Reptile Lighting

On Reptile Lighting Products: Why Living without Lighting, is Not Living at All

Do you really need to get reptile lighting products for your pet? This has always been the issue not only with prospective reptile owners, but with those who are already “taking care” of their pet reptiles but has put off buying reptile lighting products.
The sad fact is that some pet shop oweners actually sell these pets without properly educating them about how reptiles need light to stay healthy. This is perfectly understandable, considering that it is their job to sell and a lecture about the rather directly proportional relationship between UV and reptilian immunity might change a prospective customer’s mind. After all, UVB Fluorescent tubes, mercury vapour lighting and daylight fluorescent lamps do cost a bit more than their standard-filament counterparts. But what about our little green friends, eh?

Reptiles may be able to survive without reptile lighting products, but not as long as they would have under different circumstances (e.g. a vivarium with proper reptile lighting). There are various UV-emitting lighting products that you can get your hands on with just one click, over the internet. Here are a few things that you have to keep in mind, when choosing the perfect lighting for your pet.

Your Pet Reptile’s Nature
A reptile’s required daily dose of UV varies according to a lot of factors, one of which is its diet (is it an omnivore or is it vegetarian?). It also depends on the temperature of your pet reptile’s natural habitat. A bearded dragon’s UV requirement may differ from other species. Most reptile lighting products sellers have catalogs and guides that you might want to take a look into. And as there hundreds of reptilian species in the world, the best thing that you can do is find out more about your pet through various online reptilian conservation and husbandry publications. After all, since you are thinking of keeping your little friend for as long as you could (which is what a pet owner in his right mind usually does), you might as well start to really know your green friend.

Reptile lighting products
UVB Fluorescent tubes are usually less expensive than mercury vapor lighting products, however, the latter is recommended for reptiles that need more UV. And, as it is not as expensive as other reptile lighting products, this type is the most commonly used, and is available in most vivarium stores. Mercury vapour lighting products might also require a larger initial investment, but it can be used for a longer time, whereas UVB Fluorescent tubes typically have to be replaced regularly (usually within 8 months).

Daylight fluorescent lamps are also rather expensive compared to regular UVB Fluorescent tubes because it gives off light that is far whiter than other light bulbs, simulating natural sunlight. Most daylight fluorescent lamps are also energy-efficient so you will not hyperventilate when you see your utility bills. These lamps, in addition to providing decent UVB output, also enhance the color of your pet and the beauty of your vivarium.