Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Could someone tell me the exact type of light bulb they use for their cali kings? Also could you tell me what other heating sources you use?
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Thank You,
Brad S.

I'm a fan of under the tank heating pads or strips. They heat the substrate, not the air. I have used ceramic heat emitters in floodlight housings before, but I believe heat from below is best. Normal room temperatures are fine for the air temp, it's the substrate temp that really counts. Kingsnakes don't need any supplemental lighting.

Indirect sunlight is sufficient. I use ambient room temp for my snakes. So it flucuates.

Kerby...

thanks for the help.
Even if its getting the heat doesn't it need a basking light so it can get some uvb.
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Thank You,
Brad S.

"Even if its getting the heat doesn't it need a basking light so it can get some uvb."

Nope, your kingsnake doesn't need UV light like some reptiles do. Remember that many snakes, like kingsnakes, are largely nocturnal and spend most of their time under cover. Uninformed pet store employees sometimes assume that all herps need UV light, but that's far from true. Most snakes get all the vitamin D and calcium they need from their diet. Many lizards and turtles need UVB light to get vitamin D and to help metabolize calcium.

Like Kerby said, normal ambient roomlight is fine. Kingsnakes do need a regular day/night light cycle, but ambient roomlight will do, if your snake room has a window. Or you can use regular incandescent or flourescent lighting to provide the cycle.

thanks for the help everyone
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Thank You,
Brad S.