light question...............

[yankeefan]

I have a question - our vet said in addition to the basking light, we should have a UBV tube light. She said the most common thing she sees with reptiles around here is the lask of sun - she said the ubv has to be about 8" from her - so to rig it in the tank. She said the light would not get hot enought to burn Peyton, but she needs the sunlight. What should I do?? Do I need one? We want what is best for Peyton!
Thanks,
Stef

[Christi Rose]

First, it's UVB. Second, those lights don't get hot, so you don't have to worry. I wouldn't suggest getting a tube light though, get a compact one, that way you can focus it on the basking area. If I remember correctly, it says on the care sheet that UVB is still highly debated, but it is recommended. Make sure when you buy the light to check the box for UVB, if it doesn't say it on the box, it doesn't have it.

[Fatal_S]

UVB is generally considered to be very important to diurnal reptiles like skinks. Without UVB or a Proper Substitute (some experieced keepers will use supplements only) your skink can't process calcium and it will eventually lead to Metabolic Bone Disease.

I'd say either get a good UVB bulb/tube or take your skink outside for a couple hours a week. Also, the UVB can't get through glass, so you need it to either be inside the tank or over a screen top.

[Leigh]

I would suggest getting a tube, I like the fact that it can span the length of your tank and your skink will benefit from the UV rays almost anywhere on the surface of your set up, with regards to distance make sure you keep it 12 inches away,especially when new, after a month or so's burn in period you may want to lower it closer to your skink, but there shouldn't be the need, get the highest output you can find,I use UVB10.0 and have not had a problem,you'll need to change them every six months (there or there abouts) as the box will state it lasts for 12 months but the output fall off is high after 6 months.Hope this helps.One last thing use a reflector to get the most light down on the deck.

[Christi Rose]

Is there a way to check your output?

[Leigh]

only with a UV meter