D3, Is it necessary?

[bayoupig5]

While using a Reptisun 10.0, do I need to also supplement D3?

 

[scion]

Yes, with the reptisun bulb. No only when using mvb

 

[Tigg]

To clarify... the only time you need to use a D3 supliment is when you are not providing UVB at all. The reptisun 10.0 is a very good bulb within 20", you do not need to be adding D3 because your BD's body will be creating it's own. although it will not harm him so finish the bottle you have, and next time don't waste the extra money for D3.

 

[scion]

Sorry to disagree with you Tigg, but the prevailing consesus on this site from its members,is mvb NO D3, Anything else, Yes D3. I'm sure other people will chime in and back me up on this.

 

[Tigg]

D3 supplements are for dragons that don't get any exposure to UVB at all. UVB is UVB. I agree that MVB's are the best source of UVB for BD's but the Reptisun 10.0 is a close second, and still emits great levels of UVB within 20".

So assuming the set up is right (Which would also have to be checked with a MVB) and your basking area is the recommended distance from the UVB fixture... BD bodies will manifest their own D3 to help process the calcium.

meaning you do not need to supplement D3. This is fact.

I can understand people saying this is a good idea when using a coil/compact style UVB bulb, because they have been proven to not emit enough, or emit dangerous levels which would make it difficult for your BD to synthesize it's own calcium absorption.

 

[scion]

Again I disagree with what you say. When I had a reptisun 10.0, I was advised to use WITH D3, and make sure she could get within 6-8" for optimal uvb exposure. When I got my mvb, was told 12" minimum, and no D3. If they only needed D3 when not getting uvb, how would they absorb calcium? Why would any beardie NOT get uvb? No uvb= MBD, and other health issues. Also you shouldnt use coil or compact uvb because they emit bad rays that are harmful

 

[Mistyck]

Tigg,

Where are you getting your information from? Everything you're saying is wrong according to everything I've ever read. If you use an MVB you do not need to use D3. If you are just using a UVB bulb then you need to use D3.

 

[Tigg]

Wow, guys there is plenty of literature about Bearded Dragons out there, in Fact reading literature on most herps will give you this same answer... Don't always trust/listen to what you read on the internet or on forums. including what I am saying right now. I have gotten my answers from published books, And I urge you to do the same.

First off I want to clarify that I am not trying to say that D3 supliments are in any way shape or form bad (Althought I am not sure if too much of it can be a problem) I am simply saying that in the presence of a UVB LIGHT (ANY UVB LIGHT) it is not nescarry to spend the extra money on the added D3.

We are talking about the science and biology of a reptile here guys... the type of light does not matter.... Whether it is the sun, a MVB, a flourescent tube, or even a coil/compact UVB bulb (And before I get flamed I will once again say I do know the difference, and which type of light gives the best UVB output) .... As long is the light in question emits UVB, and these rays come in contact with your BD's skin... Then your BD's skin will manufacture it's own D3... THIS IS THE WHOLE REASON WE BUY UVB LIGHTS FOR OUR REPTILES.

D3 is a chemical a reptiles body uses to break down calcium and aid in the body's absorbtion.... Reptiles were manufacturing their own long long long before we came along and decided to sprinkle their food with it!

The only reason we provide UVB lights for our dragons, is so their bodies can process the calcium efficently, and to allow them to absorb the calcium, and grow big and strong... Now if MVB's were the only bulbs that could do that, why is there only 2 companies making them, and what good is all the other bulbs on the market??since giving your lizard a D3 supliment will help him grown strong with absolutely no UVB light at all.

 

[Mistyck]

Books on bearded dragons are full of outdated information, so therefore I wouldn't trust anything that comes from a book on bearded dragons.

 

[Tigg]

There is also lot's of people out there spreading wrong information, Luckily this is not the type of thing that will harm a BD when someone follows the wrong info... they will just waste their money.

 

[Jasper's Mom]

Where's Tracie when you need her? :lol: I would like to add my voice to the others here: You need to use calcium with D3, except if you have an MVB. So with any other kind of bulb - ReptiSun 10.0 or 5.0 or ReptiGlo 8.0 - you must use calcium with D3.

Book are not a reliable source of info for bd's. As Brandi said, they are full of outdated information. I read a book that says mealworms are a good feeder and that spinach is fine to use as a staple green! :roll:

 

[scion]

Beardies can produce d3 with the reptisun 10.0 or any other uvb bulb, but not sufficient amounts. Unless it is a mvb.

Mvb bulbs put out far more uvb than any other type of bulbs. See here http://www.uvguide.co.uk/index.htm.
This is a great study showing all you will ever need to know about uvb.

The reptisun puts out no where near the amount of uvb to create sufficent d3 for beardies to absorb enough calcium to remain healthy. That is why people here, every herp vet I have gone to, and every breeder I have spoken with, agree that you should suppliment. Besides, as the study shows, distance from the bulb, and hours used greatly affect the amount of uvb emmited.

 

[bayoupig5]

Wow, I guess I started a hot debate here. With so many varied opinions. I guess I was just a little worried about D3 overload,as I know that UVB exposure does in fact produce D3. Hmm, still deciding what to do here.

 

[Tigg]

I just confirmed that D3 in excess can in fact be toxic.

 

[Jasper's Mom]

How and where did you confirm this? What level of D3 would be considered "toxic"?