5 Best UVB Lights for Bearded Dragons

 

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If you’re a bearded dragon enthusiast, then you know that providing your pet with the best UVB light is critical to their health and well-being. There are many different types of UVB lights. It can be hard to choose the right one for you.

In this guide, we will answer some common questions about UVB lights and review some of the best products on the market. We’ll also offer some tips on how to select the right light for your bearded dragon’s needs.

So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for an upgrade, read on for information about the best UVB lights for bearded dragons.

Exo Terra Repti-Glo 10.0 Compact Desert Terrarium Lamp

It is recommended for use with screened terrariums, as terrariums with dense screen covers can filter out UVB rays. For a higher visual light output, it is recommended to use this lamp in combination with the Repti Glo 2.0 (sold separately). [1]

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Zoo Med ReptiSun UVB Mini Fluorescent

So give your reptile the gift of good health with the ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Mini Compact Fluorescent!

But be careful – this bulb can quickly become discolored and may burn out quickly. Don’t let your reptiles suffer without the vital light they need. [2]

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Zilla T8 Fluorescent Bulbs

Best of all, they are recommended for use with the Zilla T8 Strip Light Fixture – making installation a breeze. So don’t wait any longer, get your reptile the best possible lighting with Zilla T8 Fluorescent Bulbs. [3]

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Zilla Reptile Pet Habitat Light Fixture Bulb

The UVB light emitted by this fixture is necessary for promoting proper calcium absorption for reptile bone health, and the light output simulates natural sunlight, making it perfect for bearded dragons, tortoises, uromastyx, and other desert reptiles. Each fixture comes complete with a 50 microwatt UVB T8 15 watt bulb, so you can be sure your pet is getting the right type and amount of light.

However, be aware that the sockets on this fixture are very stiff, so it may be difficult to change the bulbs. Additionally, the design of the fixture blocks much of the light, so your pet may not get as much light exposure as you would like. [4]

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Carolina Custom Cages UVB Reptile Lighting Fluorescent Tube

This is the perfect choice for reptile parents who want to give their pet the best possible care. [5]

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Buyer’s Guide

The Importance Of UVB Light For Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They are popular pets because of their docile nature and ability to be trained. Bearded dragons require UVB light in order to produce vitamin D and calcium.

Without adequate UVB light, bearded dragons can develop metabolic bone disease, which is a serious condition that can be fatal.

There are two main types of UVB light available for bearded dragons: fluorescent bulbs and mercury vapor bulbs.

• Fluorescent bulbs emit UVB light over a shorter distance than mercury vapor bulbs, so they must be placed closer to the dragon.
• Mercury vapor bulbs emit UVB light over a longer distance, so they can be placed further away from the dragon.
• Both types of bulbs need to be replaced every six months to ensure that the bearded dragon is getting adequate UVB light.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a UVB light for a bearded dragon.

• Make sure that the light is specifically labeled as being for reptiles.
• Choose a bulb with a high UVB output.
• Make sure that the bulb will fit in the reptile’s enclosure. [6]
• What is the Difference Between UVA and UVB bulbs?

UVB light is the kind of light that helps your bearded dragon synthesize vitamin D in their body. This is important because without vitamin D, your beardie can develop metabolic bone disease, which weakens their bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures.

UVA light, on the other hand, doesn’t help with vitamin D production but is important for your bearded dragon’s overall health and well-being. UVA light has been shown to increase appetite, activity levels, and improve mood.

There are a few different options when it comes to UVB bulbs.

• You can get a compact fluorescent bulb, which is the most common type of UVB bulb on the market.
• These bulbs come in both linear and coil form.
• The linear bulbs are longer and give off more UVB than the coil bulbs.

The downside to compact fluorescent bulbs is that they need to be replaced every six months to a year, and they can be a bit more expensive than other options.

You can also get a mercury vapor bulb, which is the strongest type of UVB bulb available. Mercury vapor bulbs emit both UVA and UVB light, so you don’t need to worry about getting a separate UVA bulb.

Mercury vapor bulbs are more expensive than compact fluorescent bulbs, but they last longer, so you won’t need to replace them as often. The downside to mercury vapor bulbs is that they can be a bit too strong for some bearded dragons and can cause eye damage if your dragon isn’t properly acclimated to the light.

