Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ok so you guys say uv lighting is not needed due to the fact that chondros are noctornal.but i have read books and sites that say uv light is a must.i am currently and for quite some time,not using anything other than a regular (non uv) bulb for lighting.i am wondering what,if any differences could be noted if i switched to uv?im sure its not needed but i was wondering what would be the effect if i decided to switch.would my snakes colors be more brilliant?would he be stressed from it?could he get more aggressive? im thinking of moving my snake to a natural,planted vivarium setup,for no other reason than for a really nice display.uv light in this type of enclosure is a must.thanks

According to Greg and most others, UV is not necessary for GTP's. Natural light, or full-spectrum light brings out colors best.
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1.0~amel corn~C.S.
1.3~Aztec Okeetee corns~Coatl,Maya,Acatl,Tepin
0.1~Green tree python~Tempest
0.2~Rhodesian Ridgebacks~Akilah, Ona
1.0~Black fat cat~Topper
3.0~Horses~Zaarah,Galliano,Achilles.....

wait,i thought uv light,full spectrum and natural light were all basically the same thing.can anyone explain the difference?if there is a difference,and ohers agree that full spectrum lighting does make chondros more colorfull,can you reccomend a light brand?? thanks a lot.

Greg talks about a flourescent light that gives natural looking light to bring out colors, but agrees that daylight always makes them looks best in pictures. I wouldn't want full sunlight beating on my viv of course, so you either need a flourescent, or live with the lighting you get. Not all u.v. lights provide lighting. The u.v. band is pretty much invisible to people, and is like a black light.I suppose if you wanted a flourescent light you'd have to look for one that says it provides natural looking light.
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1.0~amel corn~C.S.
1.3~Aztec Okeetee corns~Coatl,Maya,Acatl,Tepin
0.1~Green tree python~Tempest
0.2~Rhodesian Ridgebacks~Akilah, Ona
1.0~Black fat cat~Topper
3.0~Horses~Zaarah,Galliano,Achilles.....