Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just posted some questions about under the tank heaters and keeping the temp up in my cage, and I got a couple answers saying that a setup of a blue daytime lightbulb and a red or black bulb for night in conjuction with the heating pad (if necesarry) would get the temp up.

Now my question is, do those day and night lights produce UV light as well as heat? I know that a lot of species require UV light which makes sense becauce many animals get UV light in their natural environment from the sun, and it's necessary to synthesize vitamin D. But all UV lights I've seen are really bright, and I've read a lot that bright light is bad for the frog because it hurts its eyes. I can look up at the light from under the tank and it is bright and if its uncomfortable to me I can't imagine what it would be like for a little frog.

How am I supposed to use dim day and night lights for heat production and still provide my frog with ultraviolet light? I've looked at some internet supply stores and I can't find anything mentioned those lights emitting UV.

Does anyone know what I should do?

(Sorry I know I probably sound like a retard asking so many questions).

Thanks again!

There are three types of UV light, all describing a different wavelength. UVA and UVB are beneficial, while UVC is hazardous.

The bulbs you mentioned are unlikely to produce the desired UV light. What you would need is a flourescent tube bulb or a mercury vapor bulb. The later would produce way to much heat and is very inappropriate for anything amphibian.

Most amphibians can be kept well without UV bulbs. Most people don't use them; myself included for most of my amphibians. Remember that these guys don't bask, and hide in the leaf litter or underbrush most often. If using a UV source, it should be in a naturalistic vivaria where your amphibian has lots of access to shady cover. This would work well in a heavily planted vivarium. I believe there are benefits to the UV light and I do use it when such an enclosure is available.

Ian