Why do reptiles need UV lights?

Unless you place your reptile outside in direct sunlight for at least 20 minutes a day, UV lights are needed. There are three types of UV light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Your reptile needs both UVA and UVB light to survive. UVC is a harmful form of radiation that can lead to cancer. UVA stimulates normal body functions such as appetite and UVB helps reptiles generate vitamin D, which is linked to calcium metabolism. Without calcium, reptiles can develop metabolic bone disease.

Do reptiles need light at night?

Reptiles require a day and night routine to set their circadian rhythms. Their days should be light and their nights dark. A dim-coloured bulb during nighttime will suffice in mimicking the reptile's light to dark ratio in their natural habitat. In a bio-active reptile enclosure, Broad Spectrum Lights can prove beneficial to your reptile.

How do you heat a reptile tank?

Reptile tanks can be heated with a variety of heating appliances. Radiant heat lamps are among the most common ways to heat a reptile tank but there are also heating pads, heat emitters, temperature monitors, and other heating accessories you can get for your reptile tank.

What type of reptile heating and lighting is generally needed?

Reptiles need both UVA and UVB light for good health. UVA stimulates their bodily functions, while UVB generates vitamin D, which helps in calcium metabolism. Your lizard friends could use small doses of UVC light to help kill bacteria, but high doses of UVC will be harmful to your pet.

Do I always have to keep my reptile heating and lighting on?

To simulate the outdoor environment, it's a good idea to turn the heat lamps off at night time. Additionally, keeping your UVB lights on all the time can give your lizards hypercalcemia - too much calcium.