Why is UV light important for bearded dragons?

Which UVB lamp is best for bearded dragons?

For example, the Zoo Med REPTISUN T5 5.0 UVB Lamp won’t produce enough UVB to keep your bearded dragon or Iguana healthy, but they are a great choice for your box turtle (Terrapene carolina), panther chameleon or basilisk (Basiliscus spp.) enclosure.

Why do reptiles use the Sun?

Reptiles, and other vertebrates, have evolved to use the sun’s rays to help with the production of vitamin D3, a crucial nutrient that aids in more than just calcium absorption. Along with providing a seasonal photo-period, sunlight also contains UV wavelengths that promote natural behaviors.

How do reptiles convert sunlight to vitamin D?

That conversion requires exposure to the B-band of ultraviolet light (UVB), light at a wavelength of 270-300 nm. Photosynthesis of vitamin D is common across the majority of species of animals and plants. Diurnal (active in daylight) reptiles, so far as they have been tested, fall into the latter category.

What kind of light do Bearded Lizards need?

Both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B are essential for captive bearded lizards to remain healthy because they are both capable of emitting the natural radiation of the sun. Ultraviolet A can be transmitted from just about any light bulb, but only a specialized light bulb can generate UVB.

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

UVA bulbs are going to be primarily just regular light bulbs that emit physical light and heat. UVB bulbs on the other hand, are a special type of bulb that will emit the shorter UVB rays needed by your dragon to be able to produce Vitamin D3 and absorb calcium.

How long do fluorescent lights last for bearded dragons?

This fluorescent light will provide an adequate amount of UVB for most enclosures and will last anywhere from 6 to 12 months on average. However, you may want to switch it out for a new one at 6 months just to make sure optimal levels of UVB are being put out to ensure your bearded dragon stays healthy.

How much humidity should a bearded dragon enclosure have?

The ambient humidity in your bearded dragon’s enclosure should average between 30-60%. You can measure this using the abovementioned Zoo Med Digital Combo Thermometer and Humidity Gauge, with the humidity probe placed on the cool end of the enclosure.

How long should I Leave my bearded dragon UVB light on?

For colder months like Fall and Winter, you can turn the UVB on for only 8 to 10 hours. Adjusting how long the UVB light is on throughout the year, will help regulate the seasons for your bearded dragon and can create a more natural environment for them to live in.

Do reptiles get vitamin D from photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis of vitamin D is common across the majority of species of animals and plants. Diurnal (active in daylight) reptiles, so far as they have been tested, fall into the latter category.

How do you light a bearded dragon cage?

Here are some simple tips for lighting a bearded dragon cage: Choose a daylight bulb that provides both UVA and UVB rays – keep in mind that not all full-spectrum light bulbs provide UVB light. Consider using a mercury vapor bulb in your bearded dragon tank – they produce heat in addition to light so they can easily be used for basking areas.

What kind of light bulb do bearded dragons need?

Full-spectrum bulbs are a necessity for supplying UV radiation for bearded dragons. Many enthusiasts use linear fluorescent bulbs to supply UV radiation. Do not use just any ordinary fluorescent bulb, always use bulbs manufactured especially for desert-dwelling reptiles. These bulbs come in lengths ranging from 15 inches to 48 inches in length.

Does lighting affect the brumation of a bearded dragon?

With a constant background temperature and lighting period, this tends not to stimulate brumation (hibernation) in the bearded dragon. If you want to match the lighting cycle more closely and stimulate brumation and breeding behaviors then I recommend using the following lighting schedule for both the UVB and basking spot:

What kind of light bulbs are safe for bearded dragons?

Make sure the bulb you choose offers at least five to seven percent UVA and UVB radiation. UVA radiation helps your bearded dragon to remain healthy, stimulated, and maintain a healthy appetite. UVB radiation gives the bearded dragon the ability to metabolize vitamin D3 and calcium.

How long do you leave UVB lights on a bearded dragon?

Instead, the basic setup is 12 hours on, 12 hours off for both UVB and the basking spotlight bulb. With a constant background temperature and lighting period, this tends not to stimulate brumation (hibernation) in the bearded dragon.

What is the best UVB level for lizards?

Here is what they recommend: Tropical lizards, such as chameleons and green iguanas, should be exposed to UVB levels of 13 to 30 W/cm2 (microwatts per square centimeter). Desert lizards such as bearded dragons will generally do well with the same level mentioned above, or slightly higher UVB levels.

What kind of light do I need for my lizard?

Here is what they recommend: Tropical lizards, such as chameleons and green iguanas, should be exposed to UVB levels of 13 to 30 W/cm 2 (microwatts per square centimeter). They should have access to such lighting for 10 – 12 hours a day.

Do bearded dragons need light?

Bearded dragons have specific lighting requirements in order to remain healthy and vibrant. The most important lighting requirements for a bearded dragon is the ultraviolet lighting received from the sun. UVB rays emitted from the sun are crucial for the synthesis of vitamin D3.

What type of light do lizards need?

Both UVB and UVA light are needed to live a healthy lifestyle for lizards and salamanders. There are two types of light. There are three parts to the UV spectrum. Natural sunlight gives rise to all three types of light. Is red light bad for reptiles?

Can I use a regular light bulb for a bearded dragon?

A regular bulb purchased for whiter light, could be used for your bearded dragon. However, consider using a bulb with a frosted surface or in some other way diffusing the light.

What is a basking light for reptiles?

By mimicking natural heat produced by the sun, basking lights give reptiles a way to absorb warmth and regulate their body temperature. There are tons of basking light options on the market made specifically for retiles.

How far should a light bulb be from a lizard?

Most manufacturers require the bulb to be within twelve to eighteen inches from the lizard. Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for achieving the proper placement for the bulb you use. Replace full-spectrum light bulbs as often as possible.

Why does my bearded dragon need a light?

This light helps your bearded dragon produce Vitamin D3, which is very important for calcium absorption in its body. Calcium is an essential nutrient for better bone health, and calcium deficiency can cause metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal for your bearded dragon.