D3 Sources?

[Nanshe]

I was scanning the internet for more Iguana info, and ran across a website that stated:

"It has been a long standing rule that iguanas must be provided with a full-spectrum light that provides a UVB of 310 or higher in order for the iguanas to produce vitamin D3 is essential in the absorption of calcium. It has recently been determined that iguanas have the capability to either produce their own D3 or to absorb it through their diet. [/b]As a result the proper amount of vitamin D3 may be gained through a proper diet thus eliminating the need for a full-spectrum bulb. "[/color]

Is there any truth at ALL to this statement? It seems rather suspect to me, and not something I would be willing to risk with my babies unless it had been tried & tested over and over and over. I just wondered if anyone else had heard anything like this before.

The website I found the information at is:

www.angelfire.com/al/repticare/page22.html

Thanks for your input!

~Nan

[Tesa]

It has recently been determined that iguanas have the capability to either produce their own D3 or to absorb it through their diet.

My thoughts:
First......It was determined by WHOM? And precisely HOW did they go about making that determination?

Second...
This guy is talking about "full spectrum" bulbs which are NOT the same as bulbs designed specifically to emit UVB rays.

Third: The site was evidently created in nearly 7 years ago (copyright is 1997).
Since then, there have been major developments in lighting, as well as access to the the tools that we as "commonfolk" can use to measure the UVB being emitted from our bulbs rather than relying solely on the manufacturers word.

Glancing over the rest of the info , it seems to be fairly accurate. But I guarantee ya, I won't taking any advice from the fella. ;D

[prism_wolf]

He also suggests a 10 gal. tank for a hatchling...blarg!

AND feeding adult igs every 2 days!! Zair would be PO'd!!

[Merlin]

I agree some of this guys info is very suspect. As to iguanas absorbing D3 thru their diet, as far as I know there is STILL no determination that they can absorb D3 in this manner. That has been an on going debate sparked by the claim of T Rex's "Solar Drops" which claims to eliminate the need for UVB.

And I'm with Prism Wolf. If I tried to only feed Zok every 2 days I would have one very ticked off big green lizard!