Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Do i really need a uv-b bulb or can i use the reptcal with vitiam d3 and calcium powder instead?

Yes you do need UVB. It is questionable as to how much D3 actually gets absorbed orally, and no official studies have been done. While there are a few documented cases of beardies raised without UVB they are few and far between and are done at GREAT risk to your beardies health. The only way it is possible really is if you live somewhere where they can be kept outside with exposure to unfiltered sunlight rays all year round.
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0.1 Bearded dragon
0.1 mexican kingsnake
1.0.2 Leopard Gecko's
0.0.1 Rose Hair Tarantula
1.0 BTS
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0.1 Bullmastiff
4.1 Cats

Yes, UVB is required to allow the body to produce Vitamine D3 which is needed for the body to utilize ingested calcium. Though calcium with D3 suppliments do help, it's very difficult to know how much is too much or too little.

If you live somewhere where there is plenty of sun and temps are 80F or more taking your dragon outside for 6 hours a week, would be long enough to ensure they are exposed to enough UVB rays to produce sufficient D3 to metabolize calcium.

There are a few breeders who have raised dragons without UVB, with just supplimented D3 but I am not completely convinced this produces healthy dragons in the long run. The breeders who have done this haven't really shown much if any documentation their dragons are just as healthy as dragons exposed to UVB rays. Also, I wouldn't recommend using just the supplimented D3 unless that person is very experienced with reptiles and bearded dragons, and has regular access to a vet who can test for calcium in the blood and overall bone density.

Though the UVB bulbs are the most expensive (besides the tank) part of owning a bearded dragon, it's well worth the cost to avoid vet bills which are much much higher, or worse, the death of the dragon.
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PHLdyPayne