A bearded dragon needs two types of light in captivity:
- UVB light
- Basking light (a source of UV radiation)
What are the best lights for a bearded dragon?
The 7 Best UVB Light Bulb for Bearded Dragons
- ZOO MED ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Lamp – Best Overall. ...
- ZOO MED T8 ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Fluorescent Lamp – Best Value. ...
- Reptile Systems 36-in T5 12% UVB Juvenile Light Kit – Premium Choice. ...
- Evergreen Pet Supplies UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb. ...
- Zilla Desert Series Fluorescent Coil Bulb. ...
- MyComfyPets UVB400 Light Reptile Bulb. ...
What lighting do I need for a bearded dragon?
What Lamps Do I Actually Need?
- A Heat Lamp One of the best types of heat lamps is a mercury vapor bulb. ...
- A UVB Light Whilst a mercury vapor bulb will supply UVB light to your bearded dragon, it is not enough on its own and it won’t cover the entire ...
- What If It Gets Too Cold?
What kind of lighting does a bearded dragon need?
Unfiltered sunlight is what bearded dragons need. But for permanent light source, you will need to use artificial lights. Artificial lights emitting both UVA and UVB light are successfully used by most reptile owners to create optimal light sources.
How many lights do you need for a bearded dragon?
You need 3 lights for your Bearded Dragon: All 3 lights are very important and play different roles in keeping your Bearded Dragon healthy. The UVB bulb will give off vital UV rays and aids calcium absorption, the basking lamp is vital for digestion and the ceramic heat emitter will top up the temperature inside the tank at night if needed.
What lights do bearded dragons need at night?
Bearded dragons do NOT need light at night. On the contrary, it would do them a world of good to have a completely dark resting place at night where they can sleep (or at least rest) peacefully. And unless the room temperature drops significantly, bearded dragons do not need heat at night either.
What two lights do you need for a bearded dragon?
Lighting is pretty simple; the main two lights you need are the heat lamp and the UVB fluorescent tube fixture. The heat lamp is the easier one to set up; you can buy the reptile heat lamp fixtures at pretty much any pet store. You need a fixture with decent coverage for your tank, a "sun dome" type fixture works well.
What color lights are good for bearded dragons?
Setting up a new enclosure for your bearded dragon can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be overly complicated. Pet stores will sell you items you do not need to keep your beardie happy and healthy. One of the items they often suggest is red lights to help keep your bearded dragon warm at night.
Are bearded dragons okay with LED lights?
LED bulbs can't be used as a primary light source for bearded dragons, as it doesn't provide them with the heat or UVB energy required to stay healthy. LEDs can be used as secondary lights, provided they are dimmed or shielded to not hurt the animal.
Do I turn off basking light at night?
UVB lights should be kept on during the day and turned off at night and should be used along with calcium supplements. Do not keep UVB lights on all the time as this can cause another problem, hypercalcemia (too much calcium).
Is a basking light the same as a heat lamp?
Both bulbs emit heat and white light, the difference is a subtle one in the color of light that your animals are displayed under. ZooMed Basking Bulbs emit a very yellowish hued light, but are one of the most preferred methods for heating animals that have requirements for high basking temperatures.
Why does a bearded dragon need a red light?
Bearded dragons simply do not need ANY light at night, red or otherwise. Like any other light, this red light will also end up disturbing their sleep. Remember that bearded dragons can see (and sense) extraneous lights, so you would do best to turn them off completely.
Why shouldn't you have red lights on at night?
Several studies suggest that light exposure at the wrong time can disrupt circadian rhythm and potentially impact your health. When your circadian rhythm is off, you can end up in a vicious cycle. You can't sleep well at night, and you feel tired and in need of a nap during the day.
Is a basking light the same as a UVB light?
Reptile Basking Lights/Spots These are simply incandescent light bulbs that have been treated to block part of the visible spectrum. They produce heat, and may affect somewhat the colors you see when looking at your reptiles. As stated above, they do not produce UVB.