UVA bulbs are important for your bearded dragon’s mental and physical health. They help regulate their sleeping patterns and appetite. UVB bulbs, on the other hand, are crucial for your bearded dragon’s ability to properly metabolize calcium. Without enough UVB exposure, your bearded dragon can develop metabolic bone disease.

Many people believe that UVB bulbs are only necessary if your bearded dragon is not getting enough natural sunlight. However, this is not the case. Even if your bearded dragon spends most of its time outdoors, it will still need a UVB bulb. This is because the glass in their enclosure blocks out most of the UVB rays from the sun.

Most UVB bulbs on the market are designed to emit both UVA and UVB. However, there are some bulbs that only emit UVB. These bulbs should be avoided, as they can actually be harmful to your bearded dragon.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can get a fluorescent tube. They emit both UVA and UVB light and don’t need to be replaced as often as compact fluorescent bulbs.

The downside to fluorescent tubes is that they can be a bit too weak for some bearded dragons and might not provide enough UVB light for your dragon to properly synthesize vitamin D.

The bulb should be no more than 12 inches away from where your bearded dragon will be basking. If the bulb is too far away, your dragon won’t be able to properly absorb the UVB light.

So, now that you know the difference between UVA and UVB bulbs, which one should you get for your bearded dragon? The answer is both! Bearded dragons need both types of light to stay healthy and thrive. [7]

How Many Hours of UVB Do Bearded Dragons Need?

Bearded dragons need about 12 hours of UVB exposure per day. If you are using a fluorescent tube, it should be within 12-18 inches from your dragon and should be replaced every six months. If you are using a mercury vapor bulb, it should be placed about 18-24 inches away and replaced yearly.

This can be provided using a combination of natural sunlight and artificial lighting. If you are using artificial lighting, it is important to choose a bulb that emits UVB.

Not all bulbs are created equal and some emit very little, if any, UVB. This is why it’s so important to do your research and select a bulb that has been specifically designed for bearded dragons.

For those who do not have access to natural sunlight, using a UVB light is the next best thing. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose.

If you live in an area with limited sun exposure, or if your dragon does not have access to direct sunlight, then you will need to provide them with an artificial light source that emits UVB rays.

What to Look for in Lights for Bearded Dragons?

The first thing you’ll want to consider when choosing a light for your bearded dragon is whether or not it emits UVB rays. UVB rays are essential for your dragon’s health, as they help to promote proper calcium absorption and prevent metabolic bone disease. Without UVB rays, your dragon is at risk of developing serious health problems.

When choosing a light that emits UVB rays, you’ll want to make sure that it is the appropriate size for your dragon’s enclosure. If the light is too small, it won’t emit enough UVB rays to be beneficial for your dragon. And if the light is too large, it could actually be harmful to your dragon, as it could cause eye damage.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the light you choose is easy to set up and use. Bearded dragons are fragile creatures, and you don’t want to put them at risk by using a light that is difficult to set up or use. [7]

Do Bearded Dragons Need UVB Light at Night?

Most people believe that bearded dragons need UVB light only during the day. However, this isn’t entirely accurate. While it’s true that bearded dragons absorb more UVB radiation during the daytime hours, they still need some exposure to UVB at night.

There are a few reasons for this.

• First, UVB helps bearded dragons synthesize vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption.
• Second, UVB helps bearded dragons regulate their circadian rhythms.
• Finally, a small amount of night-time UVB exposure can help prevent problems like metabolic bone disease.

So, what kind of night-time UVB exposure do bearded dragons need? A good rule of thumb is to give them about half the amount of UVB that they would get during the day.

If you’re not sure how much UVB your bearded dragon is getting, it’s a good idea to have their blood levels of vitamin D checked by a reptile vet. This simple test can help you ensure that your bearded dragon is getting the right amount of UVB exposure.

What Should My Bearded Dragon’s UVB Wattage be?

The answer to this common question is not as simple as you might think. The wattage of your UVB bulb depends on a few factors, including:

• The size of your enclosure
• The distance from the basking spot to the UVB light
• Whether or not you have a glass or mesh cover on your enclosure

If you have a small enclosure, you will need a higher wattage bulb. If your basking spot is far from the UVB light, you will also need a higher wattage bulb. And if you have a glass or mesh cover on your enclosure, this will block some of the UVB ra health.

However, coil bulbs do have some disadvantages, so you will need an even higher wattage bulb.

