UVA/UVB question in need of answer

[rookie23]

So I have a new born bearded dragon. He is about 1 month old. I got him from a retile shop/aquatic shop Sunday evening. I was curious about the UVB/UVA lighting.

I understand UVB is needed for the vitamin D3. I have a UVB bulb (two actually because of the tank size) and other bulbs that produce more heat in his basking spot. What I do not understand is if a UVA bulb is needed as well for other reasons. As far as my research tells me, UVA is just heat. Seeing that I already have the heat covered pretty well I don't see a need for UVA. Am I correct?

Can anyone shed some truth or information on this idea/topic? Facts and straight answered are much appreciated.

Thanks,

J

 

[Gail]

UVA is visible light, as long as you are using a bright white heat light then you are good.

 

[rookie23]

UVA is visible light, as long as you are using a bright white heat light then you are good.

My heat is a red bulb and in the basking spot the temperature is 100 degrees. Should I change it from red to white? His UVB bulbs are keeping the rest of the cage 80 degrees and sometimes he'll bask on top of the cave he has in the UVB and not the red. Does the red light bother his eye sight?

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

Bearded dragons actually need a bright white light. Not only does it simulate the natural sunlight, but the light also helps to protect their eyes from the harmful uv rays. So to answer your question... yes, change the red light to a bright white light.

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from Health to Enclosures

 

[Rokka]

Ok being new to the forums i apologize if i missed this in another thread. Are the brand " Bright Effects " Daylight bulbs ok to use as a light in Bearded Dragon cages. As a light for viewing, by nomeans as a replacement to my repti-sun 10.....

 

[Gail]

There is no need to use a fancy reptile bulb for heat, they are over priced and do nothing specific. You can use a regular household bulb or floodlight.

 

[Rokka]

Lol no she has a repiti-sun tube for her vitamin needs and a 75 watt house hold bulb for basking. Stays at 100 degrees and 70 in the cool side of her enclosure. Just wanted to use this bulb for light and not add anymore heat to her cooler side, keep the temp gradient decent for her. Was just worried that it might be harmful to her, its a compact flor. bulb.

 

[FBradshaw]

I would suggest against using a compact fluorescent bulb even just for added light. If you want additional viewing light you could try installing a couple of LEDs, they put off very little heat and wont be harmful in anyway.

 

[rookie23]

Now I switched to a UVA (white) light for heat in the basking spot but it's not enough wattage. The temp only peaks at 80 degrees. Can a household light bulb be okay to use for heat? Does it emit anything harmful to the retile?

J

 

[Rokka]

Ok works for me no compact bulbs never did like them, they actually bother my eyes.......If left without a shade that is....should have figured it out that it wouldn't be good for her......

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

Now I switched to a UVA (white) light for heat in the basking spot but it's not enough wattage. The temp only peaks at 80 degrees. Can a household light bulb be okay to use for heat? Does it emit anything harmful to the retile?

J

Yes, as mentioned before, the household bulbs are fine for basking. Just make sure it is a bright white light. Also as mentioned... stay away from the energy saving coil bulbs... they are harsh on the eyes.