Reptiles that are awake during the day and asleep at night are called diurnal, while reptiles that are awake at night and asleep during the day are called nocturnal. Diurnal reptiles are sun loving creatures and need both full spectrum lighting which also provides heat, and a UVB bulb of the proper strength. In addition, the heat light needs to be of the proper wattage so it gives the reptile the optimal basking surface temperature, which allows his body to warm to the correct temperature to support proper body function. The Reptile Care pages of this website have species specific lighting requirements, and the below website links will also aid you in your research.
The correct placement of a UVB bulb is as close to the basking bulb as possible. UVB light is harsh and can cause eye damage, but the eyes have a defense mechanism: pupil contraction. When a light is shined in your eyes, your pupils react the the light by shrinking, sometimes even to the size of a small point, like a pencil lead. The shrinking pupil allows less light into the eye, protecting the retina. Outdoors, when the sun is at its brightest it is also giving off high levels of UV, so our eyes are designed to limit the amount of damaging rays passing through the pupil. Basking reptiles' eyes are designed similarly, and they will also have pupil construction when exposed to bright light. Always make sure you have a bright basking bulb so that it will keep the pupils constricted properly. Too dim of a basking bulb can cause the UVB to irritate the eyes.
Not all UVB bulbs are created equally and the companies that manufacture them do not have the same quality control and do not use the same grade of materials. This is why you might see people recommend only certain brands and advise against other brands. Since UVB is such an important aspect of your reptile's daily care, do make the extra effort to purchase one of the higher quality bulbs. The difference in quality is partially in the glass that they use, the actual ballast and also the phosphorus inside the bulb itself. ZooMed's ReptiSUN and Arcadia's 12% D3 for basking lizards are examples of quality bulbs. Double-check that the diameter bulb that you purchase will fit your fixture and also that you are using a fixture that is rated for the wattage of the bulb that you have. Failure to do so could interfere with the UVB output and could also shorten the life of the bulb. The T5 bulb is 3/8" in diameter, the T8 bulb is 1" in diameter, the T12 bulb is 1.5" in diameter. An 18" bulb is 15 watts, 24" bulb is 18-20 watts, 36" bulb is 30 watts and the 48" bulb is 40 watts.
There are three different styles of UVB bulb:
Linear tube UVBs - Ranging from 18" to 48" in length, the linear tube UV bulb has the most subtle UV gradient than all other types of UV bulbs. Simulating the natural environment, the UV gradually goes from full sun intensity to dense shade at the bottom of the tank. Since they will span a length of the tank, they ensure that the reptile is receiving UV even if he moves out of the basking area. Typically, the linear tube UVB should span about 2/3 of the tank length to allow the reptile to self-regulate UV exposure and have an area of the cool side where he can escape the UVB. The linear tube UVB mounts inside the 'hood' style UV fixtures, or the under-the-cabinet style that can be mounted inside the enclosure.
Compact/coil UVB - Considered by many experienced keepers to be a substandard and unreliable UV source, the compact/coil UVBs have been plaqued with quality issues and are not recommended for most species of basking lizards. The UV gradient is sharp, with near-optimal UVB output available at alarming distances of 2-3" away, which is an unsafe basking distance for your reptile's eye health. At the average basking distance, most compact/coil UVBs have a near-dense shade, which is not strong enough for basking reptiles. The compact/coil UVBs screw into the dome-style fixtures.
Mercury Vapor Bulbs ('MVBs'), which are a 'flood lamp' style bulb, have the most intensely concentrated UV spot, and very little UV gradient. MVBs are a 'combo' bulb and give off both heat, light and UVB. Often associated with UV sensitivity in some species, the MVB should only be used by the experienced keeper. A well known uromastyx breeder, Deer Fern Farms, advises against using a MVB, as it was shown to cause basking avoidance. Also, MVBs should not be used in an enclosure that is smaller than 40 gallons. The MVBs screw into the dome-style fixtures.
The correct placement of a UVB bulb is as close to the basking bulb as possible. UVB light is harsh and can cause eye damage, but the eyes have a defense mechanism: pupil contraction. When a light is shined in your eyes, your pupils react the the light by shrinking, sometimes even to the size of a small point, like a pencil lead. The shrinking pupil allows less light into the eye, protecting the retina. Outdoors, when the sun is at its brightest it is also giving off high levels of UV, so our eyes are designed to limit the amount of damaging rays passing through the pupil. Basking reptiles' eyes are designed similarly, and they will also have pupil construction when exposed to bright light. Always make sure you have a bright basking bulb so that it will keep the pupils constricted properly. Too dim of a basking bulb can cause the UVB to irritate the eyes.
Not all UVB bulbs are created equally and the companies that manufacture them do not have the same quality control and do not use the same grade of materials. This is why you might see people recommend only certain brands and advise against other brands. Since UVB is such an important aspect of your reptile's daily care, do make the extra effort to purchase one of the higher quality bulbs. The difference in quality is partially in the glass that they use, the actual ballast and also the phosphorus inside the bulb itself. ZooMed's ReptiSUN and Arcadia's 12% D3 for basking lizards are examples of quality bulbs. Double-check that the diameter bulb that you purchase will fit your fixture and also that you are using a fixture that is rated for the wattage of the bulb that you have. Failure to do so could interfere with the UVB output and could also shorten the life of the bulb. The T5 bulb is 3/8" in diameter, the T8 bulb is 1" in diameter, the T12 bulb is 1.5" in diameter. An 18" bulb is 15 watts, 24" bulb is 18-20 watts, 36" bulb is 30 watts and the 48" bulb is 40 watts.
There are three different styles of UVB bulb:
Linear tube UVBs - Ranging from 18" to 48" in length, the linear tube UV bulb has the most subtle UV gradient than all other types of UV bulbs. Simulating the natural environment, the UV gradually goes from full sun intensity to dense shade at the bottom of the tank. Since they will span a length of the tank, they ensure that the reptile is receiving UV even if he moves out of the basking area. Typically, the linear tube UVB should span about 2/3 of the tank length to allow the reptile to self-regulate UV exposure and have an area of the cool side where he can escape the UVB. The linear tube UVB mounts inside the 'hood' style UV fixtures, or the under-the-cabinet style that can be mounted inside the enclosure.
Compact/coil UVB - Considered by many experienced keepers to be a substandard and unreliable UV source, the compact/coil UVBs have been plaqued with quality issues and are not recommended for most species of basking lizards. The UV gradient is sharp, with near-optimal UVB output available at alarming distances of 2-3" away, which is an unsafe basking distance for your reptile's eye health. At the average basking distance, most compact/coil UVBs have a near-dense shade, which is not strong enough for basking reptiles. The compact/coil UVBs screw into the dome-style fixtures.
Mercury Vapor Bulbs ('MVBs'), which are a 'flood lamp' style bulb, have the most intensely concentrated UV spot, and very little UV gradient. MVBs are a 'combo' bulb and give off both heat, light and UVB. Often associated with UV sensitivity in some species, the MVB should only be used by the experienced keeper. A well known uromastyx breeder, Deer Fern Farms, advises against using a MVB, as it was shown to cause basking avoidance. Also, MVBs should not be used in an enclosure that is smaller than 40 gallons. The MVBs screw into the dome-style fixtures.
UV gradient explained - watch Dr. Frances Baines demonstrate different types of UVB bulbs and the reason the UV gradient needs to be considered.
Frances Baines and Assoc. website UV Guide explains fluorescent tubes.
Comprehensive website about reptile UV with articles, graphs and information on the Mega Ray bulb.
|
Yahoo group UVB Meter Owners has constant cutting edge discussions about reptile UVB topics.
|