Full Spectrum Lighting

[WillemsMom]

Dom and Tess,,
Can you straighten out for me why full spectrum is no good or not so good.. I posted this on the other board too. I have to buy,... have ordered from Cages by Design (full spectrum is what they sell) and I'm not sure what to do. Purchased a Super UV Coil Lamp last night to hold me over until Willie's cage comes, and I love it. Got a good reading from the solar meter. Thanks for your help.

[Tesa]

Full spectrum lights are designed for better visibility, enhanced color perception.....
(makes me mad that pet shops sell them in a way that makes it look like they are ALL the reptile needs.)

[dominick]

Hi Nance-

Full spectrum is, of course, the entire spectrum of color. As tesa stated, it make the Ig's colors come out more. But, that doesn't add to health.

What adds to health is UVB light (the substitute for the real sunlight they don't always get). UVB light helps them process food through digestion, and they absorb the light and manufacture bone-building calcium and Vitamin D3. So THAT is what's beneficial about the light.

The custom enclosure has Full-spectrum because they want the Ig to look as best as possible to enhance the enclosure's effect.

Also, there is a BIG difference between full, unfiltered sunlight and UVB bulbs. 1/2 hour in full sun is the equivalent of hours under the bulb.

Get the best UVB bulb you can buy. And replace it once a year. Even though the bulb is still burning the UVB fades over time.

Sorry if you already know all this, but more for the folks who don't. ;D

Can't wait to see the cage!

[WillemsMom]

Dom and Tesa to the rescue. I must have missed Lighting 101...thank you very much. Dom, I needed all the info you gave. Thank you both again.

[Tesa]

You're very welcome!

[prism_wolf]

I know this is an old post, but I thought I'd add some info here regarding the time frame one should change the UVB bulbs (flourescents AND MV).

Unless one has a UVB meter the bulbs should be changed out every 6 months regardless of whether it still emits light...which most do still light.

I have had MV bulbs that had to be returned after 1 month due to UVB emmitance failures and I have had flourescent tubes that have kept going for almost a year with UVB still within the minimal range of acceptible emmisions. Some tubes have lasted less than 6 months.

If anyone is interested there is an order going out for UVB meters on another list. I have no stake in it...I already have one and it's been invaluable to me... ;D

It's regularly $179.00. The owner of another list is gathereing a second order together to purchase one for $135.00. This includes shipping.

Veronica

[e-mail] (email here to be added to the order)

[Tesa]

Good Point! I'm ashamed that I didn't mention it.
I'd love to have a meter....but..funds are too low.
You buying?? ;D

[prism_wolf]

lol...if only I was a millionnaire...

[SurvivorSteph]

prism_wolf said:

I have had MV bulbs that had to be returned after 1 month due to UVB emmitance failures and I have had flourescent tubes that have kept going for almost a year with UVB still within the minimal range of acceptible emmisions. Some tubes have lasted less than 6 months.

This is a great reason to keep receipts... why spend $50 on a light that needs to be replaced in a month because of a mfg or shipping problem.

[prism_wolf]

Hint on MV's. I strongly suggest not getting a Capture the Sun from Big Apple Herp.

There are some awesome MV's out there right now by Westron 60W that are supposed to have an excellent UVB output that doesn't decay like many do in the first month and settle into a much lower reading.

For anyone wanting the more technical and scientific stuff on MV's...there is an EXCELLENT Yahoo group. A lot of the stuff on there I don't understand...they get REALLY scientific sometimes, but other stuff is in laymen's terms or can be asked to put it that way so us regualr Joe's...and Jane's ...can understand it.

[e-mail]

Go through the archives and fill your heads!!