Recreating a Natural Environment
Lighting and heat are important for reptiles, who are outdoor creatures that generally live in hot climates. In order to thrive as indoor pets, it is necessary to recreate their natural environment through the use of specialist lighting and heat equipment. Without recreating the features of natural light, your reptile may become fatally ill.
Correct Lighting and Heat are essential to ensure your pet reptile has the right living conditions.
Lighting Explained
UVB
UVB is needed to enable Vitamin D production in your reptile’s skin. This vitamin controls calcium metabolism, and the body’s ability to maintain calcium levels. Calcium deficiency will lead to the development of Metabolic Bone Disease in less than six months.
UVA
UVA light isn’t visible to humans, but it is a part of the colour spectrum that reptiles can see. Therefore, without it, they will be colour-blind. UVA is also important to maintain your reptile’s physiological health; simulating feeding, breeding and other natural behaviours.
Heat
Reptiles and Amphibians are ectotherms, or coldblooded, which means that they must move in and out of the heat in order to maintain their ideal body temperature. Without a proper heat gradient, their bodies cannot thermoregulate (heat up); and they will become ill. Heat mats and basking lights should be used as heat sources in your vivarium to help your reptile maintain its temperature.
Day and Night
In short, while some reptiles are active during the day (diurnal); some are at night time (nocturnal); and others at dawn and dusk (crepuscular). All reptiles need a proper photoperiod or day/night cycle to stimulate their normal activities. Day and night light bulbs are used to regulate this.
For more information please contact us; we would be happy to help.
Species Guide to Lighting and Heat
Name | Habitat | Daytime Temperature | Heating Required | Lighting Required |
Bearded Dragon | Desert | 82-88* F | Ceramic Heat Emitter | Powersun UV or Reptisun 5.0/10.0 |
Leopard Gecko | Desert | 75-85* F | Heat Mat | Reptisun 2.0 |
Green Iguana | Tropical | 80-90* F | Heat Mat | Powersun UV or Reptisun 5.0/10.0 |
Box Turtle | Tropical | 74-82* F | Ceramic Heat Emitter | Powersun UV or Reptisun 5.0/10.0 |
Tree Frog | Semi-Tropical | Heat Mat | Reptisun 2.0 | |
Day Gecko | Tropical | 78-84* F | Heat Mat or Ceramic Heat Emitter | Reptisun 5.0 |
Crested Gecko | Temperate | 70-80* F | Heat Mat or Ceramic Heat Emitter | Reptisun 2.0 |
Kingsnake | Temperate | 77-86* F | Heat Mat | Reptisun 2.0 |
Corn / Rat Snake | Temperate | 75-88* F | Heat Mat | Reptisun 2.0 |
Chameleon | Species Dependent | Species Dependent | Basking Light | Reptisun 5.0 |
Tortoises | Species Dependent | Species Dependent | Basking Light or Ceramic Heat Emitter | Powersun UV or Reptisun 5.0/10.0 |
Aquatic Turtles | Water set-up | 75-86* F | Submersible Heater | Powersun UV or Reptisun 5.0/10.0 |