Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm going to be getting a new iguana, and yes I know what I'm getting into, and have read Melissa Kaplan's book cover to cover. I was originally going to get a mercury vapor light for UVB and heat. However in her book she feels they are too strong and could lead to retinal damage. I currently have 3 for my tortoises. Any advice would be appreciated.

P.S. going to adopt and have also just purchased Hatfield's guide.

Julia

Retinal burn is often caused if the bulbs are too close to the animal, too high in 'strength', and too many.

As you'll see in Hatfield's guide, he recommends UVB, just as other websites do if you google around.

UVB and heat placement is often the most complicated step. Too close, you risk of burning the animal, and damaging its eyes. Too far, and there is not enough heat, nor UVs reaching it.
Too many, the enclosure becomes a lighted nightmare.
Too few, it's a coffin.

Before acquring the animal, have the enclosure ready, and test the temperatures at various heights. Then adjust the prosimity of the UVs. Always be an inch or two further than the minimum recommended, just to be safe.
Also, fake foliage can provide partial shade, and therefore the animal can cover from the blinding light and heat when it wants to.

Good work with your research, keep us posted.

-IJ