Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm confused about UV lighting. I've searched various websites and forums but I'm getting lots of conflicting information...

Should I fit a 2% UV tube to my Leopard viv or not?

More importantly, is the general consensus that UV lighting causes eye problems, or that it's actually safe to use?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

i think your going to find two differnt camps on this one. the whole idea of noctural reptiles needing uv lighting is controversial. Some people say that they need it because they are not truely all noctural, they do come out sometimes in the day just not very often. Others say that if they have D3 in there diet they dont need it. It seems to me that the decision is pretty much up to you. Some people say it really helps others say it is a waste of money. I guess all i can say is if your leo does fine without it dont worry much but i cant hurt to try it.

Ktulu

It can hurt if you try it..... It can cause eye problems..... Also if you giving your leo calcium suppliments with D3, the UVB can cause serious health problems and even death..... So it can hurt to try something that is not needed.....

After looking into it, I've decided against UV for the sole reason that there's evidence to suggest that it does indeed cause eye problems.

Now, do these problems stem from the UV, or from any form of bright lighting? I want to have a light source for two reasons. Firstly, so that the geckos know what time of day it is (lights on during the day, lights off at night), and secondly so that I can actually see what's happening in the viv without having to reach for a torch!

Would a 60w "regular" bulb, for example, be safe to use? I know people use red bulbs for warmth, so would a clear bulb be suitable simply for providing light? Will this source of light not pose problems for the Leos eyes?

I am currently using these lights on an occasional basis, and would like to see what the research is out there. Tx
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1.0 Blizzard Bill
1.0 Hypo stripe, Het Rainwater from JL (BJ)
1.0 HypoTang from Crested (Apricot)
1.0 Tremper Albino (Cloud)
0.2 Hi-Yellow Leopard gecko (Beatrice, Pepper, Goldie-now w/SD)
0.1 Normal (Freckles)
0.1 SHCT Leopard Gecko (Brite)
0.1 Tangy Mutt Leopard Gecko (Rainbow)
0.1 Tremper Albino (Leucy)
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