UVB Strahlung und Temperatur

Reptiles need a lot of UVB light and warmth. This creates vitamin D3, which is extremely important for the health of reptiles. Above all, an adequate supply of vitamin D3 prevents the dreaded softening of bones (rickets). In tortoises, the vitamin deficiency is shown by a soft shell. Pregnant females also need more calcium to form eggshells. UVB radiation provides vitamin D3 and increases the plasma calcium level and thus promotes bone formation and the supply of calcium. This is one of the reasons why UVB lamps are used in the terrarium. They provide the necessary UVB radiation and heat. As cold-blooded animals, reptiles depend on an external supply of heat from the sun. This is also done by these special lamps in the terrarium. Here in Central Europe, the power of the sun cannot be compared to that of the Mediterranean or desert areas. Therefore, the sun alone in Central Europe is unfortunately not enough. In terrariums you need UVB lighting anyway.

How can you ensure the necessary UVB radiation and temperature? The most important thing is always the right UVB radiation - the heat can then - if necessary - be increased with additional measures. So here's a tip on how to proceed:

  • You choose the correct wattage of the lamp for the animal and the distance to the animal (how high is the lamp mounted above the animal?). The higher the wattage and the shorter the distance, the higher the UVB radiation. The cone of light should cover the whole animal - with adult animals the basking area will be larger. More detailed recommendations for different animal species can be found in our Reptiles Expert Matrix:

 

  • Then you mount the lamp in the terrarium. Now it's a matter of setting the right temperature. The UVB radiation is quite simply defined by the wattage of the lamp and the distance. However, the temperature depends on several additional variables. Influencing factors are the room temperature, the size of the terrarium (air content), the exchange of air in the terrarium, possible heat accumulation in certain regions, the color of the substrate, etc. Unfortunately, it is therefore not possible to predict the temperature exactly - you have to measure and experiment. Based on these measured values, the temperature is then changed using additional measures. You can increase the temperature with additional heat radiators (halogen lamps), additional background lighting, additional sunbathing areas or other heating methods. The color of the substrate alone can change the temperature by 10-20 degrees - darker or black surfaces radiate less heat than bright white surfaces and are therefore warmer.

    Every terrarium is unique and therefore you have to approach the optimum slowly. We are happy to help you with the right choice of UVB lamps. Please contact us.

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