Reptile Lighting: the essentials
Reptiles rely on external heat and ultraviolet light to function properly. In nature, sunlight provides visible light (including UVA) that influences behaviour, and UVB that allows the skin to make vitamin D3—vital for calcium use and strong bones. Without appropriate UVB in captivity, reptiles are at risk of metabolic bone disease, so recreating safe, species-appropriate lighting is non-negotiable.
Types of lights you’ll find here
Basking lamps deliver bright, focused heat that encourages natural basking. Modern halogen basking bulbs are more efficient than traditional incandescent options, helping you create a stable “hot spot” without excessive power draw. Night-light bulbs provide warmth with very little visible light, so you can maintain temperatures after dark without upsetting the day/night cycle.
LED lighting has surged in popularity because it’s energy-efficient and great for showcasing enclosures—especially planted or bioactive setups. LEDs don’t produce UVB or meaningful heat, so think of them as a companion to your heat and UV sources rather than a replacement.
For an “all-in-one” approach, mercury vapour bulbs output both strong heat and UVB. They’re ideal for sun-loving species but can’t be controlled via a thermostat, so they’re best mounted over open-topped tables or where you can raise/lower the lamp to fine-tune temperatures and UVI safely.
If you want broad, even UV coverage, UV fluorescent tubes are the go-to. T5 tubes are slim, powerful and efficient; older T8 tubes are less intense and suit shorter distances. Both come in different percentages (e.g., 6 %, 12 %, 14 %) to match species needs and enclosure height. Compact UVB bulbs screw into standard fittings and work well in small vivariums or table lamps but need more frequent replacement. Complete UV kits bundle the correct lamp with a suitable fixture and reflector, making safe installation straightforward.
Picking the right setup
Start with your animal’s natural habitat and daily rhythm. Desert species such as bearded dragons and uromastyx thrive with high heat plus strong UVB—typically a halogen basking lamp paired with a T5 UVB tube, or a mercury vapour bulb where enclosure style allows. Tropical and arboreal reptiles like chameleons and some geckos prefer moderate heat and UVB; a compact or T5/T8 UVB source with a ceramic emitter for warmth works well. Many nocturnal snakes and lizards primarily need heat without additional UVB, so a ceramic heat emitter or low-wattage heat lamp can be sufficient.
Distance matters. UV intensity falls rapidly as you move away from the lamp, so position your UVB to deliver the correct Ultraviolet Index (UVI) at the basking area—and always respect the minimum safe distance stated by the manufacturer. A hand-held UV meter (e.g., Solarmeter) is an excellent way to verify you’re hitting the target range for your species.
Safe installation and upkeep
Aim for a gentle thermal gradient: a warm basking end and a cooler retreat so your reptile can self-regulate. Use thermostats and thermometers to prevent overheating, and fit guards so animals can’t touch hot equipment—reptiles don’t instinctively recognise how dangerous a lamp face can be.
UVB output declines over time even when a bulb still looks bright. As a rule of thumb, compact UVB bulbs are typically replaced around six months, and T5/T8 tubes around 12 months; note the install date so you don’t overshoot service life. Keep the path between lamp and basking spot clear—glass and some plastics block UVB—and consider reflectors to direct light downward efficiently.
Consistency helps animals thrive. Provide a steady photoperiod—often 10–14 hours of “daylight”—and switch off bright/UV sources at night. If warmth is still needed after lights-out, use heat-only options such as ceramic emitters, controlled by an appropriate thermostat. A simple plug-in timer keeps everything on schedule.
At a glance (just the highlights)
- Match lamp type and strength to species, enclosure height and target UVI.
- Combine categories as needed: a basking halogen for heat + a T5 UVB tube for coverage + LEDs for display.
- Replace UVB on schedule and monitor temps; safety guards prevent burns.
With the right mix of basking heat, reliable UVB and thoughtful placement, you’ll create a naturalistic environment that supports healthy behaviour, strong bones and vibrant colour—day after day.
