Do blue-tongued skinks require UVB?

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Ophiuchus

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Jan 31, 2006
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This is one of those lizards where it seems the jury is still out. I've read and heard of a lot of folks keeping BTSs without full-spectrum lighting without ill effects. What is everyone's opinion on this? Of course, I understand that like many herps, they certainly benefit from UVB, but how critical is it really for BTSs?

My GF fell in love with a baby at this weekend's show, and had to get it. His name is Baby Sinclair and is the cutest skink in the world, hands down. Right now, we were just planning on keeping a basking lamp and a UTH on it. Should we get a UV light?
 
It wouldnt hurt to get the light, but its not essential to them. Itll just brighten the little guys tank if anything. Do get rid of the under tank heater if thats what the abbreviation is for. If its the stick on kind then just unplug it. Just the heat lamp alone will suffice.
 
You can keep them without UV, but it wouldn't hurt them to have it. A lot of European herpetoculturists use UV with their reptiles, and they don't have a problem with it. However, if you do use UV, make sure it has hides and aspen substrate to allow it to escape from UV exposure if needed.
 
Yeah, I've had one before years ago, and kept it on UV (because thats what I had always been told). This new one has a 40-gallon with about 2" of aspen, plenty of hides, etc. Just hear a lot of controversy with BTSs and UV lighting these days and wasn't sure.

Varanio, just out of curiousity, why should I be losing the undertank heater? I've been using them for years without any issues and figured the extra belly heat during cold nights couldn't hurt. Is your advice implying that it is extreme overkill or just stemming from a possible contempt for UTHs in general? Just wondering...
 
Ophiuchus;1440952; said:
Yeah, I've had one before years ago, and kept it on UV (because thats what I had always been told). This new one has a 40-gallon with about 2" of aspen, plenty of hides, etc. Just hear a lot of controversy with BTSs and UV lighting these days and wasn't sure.

Varanio, just out of curiousity, why should I be losing the undertank heater? I've been using them for years without any issues and figured the extra belly heat during cold nights couldn't hurt. Is your advice implying that it is extreme overkill or just stemming from a possible contempt for UTHs in general? Just wondering...
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There have been instances where keepers unknowingly have burned their animals from the UTH being too hot, other instances where animals have overheater from above and below heating. If you had success then dont change a thing, maybe you have yours on thermostat?
 
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