Using natural uvb

[Ilovelucy]

I have an adult beardie and a baby. I'm in the process of upgrading the adults cage and plan to move to baby into the larger tank. I am trying to spend as little as I can before the swap because I have plans on interchanging items between tanksc. I don't want to buy a tube UVB setup for my baby because he'll be getting the adults who I'm going to upgrade to the mercury vapor. Later on ill upgrade the baby as well when he's ready to move out of the 40 g. So my question is this!!! Does anyone have experience with using the sun as a primary UVB source? If so, what length of time do you recommend per day? I have been taking my baby out for 30 mins while in his bath so I kill two birds with one stone I just hope that this is adequate. I'm prepared to buy something if I need to but I also don't want to waste money unnecessarily, especially since this is such a short term thing and it's not harmful in any way since it's more natural for them. I'm just kind of stuck on the appropriate amount of time per day if anyone has any input. Thank you!!!

 

[CooperDragon]

I've used natural sunlight as a backup or in "emergency" situations but nothing long term. To completely take over for a good UVB source, you'll probably want to provide at least a couple of hours over the course of the day. You'll need more in the morning or evening than you would in the middle of the day as the intensity of the light is higher. You'll also need the weather to cooperate. Natural sunlight is the best source of light but you'll need the time to provide enough and the weather will need to cooperate. You will still need to keep the proper basking temps in the enclosure to allow for proper digestion as well.

 

[Taterbug]

There is a study that suggests 2hrs is "adequate" for UVB exposure - though it would be more or less depending on the intensity of UV. Clouds, angle of the sun, humidity etc all play a role.

How long will the transfer take? You'd probably be ok for a couple weeks at most, but longer than that you'd want a more designed solution.

There are folks who use natural light but they also have fully outfitted outdoor enclosures. That way the dragons select the time of day and exposure levels themselves. It's not safe to leave dragons outside in tanks or tubs without adequate refuge/shade and safety.

If you are relying on sunlight you also need adequate temps for D3 synthesis. My understanding is that too cool of temperatures will slow the rate of synthesis and potentially require longer exposure times.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I agree, for short term it will be fine, as long as the set up is safe for the time he is out in the sun.
They are very instinctual when seeking out UVB wavelength when outside. He should be able to synthesize D3 with even limited sun but 1-2 hours would be great, daily if possible.
As suggested, just be sure he is warm enough for a large majority of the day to digest his food & absorb calcium, etc.

Tracie