Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ok i though you HAD to have a UVB bulb. and i give vitimans regularly. well someone said the other day that i do one or the other. a bulb OR vitamins with D3. if i give both it'll be an overload.

can i get a conformation. i was told that the cost of the bulbs (buying and running i guess) is higher than just using vitamins with D3. can i use just the vitimans and avoid the lights?

thanks for clearing this up for me.

This is a controversial subject that has been argued to death. What UVB does is produce D3 so that the body can metabolize calcium. Powder supplements can also contain D3. Personally I use both and here's why. The sun produces tons more UVB compared to the lights we use, so the D3 production from the lights alone has to be lower than what they would get naturally so I add more D3 with the powders. Yes too much D3 can be toxic, but that would be if you were giving things like Liquid Sun or stuff like that, I don't think you'll hit those levels just with lights and your normal powder.

Sean
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Heart Mountain Herps

My understanding is that you can just use D3 but there are some risks and it is not as much of a sure thing your dragon is getting the right amount of D3 than with using a UVB bulb.

The UVB lets the reptile regulate it's own production of D3 instead of relying on you. It is possible to overdose on D3 and when that happens it can be very deadly.

I've also seen some experienced keepers post evidence of dragons not doing as well with just D3 as compared to using a UVB light. On the flip side I've seen some keepers argue it does not matter but I believe these keepers failed to post documented evidence.

Basically, I'd say if you're not very experienced with beardies don't risk the chance of giving the wrong amount by only using the D3 supplements. If you are experienced and feel like it, give it a shot and see how your dragon does. By experienced I mean able to recognize any signs of health problems or abnormal growth, etc.

If you go the supplement route it would be beneficial to record growth rates, etc. and eventually post them on this board. Eventually this may help clear up the debate.

Whatever you do I wish you both luck!
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Rob Talkington