full spectrum uv light

[joedr]

i have put a full spectru uv light in my snakes tank to nourish the skin. should i leave it turned on all day or just have it on a few hours a day.

 

[Darin Chappell]

Unlike lizards, most snakes do just fine without UV lighting at all. You really don't have to use it at any time, if you do not want to do so. You may want to just save the bulb for a lizard sometime down the line.

 

[WAS1]

I agree, a renowned local breeder has bred snakes for decades, their stock is the finest around, and they have never used supplementary lighting.

 

[joedr]

oh

i am now very annoyed as the man in the pet shop obviously persuaded to sell me this uv light as it suppliments vitimins in reptiles skin.


arghhhhhhhhhhhh that cost me £25

 

[Skye]

it won't hurt to have it - it just isn't necessary. With many diurnal lizards it is absolutely essential as the lizards need the UV to make the pre-cursor for vitamin D3, which in turn allows the lizard to absorb calcium.

Some breeders dealing with diurnal snakes actually do chose to use UV lights to better simulate the natural environment and so it helps stimulate breeding. (The snakes would naturally receive the UV from the sun's rays.)

This isn't required for corns, but it certainly won't hurt. I used to use UV for all my corns, although I no longer do.

Skye

 

[crazyboy]

like the above said it isn't necessary but it wont hurt. but if you do want to use it have it on for 12 hours a day. have it go on at sunrise and off at sunset. i would put it on a timer to assist in that.