Can you leave a heat lamp on all night for bearded dragon?
Your vivarium should mimic the natural heat and light pattern of your bearded dragon's natural environment, and since the temperature in the outback drops after dark, your bearded dragon needs a cooler temperature at night. This means you can turn off your heat lamp at night.
Why do reptiles need red light?
This extra color perception is especially important to many reptile species in recognizing others of their species and even food items. Some nocturnal geckos lack the red-sensitive cone, but their green-sensitive cone also responds to red light; they can certainly see it.
How can I keep my bearded dragon warm at night?
The best nighttime heat source for a Bearded dragon is a ceramic heat emitter, as this emits no light and can be thermostatically controlled to maintain a set temperature that should still be lower than during the day.
Do bearded dragons need two heat lamps?
At 100 watts each, one light bulb should be sufficient for heating any bearded dragon tank, unless extremely large in which case you would need 2 bulbs. If you need more than 100 watts for either a larger tank or a tank in a cold room, check out this Zacro Reptile Heat Lamp that comes in at 150 watts.
Do bearded dragons need UVA or UVB?
bearded dragons in captivity need both UVA and UVB. So, while your dragon is most likely getting adequate levels of UVA from their basking light alone, you will need a special UVB bulb to make sure their UVB needs are met.
Is a basking light the same as a UVB light?
Reptile Basking Lights/Spots These are simply incandescent light bulbs that have been treated to block part of the visible spectrum. They produce heat, and may affect somewhat the colors you see when looking at your reptiles. As stated above, they do not produce UVB.
What's the difference between UVA and UVB bulbs?
UVA rays form 95% of the UV radiation which reaches the earth. They have a role to play in the formation of some types of skin cancers. UVB rays have slightly more energy than UVA rays. They have a short wavelength that can only reach the outer layer of your skin called the epidermis.
What kind of light do bearded dragons need?
While setting up proper lighting for your beardie’s habitat may seem like a daunting task, in reality, bearded dragons only need two types of bulbs—a UVB bulb for mimicking the UVA/UVB radiation they get from the sun and a basking bulb for heat/warmth.
Which bulbs are best for bearded dragons?
If you feel that T8 bulbs would better suit your bearded dragon setup, these Arcadia and Reptisun bulbs are the best on the market (as far as T8 bulbs go).
How big of a fluorescent bulb do bearded dragons need?
The general rule of thumb is if your bearded dragon lives in a 40 gallon breeder tank (36” x 18” x 18”), then you will need a 24 inch fixture for your fluorescent bulb. If you have a 67 gallon tank (48” x 18” x 18”), then you will need a 36 inch fixture. For our recommended 120 gallon terrarium (48” x 24” x 24”), you will also need a 36 inch fixture since the horizontal dimension is the same as the 67 gallon terrarium.
What type of bulb can supply UVB?
There are two ways in which you could supply UVB—a UVB fluorescent bulb and a mercury vapor bulb.
Why is UVB important for bearded dragons?
This is because it helps them metabolize Vitamin D3 and calcium, without which, bearded dragons suffer from serious and often fatal illnesses such as metabolic bone disease . A proper basking light helps bearded dragons regulate their body heat, and aids in supporting many vital functions, such as digesting food and maintaining a proper metabolism.
Can you use mercury vapor bulbs on bearded dragons?
If you have never heard of mercury vapor bulbs (MVBs), in short, they can be used to provide both UVB and heat/basking for your bearded dragon using a single bulb for both. Tempting, no?
Is UVB light safe for bearded dragons?
In a market supersaturated with different types of bulbs to choose from, why is this list so small? Simple. These bulbs have been thoroughly studied and have been proven effective and safe for bearded dragons. On the other hand, the vast majority of other UV B bulbs on the market have been linked to various adverse health effects for bearded dragons.
What is the best light for a bearded dragon?
A basking light ( or heat lamp), is going to help your bearded dragon both regulate their day and night cycles and also aid in their digestion and keep their appetite up.
What kind of light bulb should I use for a bearded dragon?
