Arcadia D3 Reptile Lamp

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Vivarium Lighting

Not only do reptiles need light to be able to see around their enclosure, and also of course for us to see them, but they also use light, specifically ultra-violet light, for the benefit of their long-term health and development.

In its natural environment, a reptile has exposure to direct light from the sun, which as well as being composed of the visual light that we are familiar with, also has a significant content of ultra-violet light.

This UV energy is an important factor, as it drives a chemical reaction in the skin, which results in the formation of vitamin D3, without which calcium metabolism cannot occur correctly, and the skeleton of the animal cannot develop correctly.

When a captive reptile is not exposed to DIRECT sunlight, then the resulting lack of vitamin D3 can cause the bones to become weak and mis-shapen.

Other hard structures, such as scales, claws, and the carapace of tortoises or turtles would also be adversely affected without sunlight.

The Arcadia reptile lamp range has been created in order to allow reptiles and other exotic pets to be maintained without the health problems related to poor calcium metabolism.

Although all reptiles utilise the sun’s UV, the degree to which they do so varies.

Some, for instance iguanas, gain all of their vitamin D3 from utilising UV light, and so are totally reliant on it, and quickly develop problems if not exposed to sufficient UV light.

Most of such reptiles are day active, and often have a diet rich in vegetation and/or small invertebrates.

These species should be kept under and appropriate sized D3 lamp, which has a higher content of UV light.

Other reptiles – most snakes for example, actually obtain much of their vitamin D3 from their diet, and only partially rely on skin synthesis.

These are often active at night, and have a diet consisting of small vertebrate prey, which is rich in vitamin D3.

If such species are denied UV exposure, problems are slow to become apparent, and when they do, are less severe than the first group.

These species are best kept under the “Natural Sunlight” lamp, which has less UV content in order to satisfy their lower demands.

SPECIES REQUIRING THE D3 LAMP

Water Dragons

Iguanas

Skinks

Day Geckoes

Uromastyx

Chamelemons

Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles

Product characteristics at a glance

* 5% UVB for the synthesis of vitamin D3

* Full spectrum lamp

* Produces excellent natural colours