Posted by:
PHLdyPayne
at Thu Mar 19 15:27:55 2009 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by PHLdyPayne ]
The referenced article can be viewed at: www.reptilechannel.com/reptile-magazines/reptiles-magazine/may-2009/reptile-lighting.aspx
The author's website is: www.uvguide.co.uk/index.htm
For reptiles in captivity, the repti-sun 10's are probably the best UVB florescent tubes available. Though the article does indicate these bulbs have to be very close they do provide sufficient UVB light exposure for most lizards. We can't all house reptiles outside in natural unfiltered sunlight, no matter how much we want to. If possible all reptiles will benefit from some exposure to natural sunlight.
Bearded dragons are more likely to get the bulk of their exposure to UVB in the wild during the mornings, seeking shade and burrows during the heat of the day when the sun is more directly above. The natural levels of UVB in the morning and evening is much less than levels of UVB at noon when the sun is directly above. High levels of UVB, especially with a high UVB index rating, can be harmful to animals (hence most seek shelter unless they naturally have ways to resist these higher levels, either via thick hides/fur/scales, or they head for shade, burrows etc.)
UVB is not a simple thing but the above website do give loads of useful information and go into great depth. ----- PHLdyPayne
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