Best UVB Bulbs for Bearded Dragons. I n addition to a heat lamp, your beardie will absolutely need a UVB bulb in their bearded dragon lighting setup as well. The UVB rays emitted from this bulb will help your dragon synthesize Vitamin D3, which is the vitamin necessary for proper calcium absorption.
Do Bearded Dragons Need a Heat Lamp At Night?
Contrary to what you might think… bearded dragons do NOT need any lights at night! The darker their tank, the better they’ll sleep.
Do You Turn Off UVB At Night?
Bearded dragons do not need a source of UVA or UVB at night. As such, you’ll want to turn both their heat lamp and UVB off at night. Leaving these bulbs on will make your beardie think it’s still daytime and can seriously disrupt their sleeping schedule.
How many watts should a halogen bulb be?
You’ll most likely want a halogen bulb between 40 and 100 watts depending on tank size.
Why is basking spot important for bearded dragons?
Your bearded dragon’s basking spot is CRUCIAL to their health because it helps stimulate their appetite, helps them absorb calcium, heat their body, and basically perform a ton of other vital functions.
How to keep a bearded dragon healthy?
Proper cage temperatures are one of the surest ways to keep your bearded dragon healthy. In fact, new owners who are experiencing problems with their beardies such as lethargy and a lack of appetite, can more times than not attribute this to having cage temperatures that are inadequate.
What kind of light do bearded dragons need?
A natural environment for a bearded dragon is the desert. Beardies in the wild receive ultraviolet light and heat from the sun on a daily basis. In order to best mimic the ultraviolet light in an indoor enclosure, high ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) output light bulbs must be used. 1 Fluorescent bulbs and mercury vapor bulbs are the two sources most commonly used in the pet world.
How much UVB do bearded dragons need?
Bearded dragons need an 8 to 10 percent output of UVB rays, which should be clearly marked on the bulb packaging. These bulbs are to be placed overhead and no more than 12 inches from where your beardie can sit or climb in order to soak in the rays.
What type of light bulbs are used in pet enclosures?
1 Fluorescent bulbs and mercury vapor bulbs are the two sources most commonly used in the pet world.
Why use one light bulb?
You can use the one bulb to provide both heat and the important ultraviolet rays in place of the usual two. These bulbs last a great deal longer than fluorescent bulbs and heat bulbs, and although they cost more, seeing that they last longer usually makes them worthwhile.
How to know if a bearded dragon is getting enough heat?
You need to continuously measure the inside of your enclosure to know if your beardie is getting ample heat. 2 You should have at least two thermometers: one directly under the basking light and one on the "cool" side of the enclosure to ensure a proper thermal gradient. For larger enclosures , you should have several thermometers placed throughout your bearded dragon's home.
Why are basking lights shaded?
Basking lights are shaped to direct heat into the area directly below the bulb as opposed to the entire tank and are usually shaded on the sides to assist in directing the light.
What temperature do bearded lizards need?
Babies need more heat and adults a little less. For example, the range for babies is 90 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 to 93 degrees F for adults. The hottest spot is the lizard's basking area.
What is the best heat emitter for bearded dragons?
Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter. This heat emitter is a 100-watt ceramic heat emitter and is ideal for keeping bearded dragons warm at night without giving off any visible light. It is just as good as the Repticare one, but at least you have a choice! Check Prices at Amazon.
How many watts does a bearded dragon heat emitter use?
This heat emitter is a 100-watt ceramic heat emitter and is ideal for keeping bearded dragons warm at night without giving off any visible light.
How much does a UVB reflector increase light emission?
This is a 2-foot UVB light with an added bonus of a reflector. Making use of the reflector increases light emission by as much as 300%.
How many watts does a beardie light bulb have?
The bright bulb supplies 50 watts of warm, white light that gives great focus within your beardie’s terrarium. It is also not too bright to be harsh for your beardie’s eyes.
What temperature should a bearded dragon tank be at night?
