Iguanas need a basking area with UV lighting

The right lighting in the terrarium plays a crucial role in the well-being and health of our iguanas. We have put together a simple lighting guide for you so that your reptiles can enjoy optimal conditions.

The key to health: UVB lighting

In the wild, iguanas recharge their batteries under the intense sun. To simulate this natural light in the terrarium, UV terrarium lamps are indispensable. These lamps not only emit UVB radiation, which is important for vitamin D3 supply, but also provide UVA radiation, heat and bright visible light - everything your iguana needs for a perfect basking spot.

Vitamin D3: A must for healthy iguanas

The UVB radiation from the terrarium lamp plays a crucial role in the production of vitamin D3. This vitamin is necessary for the absorption of calcium, which in turn supports your iguana's bone health. With the right UV terrarium lighting, you can ensure that your iguana synthesizes sufficient vitamin D3, which prevents deficiency symptoms and the dreaded bone softening (rickets).

UVA radiation for well-being

In addition to the biological necessity of UVB radiation, UVA light also influences the behavior and emotional well-being of your iguanas. A high-quality reptile lamp that emits both UVB and UVA creates a natural environment in the terrarium and supports the active and healthy behavior of your green iguanas. UVA radiation is also necessary for preventing too much vitamin D3 (hypervitaminosis) - UVA provides the natural balance. 

Heat sources for active iguanas

Iguanas are thermophilic animals that need to actively regulate their body temperature. UV metal halide lamps, which emit heat as well as light, create a perfect basking spot in the terrarium. This is not only important for your iguana's physiological processes, but also promotes its activity and natural behavior.

Bright light for a lively environment

One of the other advantages of UV terrarium lamps is the very bright visible light they emit. This is not only important for you as an observer, but also for the plants in the terrarium. A natural color rendition creates a lively environment that increases the quality of life of your iguanas.

Choosing the right terrarium lamp is not a minor matter, but an investment in the health and well-being of your iguanas. UVB and UVA radiation, warmth and bright visible light - a high-quality UV terrarium light offers all of this. Make sure you provide your iguanas with this ideal basking spot and enable them to live a long, active and happy life. 

Recommendation: For an adult green iguana (Iguana iguana), we recommend a basking spot with a 35 or 50 watt lamp at a distance of 30 cm. If the distance is greater, a more powerful lamp (e.g. 70 watts) can be used at a distance of approx. 40-50 cm. The recommendation for a collared iguana is similar. For a desert iguana, the distances mentioned above can be reduced by approx. 10 cm. 

 

 

 

Photo by John Cobb on Unsplash