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Monthly Archives: March 2020
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Posted: March 23, 2020
Read more »Why is vitamin D3 synthesis by UV metal halid lamps so important for reptiles?
This process is very important for the animals' calcium metabolism. Precursors of vitamin D3 are formed in the upper layers of the skin as a result of UVB radiation and heat. The plasma calcium level in the blood is increased by the liver and kidneys. Calcium is important for bone growth, egg shell formation and strengthening shells in turtles. A deficiency means dreaded metabolic bone diseases (rickets), softening of shells in turtles, risk of fractures, etc...
Keeping reptiles without UV radiation and radiation heat supply is harmful to the animals. This is why UV terrarium lamps are so important for keeping reptiles.... -
Posted: March 18, 2020Read more »
This blog is aimed at newcomers to terraristics. So you decided on an animal and bought or built the terrarium. When planning, the question of the right lighting always comes up at some point. Basking spot, basic lighting, UV lamps, heat lamps, metal vapor, compact lamps, HID, ... it gets complicated.
In principle it depends on the natural habitat of the animals. The simplest distinction is desert animal, steppe, rainforest or Mediterranean. In any case, I recommend studying the specialist literature - there are usually clear indications for hours of sunshine, UV values and temperatures. Accordingly, a sun-hungry reptile (example bearded dragon) requires higher brightness, heat and UV output than a shadow-loving jungle dweller. The essential 2 factors for the correct lamp choice are the wattage and the distance to the animal. For sun-loving animals you use a higher wattage and a closer distance, for shade lovers it is the other way round. That is...