Dragon Owner’s Guide To Lighting For Bearded Dragons
Proper lighting is must for bearded dragons. Without it he will suffer numerous health problems. These lizards need UVB & UVA to survive. The following is beginner’s guide to lighting for bearded dragons.
Reptiles can’t make vitamin D3 without UVB light. This prevents him from digesting calcium which will eventually lead to metabolic bone disease. As an owner there are various devices you can use to provide a UVB source for your dragon.
You will need a lamp to provide heat if your UVB doesn’t also generate heat. Mercury vapor bulbs are an excellent options. They generate heat & UVB light. They are more expensive but you won’t have to buy a lamp for additional heat.
Every six months or so you need to replace the UV light. The light will continue to shine after six months. However there will be little UVB produced after six months. It’s also important that you place the light no more than 12 inches from your dragon’s basking spot.
Natural sunlight outshines all other UVB sources. Whenever you get the chance you should take your dragon outside to receive natural sunlight. However you shouldn’t take him outside when it’s too cold. The temperature needs to be above 70 degrees. Make sure you also provide him with shade & a hiding spot.
Bearded dragon owners sometimes put the vivarium next to a window so their lizard can receive sunlight. This is utterly useless. Your beardie will never receive UVB through a window. The glass will filter or reflect the rays. If the vivarium is made from glass it too will prevent the sun’s UVB rays from reaching him.
Although you’ll need an overhead light source you’ll also need a lid on the vivarium to prevent your dragon from escaping. Make sure that the lid isn’t made from glass or plastic because it won’t allow UVB through|It’s important that the lid isn’t made from plastic or glass. These two materials won’t allow UVB rays through|Glass & plastic won’t allow UVB rays through so make sure the lid isn’t made from one of these materials. It’s best to get a screen lid. It’s also best not to use fine mesh screens because they’ll filter out UV too. It’s best to use a lid that has large openings.
All owners need to know a thing or two about proper bearded dragon care. Bearded-dragon-care.net provides all the information you need to take proper care of your dragon. Click over right now to start learning.
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