Note: Since no lights should be on at night, your bearded dragons tank may drop below 80 F in which case, you may want to invest in a ceramic heat emitter. There are then a few other things which you MAY want to get to make things easier such as: An infrared thermometer. A light timer. So let’s get straight into it and find out what ...
How much of a terrarium does a Nanotech light cover?
Similar to the NanoTech light above, this product also has a reflector which will ensure that the light covers at least 70% of the terrarium.
What is a dimmable switch on a pet lamp?
The lamp comes equipped with a dimmable switch, which allows you to control how much light and heat, your pet receives from the bulb.
What type of light do bearded dragons need?
A preferred lighting option for many bearded dragon owners and breeders is the Mercury Vapor bulb. These bulbs provide adequate amounts of both UVA and UVB rays and also provide heat. Mercury Vapor bulbs are more costly than fluorescent bulbs, but tend to last much longer.
Why is it important to place the light bulb in a bearded dragon enclosure?
Light placement is critical because if the bulb is too far away the bearded dragon may not receive enough radiation or heat.
How far away should you place mercury bulbs in a terrarium?
Place Mercury Vapor bulbs no higher than 20 inches from the floor of the terrarium for full effectiveness. Place Mercury Vapor bulbs at one end of the enclosure to replicate a basking area.
What does UVA radiation do to bearded dragons?
UVA radiation helps your bearded dragon to remain healthy, stimulated, and maintain a healthy appetite.
How do bearded dragons reproduce?
Since bearded dragons need this radiation from the sun, we must replicate it when kept indoors. The best way to reproduce these rays is by specialized, full-spectrum lighting supplied by fluorescent and mercury vapor light bulbs. These full-spectrum bulbs are readily available at most pet stores. It is important that your pet receives ...
What is a CFL bulb?
In recent years compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) have gained popularity in the reptile husbandry world. These are the “curly” or mini fluorescent bulbs.
Where do bearded dragons come from?
We know that bearded dragons come from the hot desert areas of the Australian outback. Because of this, bearded dragons receive UVA and UVB radiation naturally from the sun. Radiation is essential for the health of the bearded dragon, so it is important to understand bearded dragon lighting requirements. Learning Points.
What 2 lights do bearded dragons need?
There are two types of lighting that you should use in your vivarium or tank for your bearded dragon: UVA and UVB. Make sure to stay away from a halogen bulb and fluorescent bulbs. The type that you need depends on the time of year, with UVB being more important for winter months when it’s colder outside.
Do bearded dragons need light at night?
Bearded dragons should be able to sleep during the night, but they also need light. Without it, serious problems can occur after prolonged exposure to inadequate levels of UVB light. UVB light does not penetrate glass so to get the bearded dragon out of the vivarium you either need to expose them to natural sunlight or use an appropriate basking spotlight that emits both UVA and UVB light.
What Is The Best UVB Lighting For Bearded Dragons?
When it comes to choosing the right UVB bulb for your Bearded Dragon there are a lot of choices and sometimes it can be overwhelming.
Why Is Lighting So Important to Bearded Dragons?
Bearded Dragons are exothermic which basically means that they need to regulate their body temperature from the external heat sources.
Why Are UVB Bulbs Important?
UVB basically stands for Ultraviolet-B and this is the main source lighting that your Bearded Dragon needs and will be exposed to each day.
What Is The Correct Size & Placement For UVB Lighting?
UVB lights for Bearded Dragons are long fluorescent tube bulbs, this helps to cover the majority of the tank so your Dragon can get exposure easily.
What Fixings Should I Use For My UVB Light?
There are lots of ways to fix the UVB light to your Dragons tank. Some people get creative, start drilling holes and fixing the UVB light all over the place.
How Often Do UVB Bulbs Need Replacing?
Replacing your UVB light is hugely important but it’s also often overlooked.
What Is The Best Basking Lamp?
Basking lamps are totally different from UVB bulbs. I would always recommend that you purchase a UVB bulb specifically designed for reptiles as these are the only bulbs that can do this job correctly.
