Iguana Lighting
In addition to needing proper humidity and heat, iguanas also need special lighting. It is very important that you provide your iguana with lighting that produces UVB. You may be wondering why they need this special lighting.
UVB enables these lizards to synthesize vitamin D3. Without vitamin D3, they will be unable to metabolize calcium that they consume in their diet. Calcium deficiency is a serious condition that will make your iguana very susceptible to metabolic bone disease. Metabolic bone disease can easily be fatal.
Now that you know why proper lighting for iguanas is important, make sure you purchase a bulb that specifically states that it produces UVB. You should have plenty of options. Since your iguana will also need heat, you can kill two birds with one stone and buy a bulb that also provides heat.
The very best lighting to provide for your iguana is natural sunlight. So, you should try to give him outside time as much as possible. Just make sure he has access to a shaded area so that he won’t overheat. Also, you shouldn’t take him outside if the ambient temperature is lower than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Iguanas are up during the day and sleep at night. Like us, it’s hard for them to sleep with a bright light on. This will make them very cranky and stressed. Therefore, you should put a timer on your lights. Leave them on for 10-12 hours to simulate daytime, then turn them off at night. If you don’t use a timer, you will have to manually turn the lights off and on.
If you buy fluorescent lighting, you should know that the effectiveness of the UVB rays diminishes over distance. You want to make sure that your iguana is receiving the full benefit of the lighting. Therefore, you should setup a basking branch no more than 12 inches away from the light.
Besides lighting, there are many more important aspects of iguana care. The Comprehensive Guide to Iguana Care will teach you everything you need to know. Make sure your pet lives a happy and healthy life. Check out the iguana care guide now to make sure you’re caring for your pet properly.
