What is UVB and why is it important on reptiles?

Do I need a UVB light for my Pet?

Understand Lighting. If you have a pet that requires higher amounts of UVB light (such as a turtle, tortoise, bearded dragon, iguana, chameleon, etc.) then you need a specific UVB bulb. All reptiles and amphibians, however, benefit from UVB and it should be provided. There are lower output UVB bulbs available.

What are the benefits of UVB and UVA light?

• UVA light helps regulate behaviors such as feeding, diurnal movement, mating and similar activities. • UVB light allows the synthesis of vitamin D3, which helps to absorb calcium.

Do snakes need UVB lighting?

Although there are a few snakes that may benefit from UVB lighting, most commonly kept snakes have been maintained for multiple generations without special lighting. In fact, breeders maintain most commonly kept snake species in drawer-style systems, which only receive incidental room lighting.

Are Mercury Vapor Bulbs good for reptiles?

Mercury vapor bulbs not only produce a significant quantity of UVB light, they also produce quite a bit of heat, further distinguishing them from fluorescent lights. They are the light of choice for reptiles who need copious amounts of UVB yet also require very warm basking spots (such as bearded dragons and other desert-dwelling herps).

Do snakes need UV lights in captivity?

Most breeders do not usually use UV lights and if you visit a pet store, their snakes are usually also not provided with UV lights. The reason many reptile species require UV lights in captivity is because they need it to help their bodies process and synthesize vitamin D3.

Do ball pythons need UV lights?

UV lights are available in specific types such as UVB or you can opt for full-spectrum lights which replicate the sun’s rays as closely as possible indoors. Ball Pythons are another snake species commonly kept as pets that do not require UV lighting.

What type of light is best for reptiles?

Currently, on the market there are three main types of light for reptiles, namely fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, and mercury vapor bulbs. Among them, the mercury vapor bulb is highly recommended because it has many advantages.

How to choose the best UVB mercury vapor bulb for reptiles?

Here are some factors that you should consider before buying a best UVB mercury vapor bulb for your pet reptile. In the sun naturally contains both UVA, UVB and other rays. Reptiles will absorb these rays in natural sunlight to grow bones as well as assist skin peeling or reproduction.

Do I need a mercury vapor bulb for my Pet’s Cage?

And a large cage will need a large mercury lamp to be able to provide enough light for the entire cage. The capacity of a mercury lamp also depends on the distance you install. If the distance is closer, the mercury vapor bulb will produce more UVB. However, you should ensure a safe distance to avoid pet burns.

What is the best UVB for snakes?

Suggested UVB: Sunbeam Method: UVI range 2.9 – 7.4 in basking zone ( or Shade Method: gradient UVI 1.0 – 2.6 over larger area ). Mid-day sun basker, thermoregulator. Suggested UVB: Sunbeam Method: UVI range 4.5 – 8.0 in basking zone. The research places species of snake commonly kept as pets, such as corn snakes, and Burmese pythons, in zone 1.

Are ball pythons nocturnal snakes?

After all, snakes rely primarily on their sense of smell, and ball pythons are largely nocturnal. Do Ball Pythons Need UV Light? Many popular lizard pets – especially heliothermic (sun-loving) species, such as bearded dragons and iguanas – require light that includes rays in the UVB portion of the spectrum to remain healthy.

Do ball pythons need a UVB light?

No, and it may also increase their activity and/or coloration, but ball pythons and most other pet snakes can be perfectly healthy without the aid of UVB lighting. If you do decide to offer UVB lighting make sure the bulb is about 10 to 12 inches away from your snake and change it out every six months,…

What do ball pythons need to survive?

Your ball python does not require anything other than ambient room light to survive. Whether you keep your pet in an aquarium or a small plastic storage box, the light penetrating the enclosure walls will be more than enough for him to see and move around the habitat.

Why choose reptile full-spectrum lighting?

Vitamin D3 is essential for calcium absorption, so lack of this vitamin leads to a Metabolic bone disease and other serious health problems. Only choose reptile full-spectrum lighting, as other types (such as for plants) do not produce UVB.

Do all reptiles need UVB lamps?

