Essential Facts About Bearded Dragon Lighting

In order for us to fully understand the needs of our pets, we first have to get to know them well–their origin, habits, preferences, behavior and characteristics of a particular animal will greatly help in building a healthy relationship. Hence, in order for us to completely understand the importance of proper bearded dragon lighting, we must first go into the basics of this well-loved reptile.

Introduction

Bearded dragons are principally natives of Australia (although some can be found in New Guinea); they can be found in almost all parts of the continent—south, north, central, east and west. People living outside the continent may know only of one or two species of this particular reptile—the Pogona vitticeps also known as the inland bearded dragon and the Pogona barbata or the eastern bearded dragon. However, in its native land, bearded dragons exist in 8 varieties (discussed in detail in other sections of this site). This discussion however is mainly intended for inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Dragons are mainly diurnal creatures; they do their activities during the day and rest during the night. If you visit Australia, you may spot these reptiles perching on low-lying branches or bushes; but you will normally see them in deserts and dry lands, basking in a rock under the scorching heat of the sun. This very behavior signifies their need for sunlight.

Importance of UVB

Sunlight is very important for bearded dragons as it is through the sun that they obtain a light component called UVB (ultraviolet B). Exposure to this type of light induces the production of a nutritional element called Vitamin D3 in their skin—a vitamin they cannot obtain elsewhere. Vitamin D3 regulates and promotes calcium metabolism which is crucial for the maintenance of healthy bones. Without this vitamin, bearded dragons can suffer from a crippling condition known as Metabolic Bone Disorder.

Proper Lighting

Since you cannot provide your bearded dragon with the best source of UVB which is the sun, you will have to make use of other equipment to make sure they receive the proper lighting that they need. Most dragon owners make use of specialty full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs; but a new type of lighting equipment called mercury vapor bulbs is gaining popularity nowadays. This type of lighting emits higher levels of UV rays and also produces heat. Among the most popular fluorescent bulbs in the market are Zoomed ReptiSun or Vita-lite Plus and Westron Active UVHeat and ZooMed Power Sun UV are among your best choices of mercury vapor bulbs.

Proper Installation and Maintenance

In order for your lighting equipment to be effective, they must be placed no less than 10 inches from your bearded dragon’s basking site. It should also be installed to shine its light through a screened panel above your pet’s tank and not through the sides of the glass or plastic tank (as this can deflect the essential UVB light). It should also be regulated to stay on for 14 hours a day and should be replaced every 6 months or as advised by its manufacturers.

Bearded Dragon Setups