Reptiles need heat, UVB, and bright white visible light as part of their setup to ensure good health and help them thrive. Reptiles are ectothermic, which means that instead of producing their own body heat, they depend on external sources like the sun for warmth. This heat energy is used to digest their food, maintain bodily function, and stay generally healthy. Since reptiles don't produce their own heat, we must provide the heat they need with heat lamps.
UVB is an essential wavelength naturally found in sunlight, and is beneficial for most — if not all — reptiles. UVB is critical to helping your pet’s bones stay healthy and strong, and plays a role in a variety of other essential functions.
The Zoo Med Tropical UVB & Heat Lighting Kit includes:
- Mini Combo Deep Dome Lamp Fixture
- Daylight Blue Reptile Bulb (60w)
- ReptiSun 5.0 Mini Compact Fluorescent (13w)
The Zoo Med Daylight Blue Reptile Bulb produces blue light, which is known to harm animal vision and disturb circadian rhythms. If you are looking for an incandescent bulb to provide non-UVB daytime lighting for your pet's terrarium, we recommend the Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp instead.
UV Index for the ReptiSun 5.0 Mini Compact Fluorescent:
3" below lamp — UVI 2.6 - 3.5+
4" below lamp — UVI 2.6 - 3.5+
5" below lamp — UVI 1.0 - 2.6
6" below lamp — UVI 1.0 - 2.6
7" below lamp — UVI 0.7 - 1.0
8" below lamp — UVI 0.4 - 0.7
10" below lamp — UVI 0.4 - 0.7
Different reptiles have different UVB requirements. Research your particular species to determine what UVI it needs in its basking area.
Distance is measured from the tip of the bulb to the basking area or reptile. UVI estimations are approximate. Note that UVI is reduced by 30-40% when the UVB bulb is placed over mesh screen.
