How to Make a Reptile Heat Light From a Light Bulb

Reptiles are animal members of the scientific order Reptilia, which consists of thousands of species. Reptiles are sometimes called ̶0;herps,̶1; a nickname taken from the term herpetology, which is the study of reptiles. Reptiles live in warm to temperate environments worldwide and have a size range of a couple inches in length to 30 feet. While reptiles are highly diverse animals, they all share many qualities, including a vital need for an external heat source. Reptile pet owners have many heating source options, including using a lightbulb.

  1. Purpose

    • All reptiles are ectothermic or "cold-blooded.̶1; Because reptiles cannot regulate their own body temperature internally, including not being able to produce body heat, they rely on external heat sources within their environment. In the wild, reptiles maintain their body temperature using thermo-regulation, or constantly moving back and forth from sunny to shaded areas. In captivity, reptiles also need heat sources to maintain good health.

    Heat Light

    • There are many types of lightbulbs, including those sold in pet specialty stores designed specifically as reptile heat sources. According to Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection, you can use a basic incandescent lightbulb as a heat source. Drs Foster and Smith advise keeping the daytime temperature within the range of 80 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit for most reptiles. The required lightbulb wattage depends on the size of your reptile cage or terranium. High wattage lightbulbs generate more heat and can be place further away from your reptile than low wattage bulbs. In smaller environments, a low wattage lightbulb is appropriate, since it can placed closer to your reptile. Put lightbulb in a fixture that hovers over your reptile̵7;s home or attach it directly onto the cage or terranium. Reptiles require variable temperatures that mimic daytime and nighttime heat ranges, not constant temperatures. Achieve this by manually turning the lamp off at appropriate times or by using a time-controlled, programmable thermostat.

    Heat Benefits

    • In addition to helping reptiles maintain body temperature, heat provides other health related benefits. Some reptiles̵7; digestive systems are affected by temperature. For example, if the temperature is too cool iguanas can become constipated. Since the temperature helps determine when it should hibernate, a snake may inadvertently go into a hibernation mode and stop eating if the temperature is too low.

    Light Exposure

    • Reptiles get different benefits from heat than from a light source. While you can use a standard incandescent lightbulb as a daytime heat lamp, maintaining optimal reptile health requires a light source that exposes the reptile to UVB light. The wavelengths of UVA light serve as biochemical catalysts and are converted to vitamin D3 by the reptiles. Reptiles use vitamin D3 to metabolize calcium, which is required for their overall life and bone health. You can use a UVA lightbulb as a daytime heat source and light source.