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Lighting Help for Newbies (:
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[QUOTE="BadCon, post: 1183931, member: 17986"] Nice post Jess! If possible, can explain the reasoning behind the cool side bulb? I'm assuming you are referring to an additional lamp to increase the overall light intensity....for this, you'll probably be using a household "daylight" fluorescent coil (not the UV kind). Perhaps mention the ideal color temperature for this type of bulb (5000kelvin to 6500k). Also, I've included a little clarification about the differences between UVA, UVB, and visible light. Some of the info you already had, but once I start typing I don't stop :p. UVA comprises the upper end of the UV spectrum, and is not visible light (to humans anyways). UVA is 320nm to 400nm, visual light starts around 400nm and continues till about 730nm. UVA is typically emitted by most fluorescent and bright white halogen lights, and as such special "UVA" lights are not necessary. UVA is more or less harmless to reptiles, so the worry of excessive exposure is nill. UVA exposure is beneficial in that is increases appetite and activity levels much like bright visible light will...in reality, the two are correlated. A bright viv with lots of lighting will also be one with good levels of UVA. In nature, UVA is the most common UV radiation, and it plays a critical role in the lives of most reptiles. UVB is a shorter wavelength then UVA, and exists between 280nm and 320nm. The "ideal" wavelength of UVB is 295-297nm, as this is the ideal wavelength for Vit D3 production. The production of Vit d3 is why UVB lighting is so critical. D3 aids in calcium absorption, among other things. Without sufficient Vit d3, a reptile will be unable to absorb calcium and will be at risk for developing Metabolic Bone Disease. UVB light has a much higher energy level then UVA, and it is this energy that damages DNA; because of this, UVB lighting must be implemented properly, as excessive exposure can lead to skin and eye issues. Additionally, light bulbs that emit short wavelength UVB (~280nm) are potentially dangerous, which is why using a quality light with a proven track record is so critical. As Jess mentioned, the only proven bulbs on the market for use with Bearded Dragons are the Reptisun 10.0, and the Arcadia D3+ 12%. While other bulbs may indeed work, the reliability and safety of most competing manufacturers have been called into question on too many occasions to recommend their use. You may hear the term UVC thrown around. UVC (100nm to 280nm) is a shorter wavelength then UVB, and as such contains MUCH more energy per photon. UVC is incredibly dangerous, and is used as a surface sterilizer by many industries. Any bulb emitting UVC should not be used. Very few reptile specific bulbs, if any, emit short wavelength UVC. If they do, they are not only a danger to your dragon, but to you too. In nature, the ozone layer blocks virtually all UVC entering the atmosphere...this is because UVC radiation is extremely hostile to all forms of life. I'm unaware of any specific bulbs shown to emit large quantities of UVC, though I have heard that Compact/coil "UV" bulbs are the worst offenders, in addition to the Zilla series T5 bulbs. Anyways, I've posted this picture in the past. Figured it would also be relevant here. Once again, great post Jess! [img]http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd278/pzev/Lizards/Baconslightsetup.jpg[/img] [/QUOTE]
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