All reptiles can benefit from UVB lamps and lighting. But some need it more than others. Certain species, such as all of the chameleons, simply cannot survive without UVB light exposure. Why do some reptiles need special lighting, and how much UV exposure do they need in order to be healthy?

What kind of light is best for a reptile?

Generally, CFL UVB bulbs should be used at or near your pet’s basking spot, so that the animal is exposed to UV while basking. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs are inexpensive when compared to other reptile UVB lighting products, and are self ballasted (they’ll screw into most standard incandescent sockets).

Where should a reptile light be placed in a cage?

This puts the UVB bulb close to the cage, while preventing the animal from making direct contact with it. This is the typical placement for specialized reptile lamps. UVA rays are also beneficial to the health and well being of reptiles (though, arguably, not nearly as important as UVB exposure).

Which is the best reptile light bulb 2020?

Top 17 Reptile UVB Light Bulbs Reviews 2020 #1 Zoo Med ReptiSun T8 10.0 UVB Lamp #2 Mega-Ray Mercury Vapor Bulb #3 Zilla UVB Fluorescent Bulb 18 inch #4 Evergreen Pet Supplies UVA UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb #5 MyComfyPets UVB Light and UVA 2-in-1 Reptile Bulb #6 Exo Terra Repti-Glo 5.0 #7 Fluker\\’s 27002 Repta-Clamp Lamp

What is the best UVB bulb for reptiles?

However, some previous customers reevaluated that its lifespan may be a bit lower because this UVB bulb emits a little heat. UVB bulb from MyComfyPets is one of the best reptile UVB bulb that you can easily search on the market today. This product can be used on all pet reptiles without affecting their skin or activity.

What kind of light bulb do I need for my Pet?

There are many types of bulbs that can do that, but the mercury vapor bulb is the most ideal and has the best performance. Pets cannot always be outside to absorb the natural sunlight, so a mercury vapor bulb is indispensable.

Are mercury vapor light bulbs good for reptiles?

Although the price is more expensive than the other two bulbs, the mercury vapor bulb shows its superiority. It both provides UV rays that are beneficial for reptilian growth and acts as an excellent heat source for your pet. Therefore, you can save a lot of additional investment and save a lot of free space for your pet’s cage.

Do corn snakes need UVB light?

Suggested UVB: Sunbeam Method: UVI range 4.5 – 8.0 in basking zone. The research places species of snake commonly kept as pets, such as corn snakes, and Burmese pythons, in zone 1. With boa’s in zone 2. The research therefore suggests that UV lighting is required, certainly by a notable number captive snake species.

Do Reptiles need UVB or UVA light?

However, research has found both, UVB and UVA light have many other benefits for reptiles as a whole, assisting the immune system, in skin, and with colour vision.

What is the best reptile light bulb for dogs?

Top 17 Reptile UVB Light Bulbs Reviews 2020 #1 Zoo Med ReptiSun T8 10.0 UVB Lamp #2 Mega-Ray Mercury Vapor Bulb #3 Zilla UVB Fluorescent Bulb 18 inch #4 Evergreen Pet Supplies UVA UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb #5 MyComfyPets UVB Light and UVA 2-in-1 Reptile Bulb #6 Exo Terra Repti-Glo 5.0 #7 Fluker’s 27002 Repta-Clamp Lamp

Are ball pythons fussy eaters?

Feeding is one we’ve already covered, but ball pythons are fussy eaters when compared to corn snakes. Even though feeding usually isn’t an issue once you get to know your snake, ball pythons can still be a bit of a challenge and it can take up a lot of your time trying to get them to eat.

How long do ball pythons live in captivity?

While corn snakes live to be up to 20 years old in captivity, ball pythons can reach ages well over 30. Since you’re going to have to care for your pet snake for as long as they live, corn snakes may be slightly more accessible given the shorter lifespan of the animal.

What is the difference between a ball python and corn snake?

When it comes to the care of ball pythons compared to corn snakes, there is one difference that shifts the choice even more towards the corn snake. Ball pythons require a higher humidity which can (depending slightly on where you live) be a bit of a pain to monitor.