Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Currently to provide heat I use a small Zoo-Med UTH. I also use a 40 watt "Moonlight/black phosphorus" heat bulb from the reptile store to give the hot side of my tank more heat (ambient air in the tank sits at around 85 during the day).

My friend got up in my face yesterday because he read that lighting isnt important to BP's. I told him I was using the light for a heat gradient, and not actual "Light" since it doesnt even put out that much light (being a moonlight bulb and all).

Can you guys just give me some reinforcement that I can how him so he doesnt think I am an idiot. Thanks.

Any views or replies are greatly appreciated.

IF your UTH is working properly and set up to the proper temperatures, there is no need for a light.

The "light" I am using is a Black Phosphorus "Moonlight" bulb (40w), mostly used for heat generation. It doesnt put out much actual light.

Absolutely you are doing the right thing. Your hot side should be 88-92, and a combination of belly heat and basking heat is ideal. Tell your friend he's an idiot if he can't understand the difference between heat and light. Also tell him that the principle of a light is to pass current through a metal filament, which creates friction inside the element, which creates HEAT, which causes the element to glow, which produces light. Glad you're concerned enough about your animal to do the research.

Regards,

Neil