The wattage of your Bearded Dragon’s UVB light will depend on the size of your tank. If you have a 40-gallon tank, you’ll need a 40-watt light. If you have a 60-gallon tank, you’ll need a 60-watt light. [7]

Are Coil UVB Bulbs Bad for Bearded Dragons?

Yes, coil UVB bulbs are bad for bearded dragons because of the high levels of UV radiation they emit. These levels of UVB radiation, which is essential for proper calcium metabolism and vitamin D production in reptiles. However, too much exposure to UVB radiation can lead to health problems such as eye and skin cancer.

Bearded dragons are a desert species of lizard that originates from Australia. In the wild, they bask in the sun to thermoregulate their body temperature and to absorb UVB radiation.

In captivity, bearded dragons are often kept under UVB lighting to replicate their natural habitat. However, not all UVB bulbs are created equal. Some emit higher levels of UVB radiation than others, which can be harmful to your bearded dragon’s health if they are exposed to it for too long.

Coil UVB bulbs are one type of bulb that emits high levels of UVB radiation.

If you are looking for a UVB bulb for your bearded dragon, choose one that emits lower levels of UVB radiation.

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FAQ

How Many Watts Should a UVB Light Be for a Bearded Dragon?

There is no definitive answer to this question as the wattage required depends on a few factors, such as the size of the enclosure and the distance between the light and the bearded dragon. However, a good rule of thumb is to use a UVB light with a minimum of 30 watts for small enclosures (under 50 gallons) and 50 watts for larger enclosures.

Another factor to consider is the type of UVB light you are using. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and linear fluorescent tubes (LFTs) have a higher output per watt than mercury vapor bulbs (MVBs), so you will need fewer watts of CFL/LFT to get the same amount of UVB as you would from an MVB.

Finally, it is important to remember that the output of UVB lights diminishes over time, so it is recommended to replace them every 12 months to ensure your bearded dragon is getting the proper amount of UVB exposure.

Do Bearded Dragons Need UVB Light?

Yes, bearded dragons need UVB light to help them absorb calcium and produce vitamin D. Without enough UVB exposure, bearded dragons can develop metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal.

UVB light is also important for the mental well-being of bearded dragons. In the wild, basking in the sun is a major part of their daily routine. Without enough UVB exposure, bearded dragons can become stressed and depressed.

There are a few ways to provide UVB light for your bearded dragon. You can use a fluorescent UVB bulb, a mercury vapor bulb, or a combination of both. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do your research before choosing the right one for your pet.

Fluorescent bulbs are the most common type of UVB light used for bearded dragons. They emit a broad spectrum of light, including UVB, which is important for calcium absorption. Mercury vapor bulbs also emit a broad spectrum of light, but they are more expensive and have a shorter lifespan than fluorescent bulbs.

Combination bulbs are becoming increasingly popular because they offer the best of both worlds. These bulbs emit both UVB and infrared light, which is beneficial for thermoregulation.

Whichever type of UVB light you choose, it’s important to position it correctly. The light should be placed on the side of the enclosure closest to the basking spot. It should be positioned so that the bearded dragon can move in and out of the light easily.

What Is the Best Distance to Place a UVB Light From a Bearded Dragon?

The correct answer is 12-18 inches. Bearded dragons need UVB rays to properly metabolize calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for their growth and health. If the light is placed too far away, they will not be able to reap the benefits. Too close, however, and they may suffer from eye damage or skin burns.

There are two types of UVB lights on the market: compact and tube. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages that you should take into account before making a purchase.

Compact UVB bulbs are less expensive and easier to set up, but they need to be replaced more frequently than tube lights. They also emit a more concentrated light, so you need to be careful not to place them too close to your bearded dragon.

Tube UVB lights are more expensive upfront, but they last longer and emit a more diffuse light, which is less likely to cause eye damage. They are also easier to find in the correct size for your tank.

What Percent UVB Does a Bearded Dragon Need?

The amount of UVB your bearded dragon needs will depend on a few different factors:

• The first is whether or not your dragon is an adult or a juvenile. Adult dragons need about 12% UVB, while juveniles need anywhere from 18-30% UVB.
• The next factor is the basking temperature.

If your basking temperature is between 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit, your dragon will need 12% UVB. If your basking temperature is between 86-89 degrees Fahrenheit, your dragon will need 18% UVB.

Lastly, the type of bulb you are using will also affect the amount of UVB your bearded dragon needs. For example, if you are using a linear tube, your dragon will need 12% UVB, but if you are using a compact bulb, your dragon will need 18% UVB.

