Does my reptile need UVB or special lighting?​

Let’s break it down based on the kind of reptile you have:

1. Reptiles That Need UVB Light (e.g., bearded dragons, leopard geckos, anoles):

   • UVB light helps reptiles produce Vitamin D3, which helps them absorb calcium. Without UVB, reptiles can develop metabolic bone disease (MBD), which is a big problem for them.

   • UVB lets reptiles make Vitamin D3, just like they would get from the sun in the wild. In captivity, you need to provide it using special UVB bulbs.

   • You’ll want to get a good UVB bulb designed for reptiles. Make sure it covers enough area in the enclosure, and don’t forget to replace it every 6-12 months because it loses effectiveness over time. Check with our store employees to help you pick out the correct light for your enclosure.

     
     

2. Reptiles That Don’t Need UVB Light (e.g., nocturnal reptiles like geckos, snakes):

   • Some reptiles don’t need UVB because they’re nocturnal and don’t get much sunlight in the wild. They get the calcium they need from their food instead.

   • While they don’t need UVB, many still need regular lighting to help with day/night cycles. Just use a regular bulb to give them a natural day and night rhythm.

     
     

3. Special Lighting (e.g., basking lamps, heat bulbs):

   • Basking reptiles, like bearded dragons, need extra heat to stay active. A basking lamp provides heat in a specific area where they can sunbathe, just like they would in the wild.

   • The basking spot should be around 95-100°F (35-38°C) for desert reptiles like bearded dragons. Adjust the temperature depending on your reptile’s needs.

   • Some lamps combine both UVB and heat, so you get both in one light. If your reptile needs both heat and UVB, these are a great option!

     
     

4. Tropical and Arboreal Reptiles (e.g., chameleons, anoles, frogs):

   • Tropical reptiles need a day/night cycle too, but they may not need as much UVB unless they’re in direct sunlight. Still, UVB is helpful for their overall health, so don’t skip it.

   • A UVB bulb designed for tropical reptiles, along with a heat source to keep the enclosure at the right temperature, is usually the way to go. Some tropical species also need a humid environment, so keep that in mind.

     
     

General Tips for Providing UVB and Lighting:

• Distance Matters: UVB light loses strength over distance, so make sure the bulb is placed close enough to your reptile (usually 6-12 inches from the basking spot).

• Timers Are Your Friend: Set your lights to turn on for about 10-12 hours a day, then turn them off at night. This mimics a natural day/night cycle.

• Replace Bulbs Regularly: UVB bulbs lose their effectiveness over time. Even if the light still looks on, replace them every 6-12 months to ensure your reptile is getting the full benefit. We have UVB cards than can be used to test your UVB bulb for effectiveness.

  
  

When UVB is Not Necessary:

• Nocturnal Species: If your reptile is nocturnal (like many snakes and geckos), they don’t need UVB, but you still need a regular lighting schedule to help them know when it’s day and night.