|
set up
Jan 4, 2007 21:37:02 GMT -8
Post by blur on Jan 4, 2007 21:37:02 GMT -8
hi there i just got a baby iguana..im not sure must i on both the uv light and the heating light at the same time ??how many hours should i on it ?? where to place and how far away should i place both lights?? must i on both heating and uv lights at night ?? please help me
|
|
|
set up
Jan 5, 2007 7:46:25 GMT -8
Post by prism_wolf on Jan 5, 2007 7:46:25 GMT -8
Congrats!! Do you have a name for it yet?
Depends on the type of lights you have. Make sure you have a light that says it specifically puts out UV-B. UV-A is just the light you can see emitting from the bulb. UV-B is what's so vital in the processing of nutrients...specifically the calcium absorption. Without UV-B an iguana will die of MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease). Depending on your UV-B source determines whether you need heat, too. Flourescent bulbs always need an additional heat source. UV-B/Heat combo lights do not.
In the winter I set the timers for 8 hours on. If your house gets below 75 degrees (this is for babies under a year) then you need an additional night heat source that only provides heat without light. CHEs are an ok choice, but they get very hot. The Mega Ray HE emits heat, but it's a much safer and more focussed heat. Human heating pads are also an option. Finding one without a built in safety feature these days is hard to find though. They make them where they shut off automatically after a certain amount of time.
Again...it depends on the type of UV-B source. If you use a flourescent tube than 6" - 8" from the iguanas back is where it should be using the middle of the tube as your focal point. The UV-B is strongest from there and gets weaker towards the ends. A mercury vapor bulb should be placed between 12" - 18".
I touched on this above, but I'll go over it quickly. No light at night. Igs need darkness, too. If your temps get below 75...use supplemental heat.
It might feel like rocket science now, but once you get it down caring for your baby is really pretty easy. Don't hesitate to ask more questions as you think of them... ;D.
|
|
|
set up
Jan 6, 2007 5:26:06 GMT -8
Post by blur on Jan 6, 2007 5:26:06 GMT -8
thanx for the information ..actualy im staying in singapore ..for my country we r not allowed to keep exotic animals as pets..so its abit difficult for me to get a proper set up for my iguana,,yeah now im using reptisun 5.0 ...but about the heat lamp ..how many watt bulbs shud i use ..currentyly im using 60watt bulb ..izit ok ??
|
|
|
set up
Jan 6, 2007 5:27:36 GMT -8
Post by blur on Jan 6, 2007 5:27:36 GMT -8
ohh ya ..havent got a name for my iguana ...hehe maybe u guys out there can help me named my iguana,,
|
|
|
set up
Jan 6, 2007 13:21:10 GMT -8
Post by prism_wolf on Jan 6, 2007 13:21:10 GMT -8
now im using reptisun 5.0 ...but about the heat lamp ..how many watt bulbs shud i use ..currentyly im using 60watt bulb ..izit ok ?? As far as the UVB fluorescent bulb goes...at least you have one of the best available. If you're only using one you need to get a second one and run them together... . As far as the wattage of bulb needed. That's impossible to guess. A lot of factors come into play such as, 1) what type of cage you use - aquarium with screen top - home made wooden cage with open sides, etc., 2) is the cage near a window...sunny side or shady side? 3) Is the cage near a floor register for air/heat? Only you can figure that out by using a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer. I can tell you in a 55 gallon for the bearded dragon I use a 100W bulb...but that's right for my conditions and may not be right for yours...and beardies require higher temps. Play around with a couple of different bulbs and find which one gets you the right temps... .
|
|
|
set up
Jan 7, 2007 3:42:48 GMT -8
Post by Merlin on Jan 7, 2007 3:42:48 GMT -8
and for heat alone you don't have to use anything specific. A regualr household bulb will do the same thing.
|
|