Lighting (UVB)
Shade Dweller 2.4% UV-B (Arboreal)
Shade Dweller 2.5% UV-B (Snakes)
Shade Dweller 7% UV-B (Shade Dwelling)
D3 Forest 6% UV-B (Tropical)
D3 Desert 12% UV-B (Arid)
D3 Dragon 14% UV-B (‘Intense’ Desert)
By The Bug Guys adapted form arcadiareptile.com
Why is UV-B and D3 important?
UV-B light aids in converting cholesterol (Pro vitamin D) into Pre vitamin D in the skin. Warmth then converts Pre vitamin D into vitamin D3; this allows proof towards the fact that you should not split up your light and heat sources. The vitamin D3 then moves through blood plasma and is eventually transformed into Calcetriol. Calcetriol plays an essential role in calcium metabolism, which controls blood calcium levels, lowers risk of cancer, and helps the immune and cardiovascular systems.
Vitamin D3, also referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”, circulates the bloodstream. This aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which keeps bones strong, helps to fight diseases, and can reduce depression.
Glass filters out UV-B entirely. For UV-B to be effective it must be provided directly in a controlled and measured way from above. This can be done through meshed screens or direct sunshine.
What is a thermal gradient?
Thermal gradients, also known as the “light and shade method”, allows for reptiles to self-regulate their own temperatures. Enclosures should include a hot side with more direct UV-B and cool side with less direct UV-B. In the wild, the sun projects light from UV-B to infrared B; it is a single source of energy (heat, visible light, and UV-B). This
being said, there are trees, plants, and rocks that provide obstruction from the sun, which animals use to self-regulate their levels of both heat and UV-B. The exact percentages needed for every reptile is unknown, this is due to the constant variables and changing of global conditions. By providing thermal gradients, which animals have in the wild, we can support wild-recreation.
Shade Dweller 2.4% UV-B (Arboreal) and Shade Dweller 7%
The Arboreal Shade Dweller was designed to safely be used for reptiles that require low levels of UV-B on meshed tops. It is ideal for “shade dwelling” species; such as Crested geckos, smaller climbing snakes, and amphibians that can easily move up or down depending on the energy level they require at any given time. By using the 2.4% it
reduces the risk of a UV-B overdosage and further supports self-regulation for arboreal reptiles.
The Shade Dweller 7% is suitable for species that require low levels of UV-B and tend to remain ground dwelling. This would include Leopard Geckos, Pythons, Boas, Corn snakes, King snakes, Garter snakes, Scorpions, Agamids, Spiders, Arachnids, and insects.
T5 lighting
T5 lamps help to promote incredible health for both reptiles and plants. They provide a crisp, bold, full-spectrum source of light. T5s provide more reliable UV-B and full body coverage.
D3 Forest 6% UV-B- Suitable for reptiles that require medium levels of UV-B. This includes Chameleons, Day Geckos, Iguanas, Water Dragons, Dwarf Crocodilians, Turtles, and Blue Tongue skinks.
D3 Desert 12% UV-B- Suitable for reptiles that require high levels of UV-B and are kept in large enclosures.
This includes Bearded Dragons, Blue Tongue Skinks, Frilled Lizards, Agamids, Uromastyx, Tortoises, and Bosc Monitors.
D3 Dragon 14% UV-B- Suitable for reptiles that require high levels of UV-B and are kept in large enclosures.This includes Bearded Dragons, Blue Tongue Skinks, Frilled Lizards, Agamids, Uromastyx, Tortoises, and Bosc Monitors. Keep in mind that although the D3 Desert and D3 Dragon appear to be similar with their recommended usage, this is due to the distance from the animal. Most enclosure are different, therefore the one that should be used may differ with each household. The D3 Dragon has a strong UV-B dosage, this should not be used at closer proximities.
https://www.arcadiareptile.com/lighting/