The best bulbs to use for nighttime heat are black or red bulbs , a heat mat , or a ceramic heat emitter which do not give off bright light. Do you have more questions related to creating the best habitat for your reptile or amphibian? Visit our FAQs page or contact us and we will do what we can to be sure you and your pet have a long and happy life together. Asking questions is the best way to learn how to create the best habitat for your reptile or amphibian.
Whether you are a novice or expert, there is always more to discover. Over time you can find more ways to improve your terrarium and give your pet a home in which he or she will thrive. Here are a few places to start.
To build the best home for your pet you need to know as much as possible about where they originate. Recreating their natural environment will help them feel comfortable and help them ease into their natural habits. Does your pet originate from a tropical or desert environment? Are there a lot of rocks? These questions will help you with every aspect of your terrarium, lighting or otherwise.
How big is your terrarium? However, most reptiles fit into one of four categories: Meet the Ferguson Zones Dr. What are these numbers? T8 bulbs are older technology and produce less powerful UVB. They also tend to have shorter lifespans, lasting about 6 months before needing to be replaced.
T5 HO high output bulbs are a newer technology and produce stronger UVB that penetrates further into an enclosure. They also last at least 12 months before needing replacement. But even the best MVBs tend to fluctuate in output from one bulb to the next, and use a relatively short wavelength of UVB compared to other sources, which makes them potentially dangerous and distrusted by many experts.
High quality bulbs can last 12 months or more. Some consider them to be the best sunlight simulators, although they must be positioned at a greater distance than other bulbs for safe use.
They also require external ballasts and a fixture that can cope with their high-voltage ignition pulse. Unfortunately, UVB production decays fairly quickly in these bulbs.
How to use your UVB bulb properly Okay, now you know what UVB is, how it works, the different types of bulbs, and which brands are best. When figuring out where to put your UVB, ask yourself the following four questions: Is the bulb installed over or under the mesh?
Mesh blocks a significant amount of UVB. If your enclosure has a mesh ceiling, your UVB bulb and fixture should be installed on the underside of this mesh, not over it. Is there glass or plastic covering the bulb? Glass and plastic block all UVB. Remove any protective glass or plastic bulb covers that the fixture may have come with before using.
Are the heat source and UVB lamp on the same side of the enclosure? Heat and UVB always go together. So for example if your heat source is on the far left side of the enclosure, the UVB should also be placed to the far left so its beam overlaps with the beam of the heat source. How far will the UVB bulb be from your reptile? There is an inverse relationship between UVB strength and how far away your reptile is from the source. If closer, then the UVB it experiences will be stronger.
If further, then the UVB it experiences will be weaker. Use the right fixture Each type of UVB bulb needs a specific type of fixture to work properly. References and Resources: These are the resources that I referenced while writing this mini-series. How much UV-B does my reptile need?
Effects of ultraviolet radiation on plasma hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations in corn snakes Elaphe guttata by Mark J. Acierno et al. Jun 17, Josh Halter. The Dude's Blog Library - Tons of articles and how-to at your fingertips! Recent Posts. Pacman Frog Caresheet and bioactive terrarium guide Nov 02, Leopard Geckos are able to obtain D3 from their food.
Captives generally do fine without UVB light, provided that sufficient D3 is present in the diet. Amphibians utilize dietary D3, and most seem not to require UVB exposure. There is some evidence, however, that low levels may be of use to Poison Frogs and other diurnal species. As field studies have shown that plant cover does not block all UVB, it follows that diurnal amphibians will receive some exposure.
On the other hand, the skin and eggs of some amphibians contain chemicals that filter-out UVB. We still have a great deal to learn. Natural sunlight is the best source of UVB, but please remember that overheating can occur quickly, and that UVB does not penetrate glass or most plastics. Screen cages offer options in some situations… please see this article for further information.
In recent tests, the Zoo Med 5. Basking sites of varying distances should be provided, as reptiles will adjust their exposure as needed. Some chameleons, for example, modify their basking behavior in accordance with the Vitamin D3 content of their diets please see article linked below.
Florescent bulbs stop emitting UVB after a time, but will continue to give off visible light. Florescent UVB Bulbs provide little heat. Situating one near an incandescent basking bulb will ensure that your pet receives UVB exposure each time it seeks warmth. Halogen and Mercury Vapor Bulbs generally emit higher levels of UVB than florescent bulbs, and broadcast it over greater distances.
They also give-off heat, and so may eliminate the need for an additional heat source. Unfortunately, however, few studies have been done on the specific needs of individual reptiles. But experience has provided important lessons…please post below for information on the animals in your collection.
In general, UVB exposure is very important to desert-dwellers, species that bask frequently in the wild, and young, growing individuals. If you decide to use a low output UVB, be sure to provide your frogs with shelters that allow them to avoid the light.
As reflection from various surfaces, the type of terrarium cover used and other factors can radically affect the amount UVB that reaches your pet, a UVB meter is an essential item for every serious reptile keeper. Please post below for links to suppliers. UVA light has a wavelength of nanometers. UVA helps regulate circadian rhythms, seasonal changes in activity levels, appetite and other important processes, and may be critical to successful reproduction in certain reptiles.
Please see the article linked below for further information. Hi Frank. We exchanged email a couple weeks ago. I asked whether I should get a 2nd canister filter for my 40 gall breeder tank, 7in painted turtle.
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