Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was speaking with a breeder today and she says she has not replaced here UVB tubes in over 3 years. Basically, she uses no uvb for her dragons (babies or adults) For supplements she uses reptivite calcium and another multivitamin. I had always assumed it was pretty standard to recomend UVB lighting for beardeds although I am aware that there has always been a small segment of the hobby that claims it is not neccesary. I did not ask if her dragons receive any natural sunlight and I will next time I see her but I do not think they do. She has babies that are as healthy looking and as hardy as any others I have seen or purchased. Is there anyone else here that uses no UVB for their dragons. If you don't, and don't want to admit it publicly for fear of being stoned by the masses feel free to email or PM me.

I have also recieved confirmation from a second breeder who has not used UVB with any of his beardies (adults or babies) in the 9 years he has been raising them.

thanks

It can be done, but it is not something I would recommend to beginners. Supplimenting vitamine D3 in the diet can replace natural UVB from bulbs, or the sun..but care must bet taking not to over dose. As these two people you mentioned are vets..they most likely are able to monitor bone density and observe the early signs of MBD alot sooner than most regular bearded dragon keepers. Not to mention if their dragond did get sick, they don't have to pay big bucks to bring them to a vet for treatment, they can do it themselves.

Studies by vets and herpetologists have shown that most diurnal lizards do require UVB exposure for healthy metabolisms and wellbeing. Though it isn't completely understood how much is actually needed, there is enough evidence to show reptiles who need it but don't get enough of it, do not thrive as well as they could when they do have it, or don't thrive at all. Supplimenting Vitamin D3 does help dragons, but as I mentioned below, it is easy to give too much, which can cause as much problems as not enough vitamin D3. This stuff in too high concentration is toxic.
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PHLdyPayne

The dragon I rescued (Bob) did not have good uvb, allmost none for most of his life till I poped in, Since I have added UVA and UVB and have found him to be more active and more colorfull.
It seems the vast majority belive that uvb is good and needed for this type of reptile with limited resurch to back that up.
Also the reson why you need to replace the bulbs every year is the bulb(the glass or quartz jaket) it's self becomes solarized from exposure to uvb and becomes less trasnperent to that wavelength of light. A 3 year old UVB lightbulb will indeed still illuminate but if you where to measure the UVB output you would probly find it to be nonexestent or at a very reduced level.
Also haveing a diffuser or cover over the bulb will reduce UVB(if not kill all uvb) as well, generaly a naked bulb seperated by a screen works well.

I've seen a few beardies at a few different locations that weren't using UVB (and the keepers said they were using supplements instead) and they just didn't look good. They were very dark in coloration and most had what looked like the start of metabolic bone disease.

Why not stay on the safe side? Rather than having to fret and measure powders, just get a UVB.
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1.0 Green Iguana
1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.1 Blizard Leopard Gecko
2.1 Corn Snakes (2 Blood Red, 1 Orange Amelanistic)
1.1 Ball Python

I couldn't live without my UVB meter, it saves me lots in light costs. Because I don't have to replace the light at 1 year, I can do it when it doesn't put off enough effective UVB anymore. If you want to see more info on the UVB meter visit my website at: http://www.beardeddragons.biz/solarmeter_6.2.htm
I use reptisun 10.0s and they work great best bulb on the market in my oppinion and made by a trusted source.

Regards,

Jason Couch
509-985-6510
Jason@beardeddragons.biz
UVB meter information