Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is the UVB light required for a garter snake? I am planning to get one. My local pet store said that I should although I know that they are not required. So I am a little confused on that. If it is not required, could I use a flourescent light?

Also, the water that the rosy reds come in, could that be used for the snake to eat directly out of or should I change it with plain tap water B/C of the chemicals?

I was one once..at petsmart, and I was one of the best! I never made commission , and I always did my homework, so I steered everyone in the right direction. I keep my garters in racks, so light PERIOD is not needed!

Yes, use fresh water as that water is all soiled!
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Anthony Chodan

www.gradeareptiles.com

If you use tap water, let it sit for 24 hours so that the chlorine evaporates out. Chlorinated tap water can kill the fish. Because of this, I usually use bottled water for my garters when feeding fish.
-Alice

Chlorinated tap water can kill the fish. Because of this, I usually use bottled water for my garters when feeding fish.

My snake kills the fish faster than the chlorine does. It's a moot point now, though, since he's eating f/t mice.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

racks, so light PERIOD is not needed!

I second that opinion. The long-term captive (9 years) wandering garter of mine is maintained under a 60W incandescent bulb, partially for heat and partially for viewing pleasure. The snake doesn't really care.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

UV light......I don't really think that the snakes require the expensive UV-B lights sold for some herps. Honestly though, I would use some type of fluorescent for the snake. I know that a lot of people keep their snakes in rack systems and such with out lights and they do fine, but for a snake that is as day active as garters, I think that some sort of "full spectrum" lighting could be beneficial. All you'll need though is the regular full spectrum lights and not the expensive UV bulbs.
Rosie water....I simply wouldn't use this water, since it's just "dirty", it's best to use filtered or aged tap or spring.

Hope this helps and good luck with your garter.

----Roy