Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I have a Trex 160 watt MVB in my 40 gallon breeder with a 75 watt red heat lamp to get the temp to around 110F at the basking spot. I only have the MVB on about 12 hours, but leave the red lamp on all of the time. Will this red light disturb the uro at night?

Thanks

Gene, I don't think the red lights are ever good for day dwelling reptiles, especially desert species. I am really surprised that your basking temps are that low with that much wattage. What are you measuring the basking temp with and where are you measuring it? Do you use a temp gun?

I have a 160 MVB on my 40 breeder with a 40watt regular white incandescent bulb next to it, and it brings the basking up to 120-130 where it needs to be. I can't imagine that you need a 75 unless your ambient temps are low. What is the temperature on the other side of the tank?

It could disturb a beardie, so I assume a red light could keep a uro from sleeping. If you need heat at night, a heat emitter would be better.

It is also critical that there be an adequate cool down at night. I think the best overnight temp is 70-75, and they really do need to drop that low to maintain health. Its part of a day/night cycle. My lizards don't sleep as deeply when there is light or when their vivs stay too warm.

I would not advise a red lamp for nighttime use. I tried one with my male Saharan, and he didn't know what was day and what was night. His sleep cycle got all mixed up for a few days. When I switched the red lamp for a ceramic heat emitter, he went right back to his normal, very punctual, daily schedule.

I also had a long chat last year with an exotic/reptile vet who said he did a project in vet school regarding vision in reptiles and birds, and that reptiles CAN see the red and blue light. The reason they are sold is that dogs and cats can't see that wavelength, so pet product companies assume that reptiles can't either. Anything to make money....

Andi