I don't think I'd ever raise a reptile without it, because if one did get metabolic bone disease I'd be kicking my ass for not using it. I have just been wondering how essential it is. I have a reptisun bulb in my bearded dragon's tank and he usually only gets within 12-18" of it. I was thinking about getting a powersun bulb, but one of the downsides to the tank setup I got is that the heat lamp doesn't have a ceramic fixture (the heat lamp is incorporated into the tank, since you can't use normal clamp lamps or anything). I think I might move his basking spot up higher and closer to the UV tube, but I have seen so many breeders with great animals that don't use any UV, so I figure as long as he gets his food dusted he'll be fine. But I do change my mind a lot so I might end up rearranging his basking spot anyways.



On the other hand, I have a mali uro that's recovering from serious neglect from it's past owner, and I have her under a powersun bulb. The thing I don't like about these are that it's hard to look into the tank without catching a glimpse of the light and getting blinded (not really, but it does hurt your eyes). But I think it's necessary for at least a few monthes because she went without UV or supplements for 2 years, and I don't think she had anything but a hot rock for part of that time.



I would like to see some studies though on UVB and reptiles. I know that the place where I got my beardie hardly ever uses UVB lights. I guess it's a good thing that he doesn't preach what he practices though. Some people probably wouldn't bother to supplement the food.



-ryan

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