I was given a corn snake as a gift with the tank, under tank heater, hides, coconut floor cover and a UV lamp. The think is I am not sure it is really needed. My room has a small window and is kind of dark, though, so should I set the lamp to provide some light in the darkest ours of the day until sunset to help with my corn's day and night cycle? Should I put a light bulb other than the UVA one for that?
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UVA lamp for dark room
- Thread starter Ayidah
- Start date
Nythain
New member
Most corns do just fine with room/window light. A day/night cycle is important, but I haven't read much on how precise it needs to be (sure, there's exact numbers out there for optimal environments, but trying to manage a 10/14 cycle in a lot of places is pretty tricky). Many keepers/breeders never have to mess around with extra lighting unless you want a brighter display.
As for the UVA bulb, corns don't require extra UV care like other diurnal reptiles. Many people have used them because they had them around and make for good display lighting though. Given the price of UV bulbs, most of those people switched back to regular fluorescence when the random UV bulb they had finally burned out. If you do continue to use the UV bulb, just be careful of the UV rating... I have read a thread or two concerning the effects of excessive UV (can't remember if it was A or B) on corns, which can be negative.
Moral of the story is, if you want to keep the bulb and use it to extend the day cycle a bit, you should be fine. But it more than likely isn't anything that should be required for a healthy corn.
As for the UVA bulb, corns don't require extra UV care like other diurnal reptiles. Many people have used them because they had them around and make for good display lighting though. Given the price of UV bulbs, most of those people switched back to regular fluorescence when the random UV bulb they had finally burned out. If you do continue to use the UV bulb, just be careful of the UV rating... I have read a thread or two concerning the effects of excessive UV (can't remember if it was A or B) on corns, which can be negative.
Moral of the story is, if you want to keep the bulb and use it to extend the day cycle a bit, you should be fine. But it more than likely isn't anything that should be required for a healthy corn.
HerpsOfNM
My name's Blurryface...
There are some newer studies (I can't source at the moment) coming about that show UVA (and obvious UVB) can be beneficial to more natural behaviors in reptiles. These are within species that have receptors in the eyes that allow for seeing in UVA spectrum, but I forget if they are as simple as rods and cones or additional types of rods or cones. I wouldn't rule out UVA lighting as a complete non-benefit, or any UV lighting for that matter. The question is, what structures are present in corn snake eyes and are they used in seeing UV A/B lighting for behavioral stimuli.
Any grad students reading this....boom, college thesis!
Any grad students reading this....boom, college thesis!
Nythain
New member
I don't know, after reading about Chip's poor snake (sure, one experience doesn't make scientific proof) I still prefer to err on the side of caution and avoid UV light on most crepuscular or nocturnal reptiles that don't need it for vitamin d/calcium reasons.
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1616625&postcount=8
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1616625&postcount=8
So Pirate55
New member
That's crazy. The only lights I've ever used on my vivs other than moon lamps for heat has been low wattage full spectrum lights just to give the viv light during the daytime and for looks. I've always heard to avoid the UV lights.
vetusvates
Gamaliel's Principle
My snakes are in a room, with the primary room light mostly turned off. But I turn it on/off as I enter/exit the room. They seem oblivious.
I have used a little 4 or 5 or 10 watt bulb in there for me to see without slamming the lights on and off. They, again, seem oblivious.
Their crepuscular awareness matches degree of sunlight outside...perfectly.
I have used a little 4 or 5 or 10 watt bulb in there for me to see without slamming the lights on and off. They, again, seem oblivious.
Their crepuscular awareness matches degree of sunlight outside...perfectly.
Wow, that is all very interesting. My snake does notice when I switch the main light on an off, though. One time, I switched the light on and she sort of jumped of surprise and turn her head quickly then froze. Also, she would always come out in the evening shortly after I turn her UV light off. It does not work as well if I switch on the bedroom light for a while then switch it off. I use it as a trick to make her come out when I want to take her out for a handling session or to eat. But after reading of that issue with the UV light I think I will try to get the light bulb exchanged for a full spectrum one and if I cannot I will not buy a new UV bulb once this one is done.
Ok, so UVBs do cause higher risk of cancer than UVAs, but UVAs are bad too. :-( At least my snake is a normal with dark eyes and skin and lower risk of cancer of glaucoma...