D3 Reptile Lamp for Healthy Reptiles

Why a dedicated reptile lamp?

In nature, the sun provides a wealth of light at high intensity for daylight loving reptiles, which can often be seen basking in the sun's rays. This is not just for warmth, but to assist in the synthesis of vitamin D3 which promotes good health in these reptiles. The lamp is recommended for most daylight reptiles, including iguanas, bearded dragons, skinks, chameleons, lizards and tortoises.

High in UVB for vitamin D3 synthesis

Most reptiles need to synthesize vitamin D3 in their skin for their healthy growth. Ultra violet light of a particular wave band, known as UVB (290-320 nm), is required, and is produced by the Arcadia D3 Reptile lamp. UVB is not present in sufficient quantities in normal full spectrum fluorescent lamps, because the glass absorbs UVB, whereas the D3 Arcadia lamp uses a special glass designed to allow through sufficient yet safe levels of UVB and UVA.

Vitamin D3 is necessary for the metabolism of calcium, which is needed for strong bone development. A deficiency can result in metabolic bone disease in reptiles. Vitamin D3 is also needed to help produce strong shells in turtles and tortoises.

Although Vitamin D3 can be commercially obtained from animal sources, and given to reptiles with their food, studies have indicated that dietary D3 cannot replace the D3 synthesized in the skin from sunlight, even in reptiles injected with supplemental vitamin D3.

The vitamin D type derived from plants is vitamin D2 and is not suitable for proper calcium metabolism. For the best results, vitamin D3 must be obtained from regular exposure to UVB light, either from natural sunlight or the Arcadia D3 Reptile lamp.

High in UVA light for behavioural contentment

It is now known that reptiles can see light in the UVA (320-400 nm) range. What a reptile sees affects its appetite. Reds are redder and greens are greener. A reluctant feeder needs UVA light to stimulate its appetite.

UVA is also needed to induce reproductive behaviour. Lizards have been found to possess ultra violet reflectance patterns on their skin, which indicatereproductive glands in particular. Female panther chameleons seek out UV light when preparing to lay eggs. Depriving a reptile of UVA light would be like making it live in a darkened room.

The Arcadia D3 Reptile lamp has a high UVA output (30%), providing all the elements which are so vital to the welfare of the reptiles.

A snake's behaviour can also benefit from UVA, even though they do not need UVB to synthesise vitamin D3.

Compared to nature

As a full spectrum lamp, the Arcadia D3 Reptile lamp simulates sunlight. This provides high colour rendering for enhanced viewing of your reptiles and their environment. The colour temperature of 6,500K is similar to sunlight in a typical desert environment. The D3 lamp also helps plants grow in the vivarium or terrarium, where these are present.

Tips on use

• It is important to note that sufficient vitamin D3 is not enough in itself to avoid metabolic bone disease. Reptiles should also be fed foods rich in calcium and phosphorous.
• Do not use a glass or protective lens between the lamp and the reptile - this will reduce the UV light, that your reptiles need.
• For the larger terrarium with many plants, we recommend you also try the Arcadia Freshwater lamp, which really brings out the greens of your plants.

Information from Arcadia
www.arcadia-uk.info

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