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Bearded Dragon UV

Bearded Dragon UV

Bearded dragon ultraviolet lighting is essential for the normal physiological and physical well being of these animals. Because Bearded dragons are heliothermic (natural baskers), they are evolutionary adapted to use these light particles in their way of life. If a Bearded dragon is kept in a vivarium, these lighting must be supplied artificially. Luckily there has been a lot of advanced in the development of Bearded dragon UV lighting over the last few years. Today it is possible to commercially buy proper UV lighting for basking lizards.

Bearded Dragon UV Types

Various types of Bearded dragon UV lighting are commercially available. The most popular lighting is probably fluorescent tubes which can be installed to cover the entire length of the vivarium. Longer fluorescent tubes are more recommended, but is usually more expensive. Other commercial Bearded dragon UV light are in the form of compact fluorescent lamps, mercury vapour flood and spot lamps.

Bearded Dragon UV Type Fittings

Fluorescent UV lighting needs fluorescent type fittings. What is important here is the actual wattage (Watt) of the fluorescent tube. Make sure to match this wattage on both the fitting and the tube. Larger tubes have higher Watt requirements. Fluorescent tube fittings will have an indication of the Watt range it is intended for. Fluorescent fittings can either be mounted permanently on the inside of the enclosure or placed on top a a wire mesh lid.

Compact fluorescent lamps, mercury vapour flood lamps and spot lamps all need either a bayonet type or screw in fitting for mounting.

Bearded Dragon UV Intensity

Every UV light unit should contain what is called the UV intensity. That is the amount of UV rays that are emitted by the lighting. One can appreciate that UV lighting for a forest frog is going to be far less than that for a desert reptile.

The UV intensity is indicated as a percentage. To be classified as a desert lamp, the intensity must be 5% or higher. The Bearded dragon UV intensity should be as high as possible (i.e. up to 12%), but should at least be 5%. Higher intensities unfortunately comes with a higher price tag.

Bearded Dragon UV Requirements

• Most Bearded dragon UV lamps cover the UVB range. This is actually the more desired range of the two, but UVA will definitely be benificial.

• The UV light source should be mounted within 30 cm / 12 " from the main basking area to emit enough lighting.

• It was previously mentioned that the Bearded dragon UV source should emit the entire length of the enclosure.

• Bearded dragon UV lighting should be replaced every six months, except when the packaged instruction advise otherwise.

NOTE: Although some degree of artificial UV is recommended, a Bearded dragon should still be exposed to unfiltered, natural UV on a regular basis. It is recommended that a Bearded dragon spend some time in full sunlight for at least an hour per day.

TIP: By using a fluorescent reflector screen more UV rays will be emitted.

Bearded Dragon UV Availability

Commercial Bearded dragon UV lighting is available form specialized reptile related pet shops. Always keep the slip and always insist on testing the light source before taking it home. A less desired (due to fragility of glass containing products), but sometimes last resort is by buying from internet retailers.

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