How to choose reptile lighting
Lighting is another important component of the vivarium. It can be used to create a visual effect such as the intense, bleaching brightness of a desert landscape or the moody twilight diffusion of the rainforest canopy. For some reptiles the choice of lighting is not only important for creating the ambiance of their natural environment, but is essential for their health and well being. Reptiles that require special consideration when choosing the lighting system are those that are mainly diurnal (Active in daylight), desert and savannah species and others inhabiting light density rain forest or jungle environments. These reptiles would naturally bask in quite intense sunlight. They have evolved in such a way as to utilise certain wavelengths of light in order to synthesise, within their bodies, vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is essential to allow the utilisation of calcium, essential for bone and shell construction. Without the correct lighting, reptiles are likely to develop metabolic bone disease or irregular or soft shell growth, which can result in deformity and death. It is very hard to treat reptiles that have developed these symptoms and so initial provision of the correct type of lighting is essential. Florescent tubes are the most commonly used lighting types to provide the correct spectrum output. Lamps that produce and an adequate light output as well as heat have recently become available. Lighting options available are detailed below.

Florescent tubes 2.0 % UVB output.
Florescent tubes with 2.0 UVB output are still available and are sufficient for those reptiles that do not require a higher or full spectrum output. As most higher spectrum tubes are now available at a similar price there is little reason to use these lower output models other than for simple illumination.

Florescent tubes 5.0 % UVB output.
By far the current tube of choice, those with a 5.0% UVB output are suitable for all those reptiles in need of a higher spectrum output. For the purpose of reptile keeping these can be considered as “Full spectrum”. Manufacturers Interpet (Triton Reptile), Arcadia (Arcadia D3) and Zoomed make tubes of this specification. Zoomed also make a tube specifically tailored to the requirements of Iguana’s. Florescent tubes have two prongs protruding from each end of the tube. These prongs are to be located in corresponding holes in end caps, which are attached via cables to a transformer known as a starter unit, convertagear or switchgear. The starter unit has a plug for mains connection and is equipped with a switch for on / off function. The end caps provide a snug fit around the tube, which protects the electrical connection from moisture ingress, especially important in vivariums that have a high humidity. Starter units are available with end caps to accommodate tubes of 1 inch (2.5cm) and 1.5 inch (3.75cm) diameters. Most tubes are now produced in the 1 inch (2.5cm) version and the larger size is gradually being phased out by most manufacturers. Starter units should be positioned outside of the vivarium, never inside. It is normal for starter units to produce a lot of heat and feel very hot to the touch. Consideration should be given to this when choosing a suitable position for them. Florescent tubes should be positioned in the vivarium so they are about 12 inches (30cm) away from the reptile. Note that the wavelength of light emitted by all florescent tubes reduces over the period of use. It is essential that the tubes are replaced every 12 months minimum as output is likely to have decayed by up to 60% during this period.

Florescent tubes 8.0% UVB output.
Tubes with an output greater than 5% UVB have become available. Hagen manufactures these under the Reptiglo brand name. They are probably useful for true diurnal desert species such as Euromastyx and Bearded Dragons. If data is provided over a period suggesting there is a greater benefit to the reptile by using these higher output tubes then they may well replace the standard 5.0% units.

Heat Bulbs.
Heat bulbs operate in much the same way as standard bulbs and produce heat as well as light, which radiates from them over a wide area. This type of bulb will influence the overall temperature of the vivarium rather than providing a localised heat source such as produced by vivarium spotlamps. They are especially useful as a heat and light source for the smaller vivarium, for example those that house spiders, scorpions and smaller lizards, as they are available in wattages as low as 15 watts. The only ones worth purchasing are those that offer some light spectrum enhancement in addition to their heat output. These quality bulbs usually utilise rare earth Neodymium to produce a light output, which is beneficial to reptiles. Contrary to manufacturers advertising blurb, heat bulbs of this type are not full spectrum they are, however, perfectly adequate for many reptiles, exotic insects, turtles and terrapins. The bulbs are of the screw thread type and need to be fitted to a basic screw fitting lamp holder.

Infrared bulbs.
Infrared bulbs are used to illuminate vivariums containing nocturnal species. The light emitted by them does not disturb the reptile, as it does not perceive the wavelength emitted as daylight, but nonetheless, illumination is sufficient for viewing purposes. Infrared spotlights are also available and produce a localised beam of heat as well as providing a light source.

Full spectrum heat lamps.
Full spectrum heat lamps are the latest addition to equipment available and these large light bulb type lamps are often, but not always, fitted into a conical reflector in order to radiate heat and light energy throughout the vivarium. They terminate in a screw fitting and are best attached to a good quality holder such as the ceramic one’s used for ceramic heating elements. They are available in a number of different wattages. For some reptile species, this type of lamp will provide all heating and lighting required other than perhaps a background heat mat to ensure night time temperatures do not dip too low when the main lamp unit is switched off. Because these lamps are so very efficient care must be taken when adding calcium supplements to the reptiles diet as test research suggest that abnormal and disfiguring bone growth can result if supplements are used.

Lighting equipment is available as separates from lifefeorceonline or as part of a pre-configured kit tailored towards the specific requirements of a reptile or groups of reptiles.