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How to choose the right UVB lamp
Posted:
November 25, 2022
Tips for choosing the UV lighting in the terrarium
Modern UVB lamps have different wattages. The distance between the UV lamp and the animal as well as the daily exposure time can also be changed. We therefore recommend the following procedure:
1. Choosing the right wattage (35 - 150 watts)
2. Choose the right distance between the lamp and the animal (often between 20 and 40cm)
3. The daily exposure time (6 – 12 hours)
The UVB matrix developed by Reptiles Expert is helpful here. We try to imitate the sun in their natural habitat for our reptiles as much as possible. Desert animals will require more UVB, more heat, and also longer exposure times than jungle animals or Mediterranean reptiles.
Example: A desert reptile (bearded dragon) needs a 70 watt UVB lamp at a distance of approx. 30 cm. This distance is chosen so that the UVB radiation reaching the animal is just right. The heat radiation from the lamp is also okay at this distance. If necessary, you can increase the heat with other means (additional heating lamp). As cold-blooded animals, reptiles depend on sufficiently high heat radiation to heat up. If the animal is larger and the whole body is not covered by the cone of light at a distance of 30 cm, the distance must be increased. However, the UVB radiation will then also be lower and you will have to switch to a higher wattage.
There is no single “right” solution, it is always a compromise made up of various factors. In principle, the following applies: The closer to the animal, the fewer losses (UVB, heat, energy costs) - but with the disadvantage that the light cone is then too narrow or the lamp too close and there is therefore a risk of burns. A distance of approx. 30-40 cm is ideal for sun-loving reptiles, for typical Mediterranean species (turtles) the distance can be 20-30 cm if a 35 watt lamp is used and the animal is no larger than 15-20 cm.
The Reptiles Expert Matrix offers good help for determining the right UVB lamp. Here you can choose the type of reptile and find the right UVB lamp on the fields marked in green. There are several possibilities - depending on the size of the animal and also on the distance. The ideal UVB radiation for a given distance is also listed at the top of this matrix.
Exact information about the UV output can be found at Reptiles Expert directly on the homepage of the corresponding lamp. We have all wattages (35 / 50 / 70 / 100 / 150 watts) in our range. When it comes to heat dissipation, it's not easy because it depends on so many different variables: room temperature, air circulation, background color, other heat sources, light radiation, ... Here it is best to measure the temperature and, if necessary, to work with other heat sources as well.
In our opinion, the question of color temperature is not that important. Most UV metal vapor lamps have a pure white light color of approx. 6000 Kelvin. This Kelvin scale is geared towards human perception and we know that reptiles perceive brightness and light color very differently than we humans do. If rainforest dwellers need less UVB, you can use a lower wattage and thus also save electricity. I don't need a lamp with a slightly different color temperature for this.
Modern UV metal vapor lamps are definitely the first choice for the sun and ensure the necessary vitamin D3 synthesis. You can find great deals for all UV lamps here in our webshop.
Look for our best sellers: 3-pack and 6-pack multipacks for better prices.
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