Not all light is the same: the right lighting for your terrarium
5.2.2018
Translation: machine translated
There are various lighting options for terrariums. Simply choosing any lamp from the large range is clearly the wrong way to go. I will therefore show you below how to light your terrarium correctly.
In order for your reptiles to feel comfortable and survive in their terrariums, they need UV light. As already mentioned in the introduction, it is not enough to simply put in any UV light and think that this will solve all problems. Reptiles produce many of the vitamins that we humans can ingest with our food ourselves and urgently need the help of UV light to do so.
Different UV wavelengths
UV light can be divided into three ranges: UV-A, -B and -C. UV-A light with a wavelength between 315 and 420 nm has a positive effect on food intake, colour perception, the immune system and the metabolic functions of your terrarium inhabitants. UV-A light works better than any medication for many reptiles - various diseases can be easily cured with an increased dose of UV-A.
UV-B light in the range of 280 to 315 nm ensures a healthy skeleton, strong bones and plenty of vitamin D3 in the reptile's body. In the wild, your terrarium animals can obtain their daily dose themselves with the help of the sun's rays, but in the terrarium they are dependent on your help.
UV-C light has the shortest wavelength and is not important for reptiles in the terrarium, as the earth's atmosphere blocks these rays in nature and does not allow them to reach us in the first place. UV-C light is generated artificially if it is to be used to kill germs.
Tips and tricks for UV lights
It is important to note that UV light cannot penetrate glass and must therefore always be placed inside the terrarium. It is important to note that there should be no direct contact with the reptiles, as they could otherwise burn themselves. In addition, UV light alone is not enough, as the inhabitants of the terrarium also need daylight or other lighting.
It should also be noted that UV lamps should be replaced after around six months, as otherwise they will emit little to no radiation. In addition, the intensity of the radiation decreases considerably with increasing distance - this must be taken into account, especially for larger terrariums. It should be noted here that UV light is one of three cornerstones for good conditions in a terrarium. The other two are daylight and infrared heat radiation.
Different types of UV lamps
UV compact lamps are - as their name suggests - extremely compact and also very powerful in practice. They are usually energy-saving lamps that generate little heat and work efficiently. The output can even be increased using a reflector.
Fluorescent tubes are tried and tested, reliable and tend to have a shorter range. In combination with reflectors, however, you can also use them to make your terrarium habitable and cosy. The low temperature development and uniform light emission over the entire distance of the light source are further advantages of this type of lighting. Using a dimmer, you can also simulate sunrises and sunsets - much to the delight of your reptiles.
Surface emitters are the powerhouses among UV lights: They run a lot of radiation, which of course comes at a price. They also provide a strong source of daylight and generate a lot of heat, which means that additional heat sources are not completely superfluous. It is advisable to place a protective cage in front of the heater, as the reptiles can otherwise suffer very severe burns.
Additional lamps required
In addition to UV lamps, however - as already mentioned several times - other light and heat sources are needed in the terrarium. This is because reptiles not only need UV light, but also heat and daylight. You can satisfy both of these needs with heat lamps and other spotlights that provide bright light and thus simulate daylight. Spotlights, for example, provide localised heat, while fluorescent tubes provide large-area lighting and daylight. Finally, dark LEDs are ideal for simulating the lighting conditions at night.
Terrarium lighting at Galaxus
You can find all terrarium lights here.
Header image: The right light sources - the be-all and end-all for optimal living conditions in the terrarium
Raphael Knecht
Senior Editor
raphael.knecht@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I'm not stuffing my face with sweets, you'll catch me running around in the gym hall. I’m a passionate floorball player and coach. On rainy days, I tinker with my homebuilt PCs, robots or other gadgets. Music is always my trusted companion. I also enjoy tackling hilly terrain on my road bike and criss-crossing the country on my cross-country skis.
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