Reptile Lighting

Reptile Lighting and Lighting Products

When you own a reptile you have a duty to ensure they are well taken care of. Part of setting up a reptile vivarium is providing the right lighting source for the specific species of reptile you have. There are a number of different lamps you might purchase for the tank. The most often used type of reptile lighting product is the Ulraviolet rays or UVB lights. The strength of the bulb can be 2, 5, 10, or 12 percent. The choice you make needs to be based on the natural habitat of the reptile you own. For example the jungle, desert, and forest will all have a different intensity of light and heat. We will look at some of the products available for reptile lighting below.

Aquatic Lamps: Aquatic lamps are typically used for plant and coral growth in aquariums. If you are providing your reptile with live plants you may find it necessary to have a small aquatic lamp on the plants you have in the vivarium.

Reptile Basking Lamps: This type of lamp is used to raise the internal temperature of your reptile. Some reptiles require a more direct source of heat than a floor heater or other style heater. The basking lamp provides an area the reptile can go when they want the warmth of the sun. Since it is directed on a specific spot the rest of the tank can remain at a different temperature.

Halogen Reptile Basking Lamps: This is a different style basking lamp. It has a higher intensity, which means it will use less energy, but still remain hot enough to do the reptile some good.

Fluorescent Lamps: This is the UVB lighting option. This style lamp can come in a variety of sizes. You may have the smaller bulbs that light a smaller area or you can go for a tube style lamp to get most of the interior of the vivarium lit. The smaller bulbs are great for tight spaces you might want to illuminate.

Day Lights and Night Switches: Your reptile will need to get some sleep during the day or night. Typically to help regulate your reptile you need to simulate the sun and moon cycle. This is especially important if your reptile is placed in a room without windows. The daylights can be switched on to make it seem like the sun is shining. With a night switch the light can be automatically turned off to account for the moon. This type of setup works well if you have less time to spend with your reptile during the week.

There are plenty of other lighting options and products out there and available right here at reptile accessories. Some are lamp accessories for pet reptiles to make it easier for you to place lights around or in the cage. You will want to read up about your specific pet reptile before purchasing a lamp or light to ensure it will not be too hot or direct for your pet’s needs. You may also consider LED lights.