 tube with 6% UVB for a zone 2 reptile.
The popular leopard gecko awakens at night and as a nocturnal animal, they don’t require a high amount of UVB. To replicate their habitat in the wild, use a zone 1 T5 with a 7% rating for shade dwellers.
Which Reptiles Need UVB Light?
Reptiles that are most active in the daytime are defined as diurnal, and they require exposure to a fair amount of UVB. Some of the most common types of reptiles that rely on UVB include:
- Bearded dragons
- Veiled chameleons
- Iguanas
- Crested geckos
- Turtles
- Tortoises
- Corn snakes
- Burmese pythons
When choosing the best UVB lighting for your pet reptile, consider their size and the dimensions of your enclosure. Smaller reptiles benefit from a UVB bulb, whereas a larger enclosure housing tortoises and bearded dragons should have a T5, T8, or mercury vapor tube.
The advantage of using a mercury vapor tube is that it provides a heat and light source. These products also tend to last longer than regular fluorescents. If you want to avoid mercury, LED UVB is a popular option. You don’t need a separate ballast for LED lights, and it is more energy efficient than older fluorescents.
Do Snakes Require UVB Lighting?
There’s much debate around whether snakes truly require UVB. While most snakes benefit more from enrichment such as the inclusion of branches for climbing, adding UVB light is a good idea. UV replicates the natural day and night cycles and provides snakes with vitamin D3, which they convert into much-needed calcium.
While UV lighting is not necessary for most snake species, it can keep them happy. As part of good husbandry, include UVB lights and accessories in your snake’s tank. These features will go a long way in maintaining your pet’s health.
Tips for Choosing the Best Reptile Lighting
Ideally, UVB lights for sun lovers should be installed 30-40cm above basking areas. This ensures that animals receive the appropriate amount of light without the risk of burning. Always look at the UVB rating on the light, as cold-blooded animals cannot thrive in UV light less than 13 microwatts for every square centimeter. You can find 16-inch UVB LED strip lights for around $56 compared to a T5 UVB kit averaging $48 to $50. A regular fluorescent bulb costs between $10 and $15.
Before purchasing lighting for your pet reptile, think about the distance between the light and basking spots. Another important consideration is the species of reptile. Some ectotherms prefer moderate amounts of UVB, while others require high levels of heat and light for most of the day. Through careful research and comparisons, you’re sure to find the best possible lighting for the well-being of your reptile companions.
