UVA??

[tek0509]

In my cage I have a 250 watt ceramic heater since my cage is quite large. The ceramic heater causes my basking shelf to have a perfect temperature of about 95. However, I had a regular lightbulb also installed on his basking shelf but usually when I turn it on it gtes too hott, even with a 25 watt builb in right now. Since he has his 4 foot UVB strip on his shelf is it neccesary for him to have the other light if the temperatures are already good? Thanks.

[Merlin]

No the regular bulb is nothing more than a heat source. If the temps are fine turn it off. The UVB is what is important

[MAR]

The UVB tube emitts UVA as well. You won't need that other lamp on unless you need the temps higher, which you don't, or want additional visible light.

UVA is not too important for an ig, UVB is critical though, and comes from many other non-special lamps so don't drop money on bulbs for it. More over the UVB producing bulbs and many common bulbs produce UVA anyway.

UVA happens to be the section of the EMR spectrum between visible violet light and UVB.

On a side note check that CHE weekly and watch it. 250 W devices will get dangerously hot. I have never personally had luck with a CHE as mine have either melted the insulation off the wire or melted the CHE from the inside out. That is my experice with them and I will no longer use a device with a screw in lamp base rated at over 150 W anywhere. Some people however, Merlin comes to mind, swear by CHEs but also say you should run them on surge protected circuit.

[tek0509]

Thank you so much MAR and Merlin. You guys have really helped me out with pretty much every question I have posted. You guys really know what your talking about. Regarding the CHE, it has been working great so far. I have it running on an industrial lamp with a heavy duty ceramic plug and wire and 300W capacity. I also have it plugged into a heavy duty surge protector with "Fire Shield" as it is called. As of now no problems, and the temps are ideal day and night with it. So thanks again for all your help guys.

[prism_wolf]

Actually...UVA is important. This is for the physiological perspective.

www.iguanaden.org/care/uvabc.htm
www.reptilesdownunder.com/reptile/enclosure/uvlighting.php
www.hagen.com/canada/english/reptiles/index.html <---Go to the "Reptile Lighting Guide". It's a PDF.
www.reptileuvinfo.com/Ultraviolet%20Light%20and%20Reptiles%20-%20Amphibians.htm

In short, UVA stimulates all daytime activities such as eating, excercise, mating...all those normal behaviors that we witness. Without the proper amount of UVA, activity lessens, appetite may go a bit "off", etc.

[Merlin]

UVB bulbs also produce UVA.
What was meant was, it is not necessary to have a bulb specifically for UVA

[prism_wolf]

It's great reading material though...:-) It helps people understand a little more about the differences and why they're different and how they help...but yes...the UVB bulbs do produce UVA, tek.