Lighting has many uses other than just providing light to see by.  Many species need UVB for the synthesis of vitamin D3, while UVA helps stimulate feeding and breeding behaviour. Spot bulbs can also be used to provide warm areas for basking and localised heat.  Identifying the correct lighting to use is vital and should be carefully considered before buying a pet.

Fluorescent Lighting 

Fluorescent tubes are extremely widely used in animal keeping.  The main reason for this is that by adjusting the gas mixture or coating of the tube the spectrum of light produced can be controlled very accurately and so specific tubes can be made for specific uses.  They also produce little heat and so do not cause too many problems with overheating.

UVB Emitting tubes

These tubes are used for animals that require UVB to help with vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin.  This vitamin is essential for the uptake and use of Calcium from the diet and sufficient levels of D3 are required to prevent problems such as metabolic bone disease.  Generally reptiles that bask in the sun require high levels of UVB, while nocturnal animals and those that feed on rodent foods need lower levels of UVB.  For the specific lighting required by different species it is essential that you consult detailed information about that species.

The spectrum of the light given out by these tubes will change over time and the UVB output drops as the tubes age.  These tubes must be changed every 6 months to ensure that sufficient UVB is being given out.

Zoo Med were the first company to produce a specialist tube for use with reptiles and there tubes still remain one of the most popular.  

These tubes produce very similar outputs with 5% UVB.  They are available in two tube diameters, 1" and 1.5".  The 1" tubes come in lengths of 15", 18" and 24" and the 1.5" tubes come in lengths of 24", 36" and 48".

These lamps produce only low levels of UVB and are used for species that only have low requirements such as snakes.  They only come as 1" diameter tubes in lengths of 15", 18", 24", 36" and 48".

Arcadia are a British firm.  They have produced high quality lights and control gear for many years and over the past few years have introduced some innovative new products.  Their main reptile product (the D3 Reptile Lamp) has established itself as a firm favourite since it's introduction.  Arcadia also manufacture the dedicated Bird Lamp.

This lamp gives out 5% UVB.  It it is available in a 1" diameter tube in lengths of 18", 24", 30", 36" and 48"

This unit is based around the "energy saver" bulb design.  It has a coiled fluorescent tube that takes up no more space than a standard light bulb and fits to a standard screw fitting without the need for any kind of control gear.  As well as these advantages it also produces 7% UVB.

These lamps produce 2% UVB and can be used for all animals that do not require high UVB levels.  They also have exceptional colour rendition which means that your animals look as natural as possible.  The 18", 24", 36" and 48" tubes are all available as 1" diameter tubes, and the 12" is available as a 3/4" diameter tube.

Fluorescent Lighting Accessories

Reflectors, Starter Switches for controllers, Tube Clips, Long Tube Leads, Adaptors and Metal Tube Clips (essential for the long term use of UV tubes) are all available.

Fluorescent Control Units

Arcadia are one of the well known controller manufacturers in the UK.  We have exclusively stocked their products for many years and always found them to be extremely reliable.  Standard controllers are available for all tubes up to 60" in length and 1" or 1.5" in diameter.  Double starters are used to control two tubes from one control unit.  We hold stock of units for 18" x 1", 24" x 1" and 24" x 1.5" tubes. 

Arcadia also produce specialist units which are available as special order items.  These are double starters for tubes other than the 3 sizes shown above, 6 way starters to run 6 tubes from 1 unit, waterproof starters and the new electronic starters. The 6 way controllers are supplied without leads which must be purchased separately. 

Active UVB Bulbs

These high Powered bulbs are only for use in large vivaria.  They are large spot lamps that produce large quantities of UVB and also heat and so combine a basking spot and UV source in one unit.  They are self ballasted and fit into a standard sized screw holder without the need for any control gear.  They cannot be controlled using a thermostat and so great care must be taken to prevent over heating.

Spot Bulbs

Spot bulbs are used in vivariums for a variety of uses.  Their main function is to provide a local hot spot for basking.  For this use a white bulb or daylight bulb would usually be recommended as many day active basking animals would recognise basking areas visually.  You can however use coloured bulbs as these can help create an "ambience" in a vivarium, for example you could use a green bulb to help create a more jungle like effect.

Red bulbs are usually used if you are heating a tank containing a nocturnal animal.  Most animals do not see red light very well and so will behave quite naturally under a red bulb.

White spot bulbs and standard coloured bulbs are available in 40w, 60w and 100w sizes with Bayonet or Screw fitting except the coloured spot bulbs in Bayonet fittings which are not available in the 100w.

Some manufacturers now produce bulbs with an additional coating to the glass surface.  This can be used to prevent shattering (such as the protective plastic coating on the T-Rex shatterproof bulbs) or to create specialist lighting effects such as the Naturep "Moon Spot" which simulates moonlight.

As with any other heat source it is essential that bulbs are controlled using a thermostat.  Although on/off thermostats can be used they will shorten the bulb life and can create stress in the animals because of the frequent changes in light levels.  For maximum bulb life and accurate temperature control then a dimmerstat should be used.  It is also essential that the animal is prevented from coming into contact with the bulb by using a suitable guard.  Guards are available in both straight and angled models.

Bulb Accessories

There is a variety of holders and reflectors available for use with spot bulbs which enables them to be used in a variety of situations.  Surface mounting holders for bayonet fitting bulbs are available as straight and angled holders. Hanging holders are available in both Bayonet and screw fittings.

Plastic holders with integral reflector is available from T-Rex in silver and black but only for screw fitting bulbs.