Reptile & Amphibian Forums

has anyone heard of a correlation between black heat lamps and poor health in crocodilians?

Specifically with crocodilians... no. However I have heard of and experienced negative effects on other reptiles, specifically effecting the eyes. Black Lights (party lights) produce a lot of UVC which, after prolonged exposure can cause retinal and pupil damage resulting in damaged eyes and a loss of vision.

I imagine you want to use it for a source of night heat. I would strongly urge you not to. It would be safer to use a ceramic heat emitter or a infra-red type light.

UVC is the germicidal wavelength used in sterilizers, algae killers etc. UVC lamps generally require warning labels, as they are harmful to skin, eyes and other living tissue.

The typical "black light" only produces UVA, no UVB or UVC. Most reptile fluorescents produce UVA and UVB. "Basking" incandescent bulbs only produce a small amount of UVA. It is UVB that contains the wavelengths that many reptiles use to synthesize vitamin D3.

There were (are?) a few reptile bulbs imported from China over the last year or two that produced some UVC in addition to the intended UVA and UVC. A couple of reputable manufacturers recalled these bulbs. Some off-brand versions are apparently still being sold.

My last paragraph should begin with:

There were (are?) a few reptile bulbs imported from China over the last year or two that produced some UVC in addition to the intended UVA and UVB

With so many inferior products coming out of China, is it possible that even the quality of "party bulbs" would be suspect and could generate UVC as well?

>>>With so many inferior products coming out of China, is it possible that even the quality of "party bulbs" would be suspect and could generate UVC as well?

Not likely.

Party bulbs / blacklights produce near-UV and some UVA, which is at the opposite end of the UV spectrum, around 370-350 nm. UVB is 320-280 nm and UVC is below 280 nm. Past UVC below 180 nm are X-rays! Different phosphors are used to produce blacklights than those for UVB.

The suspect Chinese lamps apparently used a phototherapy phosphor to get higher UVB outputs than some more expensive competing products. It was the "if a little is good, a lot must be better" philosophy. Unfortunately, this phosphor also produced some dangerous UVC as well.

The best internet site on reptile UV is linked below.
UV Guide

Interesting..thanks. I'm familiar with the phosphor issue with the UVC producing lamps, but wasn't sure if the same issue would apply with party lights.