UVA?

[fsprm2]

I know iguana's need UVB but what about UVA that the bulbs the pet stores carry give off? Do they need UVA - because if not I can start buying heat bulbs from the hardware store alot cheaper that $10/bulb.

[prism_wolf]

UVA is just in any bulb that produces light. Some are weaker than others, but I just use regular house lamp bulbs for heat and UVA...:-)

[crazybaby]

If you're just going for heat then yep, hardware stores are pretty good for that. Just be sure to have a good UVB source that doesn't overdo the heat. I just use regular incandescent 100watt bulbs for heat and the UVB light is a 60watt MegaRay EB, they work wonderfully together

[prism_wolf]

Same set-up here CB except I use 150W incandescent bulb with the 100W MR EB. I'm getting ready to boost the basking area with the Mega Ray HP, also. Even though we have heat...and a heat vent is at the back of the enclosure...the basking area has still cooled some and winter is only just setting in.

[deanie]

Through all the research that I have done, the one thing that I did find interesting was that IGUANA's depend on the UVA for their eye sight. No UVA in the lighting, no eye sight and that is what sometimes makes them a little paranoide.
And in dealing with UNI on his bath nights, he is in a full lighted bathroom, but he still never seems to know where the hand and the arm are at to get him out of the tub until I click on the side of the tub, then he swimms like crazy to get to that point and then goes wild clawing at the side of the tub until he hits the hand and then he is up it in a flash.
So am I way off base on this one?

[Merlin]

And just as a point, any UVB generating light also produces UVA.

[prism_wolf]

Thanks Merlin - and to add to that - some have less UVA than others...or rather - offer a different color spectrum. The tubes generally need a bright light added, not only for heat, but for a stronger level of UVA, too. Igs can see on a higher level than humans - so getting closest to "natural" daylight (really an impossible task if you consider the light spectrum in the morning and evening, too) makes what the ig is looking at, such as foods, a little more realistic.

[IguanaKing]

Deanie, I'm curious about where you found the information that says iguanas depend on UVA for their eyesight. This isn't true. Granted, iguanas can see into the UVA range and it affects how they perceive what they see, but they can also see just fine without any UVA at all. However, you do have a point about the paranoia. I would think that an iguana seeing in an environment that was completely devoid of UVA would be a lot like us suddenly losing our color vision. That would tend to make us freak out a little bit.

As far as your ig not knowing where your hand is while he is in the tub until you tap the side of the tub, maybe he is still learning to trust you. Then, he will start to associate you with his way out of the tub, and when he's ready he should come to you without any tapping. He can see you just fine...just probably not sure what to think of you yet. OTOH, and I'm sure you'd know this if it were true, but maybe he has a vision impairment in one or both eyes. I have worked with a blind iguana before, so it can happen.

[deanie]

I am going to have to relook through my info that I have on hard copy to see if I can find it again. I am sure I read it somewhere, and there haven't been many places that I have listened to the info that they spread. Could talk a while.
As for the little one having eyesight problems, he has only been to the vet just once cause he is so young. He will take the last of his worm meds on Wednesday and then I am going to take him back for a check. I am a little concerned about a little bump that is where his back hips should be. It is on one side and not the other. It could be just that, but I want to make sure. I'll ask about the vision when there. Thanks..!!

[IguanaKing]

Just so you know, if it turns out that he has a vision problem, just make sure that you don't worry too much about. Even a totally blind iguana can live a perfectly normal and happy life with just a few accomodations.

[deanie]

I just want you to know that what ever I have to do for him, will be done. I have spent too much of my time and have come to love this little guy that, no matter what I have to do, is what he will get.
I don't think that I am dealing with something like that, but if I am, we will go from there.
Thanks for your concern..!!

[IguanaKing]

I'm sure you will, Deanie...I just didn't want you to cause yourself unnecessary heartache over a blind iggy. If your's is blind, they do quite well and I just hope his condition, if it turns out to be the case, doesn't make you sad for him. Pretty much the only thing extra you'd have to do is to keep him safe from predators, including your pets. He'll still be able to get around and find his food on his own.