The size of the enclosure. The general rule of thumb is that you need 30 watts of UVB per square foot of enclosure.

So, for a 40-gallon tank that is four square feet, you would need a 120-watt bulb. If you have an enclosure that is larger than four square feet, you will need to use multiple bulbs or a higher wattage bulb.

Do Bearded Dragons Need UVB or UVA?

Bearded dragons need both UVB and UVA to maintain their health. UVB is important for calcium metabolism and bone growth, while UVA helps with thermoregulation, appetite, and behavior.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a UVB light for your bearded dragon.

• The light should be placed 12-18 inches from your dragon’s basking spot.
• The bulb should be replaced every six months to ensure that your dragon is getting the full benefits of UVB radiation.
• It is important to choose a bulb that emits UVB radiation in the range of 280-315 nanometers. This range of UVB is most effective for calcium metabolism and bone growth in reptiles.

There are a few different types of bulbs that can provide your bearded dragon with the UVB they need. The most common are fluorescent bulbs, mercury vapor bulbs, and LED bulbs.

Fluorescent bulbs are the most popular type of UVB bulb because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. Mercury vapor bulbs are also a good option, but they can be more expensive and harder to find. LED bulbs are a newer technology that is becoming more popular because they are more energy-efficient than other types of bulbs.

No matter what type of bulb you choose, it is important to make sure that it emits UVB rays in the proper wavelength. The best wavelength for bearded dragons is between 280 and 315 nanometers.

You will also need to replace your UVB bulb every six months to ensure that your bearded dragon is getting the UVB they need.

What Is the Best Lighting for Bearded Dragons?

Bearded dragons need full-spectrum lighting that includes UVB rays in order to stay healthy and thrive. UVB rays are essential for bearded dragons in order to properly metabolize calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and proper organ function.

Bearded dragons are reptiles that come from the desert regions of Australia. They are exposed to very high levels of UVB radiation from the sun. In captivity, it is important to provide them with an artificial light source that emits UVB radiation in order to keep them healthy.

There are a few different types of lights that can be used to provide UVB radiation for bearded dragons. The most common type of light is a fluorescent tube light. These lights come in different lengths and widths, and the amount of UVB radiation they emit depends on their size.

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are another type of light that can be used to provide UVB radiation for bearded dragons. These lights are more energy-efficient than fluorescent tube lights and they come in different sizes. The amount of UVB radiation they emit also depends on their size.

How Often Should I Change My Bearded Dragon’s UVB Bulb?

You should change your bearded dragon’s UVB bulb every six months to a year. Depending on the brand of light, some bulbs may last longer than others.

If you notice that your bearded dragon is not basking as much or seems lethargic, it may be time to change the bulb.

In general, it is a good idea to err on the side of caution and change the bulb more often rather than less.

Bearded dragons need UVB light to help them absorb calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for their health.

If you are using a fluorescent tube, you will also need to replace the tube every six months to a year.

LED bulbs may last longer, but they are also more expensive.

How Much UVB is Too Much for a Bearded Dragon?

The amount of UVB your bearded dragon is exposed to is very important. Too much UVB can lead to problems such as skin cancer, while too little UVB will prevent your bearded dragon from being able to properly absorb calcium, which can lead to metabolic bone disease.

The best way to ensure that your bearded dragon is getting the proper amount of UVB is to use a high-quality UVB light. We’ve put together a list of the best UVB lights for bearded dragons, as well as a few tips on how to use them.

Should I Turn the Heat Lamp Off at Night for My Bearded Dragon?

The answer to this question is a bit complicated and really depends on your individual setup. If you have a basking spot that gets above 95 degrees, then you probably don’t need the heat lamp at night. However, if your basking spot is only reaching 85-90 degrees, then you might want to consider leaving the heat lamp on at night.

The main reason for this is because bearded dragons are cold-blooded and rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. If the ambient temperature in your home is too cool, it could put your beardie at risk for respiratory infections.

Another factor to consider is whether or not you have a UVB light setup. If you do have a UVB light, then you’ll want to turn it off at night because bearded dragons need 12-14 hours of darkness to produce melatonin, which is important for their overall health.

So, in short, the answer to this question really depends on your individual setup. If you’re not sure what’s best for your beardie, it’s always a good idea to consult with a reptile veterinarian.