UV Lamps & Reptiles

If you want to keep a pet reptile, it is important to set up a UV lamp for them because reptiles are cold-blooded animals. Whether you want a snake, a lizard, a gecko or some other kind of reptile, you should make sure to provide it with a proper UV lamp.

  1. Sun and Shade

    • In the wild, most reptiles spend part of the day basking in the sun and part of the day in the shade to regulate their body temperature. Therefore, the cage you prepare for a pet reptile should have a UV lamp as well as places for the creature to avoid the light.

    UVA Light

    • Reptiles need exposure to a wide-spectrum UV light, which includes both UVA and UVB light. UVA gives the reptile a spectrum of light that boosts their vision and helps aid digestion.

    UVB Light

    • UVB rays help a reptile develop properly and provide the animal with Vitamin D.

    Starting Early

    • While UV lights may seem harsh to human eyes, reptiles should be kept in a cage with UV lights all their lives. If a young reptile doesn't get enough UV while developing, it can have lifelong health problems, such as calcium deficiencies.

    Placement and Number

    • You should provide at least two sources of UV light, with both being placed about a foot or a foot and a half away from the bottom of the enclosure.