Fluorescent Lights for Reptiles

Pet owners add light to their reptiles' tank setups for a variety of reasons. Some provide lights to give reptiles the heat they need. Others add lights for the UVB waves that are necessary for vitamin D3 synthesis. Other pet owners simply like the visual appearance that a light creates in the tank. No matter why you are looking to purchase a reptile light, there are several options from which to choose. Fluorescent bulbs are adequate at providing light and UVB wavelengths for reptiles. However, not all fluorescent bulbs provide the same benefits. It is important to carefully examine the type and amount of waves produced by the bulb.

  1. UVB Bulbs

    • Reptiles need vitamin D3 for growth and healthy bones. Their bodies naturally make this vitamin when exposed to UVB light. Some fluorescent bulbs emit more UVB wavelengths than others. The range is typically from two to 10. Bulbs without UVB are basically for lighting purposes only and are not sufficient for vitamin D3 synthesis. The amount of UVB that reptiles need depends on the age and species. Baby lizards often require the highest amount, because they are fast growing. Older animals can survive with lower amounts of UVB light. According to ReptileSpecialists.com, this light exposure gives reptiles the precise amount of vitamins they need. ReptileSpecialists.com also stresses that this precision cannot be matched or determined through vitamin supplements.

    Full-Spectrum Lights

    • Full-spectrum, fluorescent bulbs offer both UVA and UVB waves, as well as the full color spectrum of light. UVA light is long wavelength, ultraviolet light, and it accounts for most of the light that reaches our earth from the sun. This type of light tube is designed to closely mimic daylight. These lights also give off UVB. However, the amount of UVB emitted may not be enough for vitamin D3 synthesis. You can use a full-spectrum light tube with other lights to achieve enhanced effects, such as heat and color.

    Colored Lights

    • Some people may choose to use colored, fluorescent bulbs for their reptile cages. Colored lights have the same internal filaments as the other types of fluorescent bulbs, but they have colored coverings on the outside. These lights offer no added benefits except eye appeal. As stated on HeatPets.com, reptiles have a different level of vision than humans, and, therefore, colored lights may actually cause them stress. However, according to DrsFosterSmith.com, red bulbs are ideal for offering heat and a small amount of light to your reptiles, yet they still allow them to maintain their nocturnal characteristics. The most popular color light choices for reptile tanks are blue and black, according to HeatPets.com.