One of the most little known factors in reptile keeping has always been the need for not only proper heating, but for proper lighting conditions for reptiles kept in enclosures as well. Luckily, the hobby of reptile keeping has evolved tremendously over the past few years. Now there are a wide variety of products available to help replicate the natural conditions where our pet reptiles live.

Just like humans and other mammals, reptiles need vitamin D3 from sunlight, or ultraviolet B (UVB) light, to grown and maintain strong bones. In the wild, reptiles get plenty of sun, but indoor reptiles need an artificial source of UVB rays to maintain proper levels of calcium in blood and bones. There are many supplements on the market that do great jobs of helping to provide your reptiles with necessary calcium; but none of them replace the need for proper lighting.

Reptiles are unable to efficiently absorb calcium from their diets without active vitamin D, also known as vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 helps the intestines absorb calcium from food. UVB light absorbed through the skin helps animals convert inactive vitamin D to active vitamin D3. Without proper sun or UVB exposure pet reptiles can be deficient in vitamin D3 and therefore deficient in calcium.

Calcium is vital for bone growth and maintenance, muscle function, and metabolism. When blood calcium levels are low--a condition called hypocalcemia--an animal may suffer muscle twitches and lethargy. Low blood calcium can also lead to metabolic bone disease; to compensate for blood calcium deficiency, the body may utilize stored calcium from the bones to maintain blood levels. This can be serious problem for growing reptiles, causing poorly developed or soft "gumby" bones that are prone to fractures.

To prevent hypocalcemia, owners need to understand how to supply both proper UVB light and adequate dietary calcium to their reptiles. A huge mistake that many reptile keepers make is using only Incandescent lamps to supply light for their reptiles. These lamps supply the UVA light which is also needed by reptiles, but cannot supply UVB rays.

Many people also put their reptiles near windows to get sunlight, unaware that plastic and glass block UVB rays. A proper set-up will allow UVB rays from a lamp to reach a reptile without any obstruction. Placing a lamp on top of a screen cover will allow UVB rays through.

Of course, even if a reptile produces enough vitamin D3, plenty of dietary calcium must also be provided for a reptile to absorb what it needs.

Recommended Products:
Exo-Terra Repti Glo UVB Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Exo-Terra Calcimize Liquid Supplement
Exo-Terra Electrodize Supplement