Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Lighting

It has long been thought that full-spectrum bulbs are necessary for iguanas to produce Vitamin D3 which helps iguanas absorb calcium. Recently, studies have been done that prove that this type of lighting DOES NOT work to duplicate natural sunlight. In fact, in a study done by Dr. Fredric L. Frye, it was determined that you would need 6 to 8 of these lights(commonly called Vitalites) within a few inches of the iguana, 12 to 14 hours a day to have any effect at all. We also know of a university student who did her master's thesis on full-spectrum lighting for reptiles. She used living tissue samples for the study and came to the same conclusion as Dr. Frye. Studies have also been done to show that iguanas can absorb Vitamin D3 through a proper diet. Full spectrum lighting can give off light that LOOKS similar to natural sunlight, so it may be psychologically beneficial for your iguana, but if you are just buying the light for calcium absorption reasons, don't waste your money. Instead, if you can provide them as much natural sunlight as possible, along with a good diet, this would be a far better thing to do as well as cheaper. There is no replacement for the benefits that your iguana can receive from natural sunlight. It does wonders for their coloration and their overall "pep". Remember to always provide your iguana with some shade to get out of the sun if they wish, and to never bring them outdoors in a glass aquarium as the heat inside the tank will quickly rise to lethal levels.

It is old news that to provide the full sunlight effect one needs more than one "Vitalite".

It is also logical that proper diet provides calcium and D3 with it, among other nutriends and minerals.

Adding a UV lite is meant as an "indoor supplement" of UV rays to aid synthesis of D3, but everyone knows it is not a full replacement of natural sunlight.

However, there have been studies showing the benefits iguanas and other reptiles get by having Vitalites (people usually provide at least two, not just one). It is also known that reptiles, such as monitors for instance, who have lved under artificial UV, once exposed to sunlight, become more hyper or even aggressive.

Vitalites placed too close to the animal, and left on for too long, in too greater numbers, cause burning of the retina, and even "sun burns".

There is some truth to that article, but some of it is exaggerated. Iguana owners have had their igs for years under the now-well-known husbandry, and have not had any problems.

How do those scientists explain that?

-IJ

Bulbs that produce UVB light, of 5% or more, will give an iguana sufficient UVB if used for 10-12 hours a day. The iguanas, unlike humans, CANNOT absorb vitamin D3 through diet. They MUST make it in their skins. I agree 100% about giving igs natural sunlight. 1 hour in the sun is better fr them than a whole day of a UVB bulb. The fresh air and exercise is good too. We take Iggi out every day. Here she is in front of her garden.

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Lamar, Debbie, Nathaniel and Iggi :>~