Bearded dragon UV lighting
Being desert animals, Bearded dragon bask almost all day in the hot sun. The sun not only supply their temperature requirements but emits ultraviolet rays. Because pet Bearded dragons are generally not kept outside in the desert sun, artificial ultraviolet lighting needs to be supplied.
Also see why Bearded dragons need UV lighting for more information. Natural ultraviolet rays are blocked out by walls and even windows. There are two options when it comes to supplying pet Bearded dragons with adequate UV:
- Through artificial UV lighting
- Through natural, unfiltered sunlight (usually by placing them outside)
When compared with artificial ultraviolet, natural ultraviolet lighting via sunshine is always better. Even if artificial UV lighting is used, Bearded dragons must still be allowed natural, non-filtered sunlight one to two hours per day.
Artificial UV lighting
Artificial ultraviolet light will be commonly used within enclosures. For this, a full spectrum reptile or, more specifically, Bearded dragon UV light should be installed. These lights are commercially available from specialised pet shops and are available in either fluorescent tubes, mercury vapour floodlights or spotlights. The intensity of these UV lights, indicated on the packaging, should be 8% or higher. Most commercial Bearded dragon UV lights will mainly emit UVB with little quantities of UVA.
UV lighting should be mounted no more than 30 cm / 12 ” above the main basking area. Closer is better, but not too close as to cause thermal wounds. Generally, UV lighting should be replaced every six months (depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation). All lights (including basking/heating lights) should be on for about fourteen hours per day. An electrical timer can be used for this purpose.
Natural natural sunlight
As mentioned earlier, it is still recommended that a Bearded dragon is exposed to natural UV, even if ‘adequate’ artificial UV lighting is used. Natural sunshine will expose a Bearded dragon to both UVA and UVB rays. Any natural exposure is better than nothing, but more UV is better.
Related Bearded dragon products
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Iron mesh guard for protecting heat lamps. Size: 12 x 12 x 16)cm / (4.72 x 4.72 x 6.3)”
Light adapter with clamp and rotatable head used for mounting heat or ultraviolet light bulbs. Great for creating basking spots for Bearded dragons. E27 screw-in fitting, on/off switch, 1.5m / 5ft cable,
Size: (21×19)cm / (8.4 x 7.6)”. Light adapter with reflector lampshade, protector screen and clamp used for mounting heat or ultraviolet light bulbs. Great for creating basking spots for Bearded dragons. E27 screw-in fitting, on/off switch, 1.5m / 5ft cable.
Digital LCD Thermometer used to measure the ambient temperature.
Digital programmable timer used to switch electrical apparatus such as lights on and off at desired times.
Light adapter with clamp and flexible head used for mounting heat or ultraviolet light bulbs. Great for creating basking spots for Bearded dragons. Flexible head. E27 screw-in fitting, on/off switch.
Light adapter with on/off switch used for mounting heat or ultraviolet light bulbs. Great for creating basking spots for Bearded dragons. E27 screw-in fitting, 2m / 6ft cable.
Digital LCD Thermometer used to measure the ambient temperature.
Size: (48 x 28.6 x 15.2)mm. Small, simple to use. Perfect for measuring the current humidity and temperature of a Bearded dragon’s enclosure. Range 10 – 99%, -50℃ to 70℃.
Size: (48 x 28.6 x 15.2)mm. Small, simple to use. Perfect for measuring the current humidity and temperature of a Bearded dragon’s enclosure. Range 10 – 99%, -50℃ to 70℃.
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