Reptile & Amphibian Forums

what is UVA and UVB?
the only incandescent light i see (on my usual shopping site) that specifically states it puts out UVB is like $35, which is the zoo med powersun uv mercury vapor lamp.
so do i need the uva or uvb?
i don't want to use fluorescent bulbs, so is the powersun the best way to go? i also live in AL and can take the dragon outside every day, do i even need a light? if not, how long should they be outside every day?
thanks

Dragons do need UVB lighting to make vitamine D3. If they don't produce Vitamine D3 they can't process calcium. Without calcium they will die a slow and painful death.

The mercury vapour bulbs are great as they provide a high amount of UVB rays and produce heat so can double as a basking light. Just keep in mind these bulbs have to be at least 18 inches above your dragon. Flourscent tubes can be used instead of the bulb but they do not produce as much uvb as the mercury vapour bulbs but are about half the price and tend to have a longer life. (seems mercury bulbs have a tendency to burn out fast but the warrenty of them makes replacements easy enough). When the bulbs don't have any defects due ot being manufactored by hand, they last for up to 2 years .

Natural sunlight is great to have, but dragons need about 2-3 hours of natural sunlight a week. Half hour a day would be best. Proper suppliments also can ensure your dragon stays healthy. Make sure you dust insects once a day for babies, once every other day for juveniles and about two to three times a week for adults. The dust should consist of calcium with D3 and a multivitamine.

A search here on the forums on UVB should bring up alot of previous discussions on them, including links to a more indepth explaination about how UVB works and is processed by reptiles. Unfortunately I can't recall the link off hand to post it here.

so if i can get the dragon outside for 30 minutes a day i don't need a uvb light? do they need it every day, or just 3 hours total per week (like would 2 hours a day on saturday/sunday take care of it)?

also does anyone use these reptariums?
Sturdy, lightweight PVC frame with nylon mesh covering sets up quickly and is easy to clean. The zippered opening can be placed wherever it allows you the most convenient access to your reptile.

just wondering how you would go about heating/lighting with it, wouldn't the heat burn it or mess it up?

If you can get your dragon outside you probably don't need the lighting. There's a lot more uv in the sun then there is in a little bulb. I don't think that it would matter if it was every day or just one day, but I might guess that it would be better if spread out. That reminds me I should go put one of the dragons out.