Importance of lights for Reptiles:
Sunlight is essential for all reptile species. Not only does the sun make them feel warm, but it also supplies them with essential vitamins to stay active. In reality, every aspect of their life is controlled by sunlight or the artificial source when they are kept indoors. That’s why careful selection of appropriate light is crucial for your reptile’s health in captivity because adequate lighting for your pet is just as vital as food and water.
UV light:
Each form of light has a distinct purpose in keeping your pet healthy and comfortable. UV light is classified into three types: A, B, and C. Reptiles need UVB and UVA light to survive. Both of these are kinds of ultraviolet (and UV) light. So these lights must be directly exposed to the reptile’s surroundings.
UVA:
UVA is not visible to humans, but reptiles can observe it. UVA is present in certain common household lights. It is used to assist animals in seeing colors, shapes, and patterns. It also assists them in identifying men and females of their species in the wild.
UVB:
UVB is a non-visible spectrum of light. Reptiles need to convert Vitamin D in their skin to maintain calcium homeostasis
UVC:
UVC is another form of UV light that reptiles do not require. UVC is mostly used as the light source for UV sterilization. It can kill microorganisms. Despite this, reptiles can be adversely affected by high levels of their exposure.
How to Choosing the Appropriate Reptile Light:
Each reptile has special light requirements. It is your responsibility to assist them in meeting those needs. Light bulbs, heat bulbs, and two-in-one bulbs are available. But, the health of your reptile Lights depends on UVB. UVB lamps are made from two types of lights: light tubes and compact light bulbs. Light tubes are good for most reptile habitats. At the same time, compact lights are good for tiny enclosures during the larval stage.
If you have a pet that requires more UVB light, you will need a special UVB bulb. UVB lamps with lesser output are also available. For UVB light/heat treatment, it is recommended to turn them on and off for 12 hours consecutively. A programmable power structure should be attached to control the time rotation. When the light is turned off, a nighttime heat source should be present to keep your pet warm as they sleep. Use dark or red bulbs, a heat mat, or a ceramic heat emitter that does not generate strong light in the evening.
Important Reptile lighting Tips:
- All light sources should be positioned directly above a reptile’s head, not to the side. Lights beaming obliquely into its eyes are stressful.
- No lamp or tube should be placed closer than six inches from the reptile. Heat lights often need significantly higher distances. Many lighting is harmful at close range.
- The entire body of a reptile must fit within the hot, brilliantly lighted basking region. Floodlights should be used. Narrow spotlights may only heat a tiny patch of skin. causing it to become dangerously hot while the rest of the body stays cold.
- Reptiles’ circadian rhythms are determined by separating day and night. The day must be bright, and the night must be black. To supply the right photoperiod for the species, use timers.
- Ceramic heaters or heat mats on a back wall are better than night lights for providing midnight heat.
In Short, all reptile species rely on light to regulate their biological activities. The lack of a reliable light source would cause them stress, which would damage their health.
