UV...who needs it?

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Ophiuchus

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There's been a lot of debates lately on what herps require UVB lighting. I just felt I should recap and try to set the record straight, and anyone more knowledgeable than I, feel free to contribute.

The following are herps that I know require it, and will suffer from calcium-deficiency related ailments if not provided with it.
HERPS THAT DO REQUIRE UVB:

Lizards
- Iguanids (iguanas, basilisks, anoles, collared lizards, chuckwallas, swifts, etc)
- Agamids (agamas, bearded dragons, frilled dragons, water dragons, etc)
- chameleons
- plated lizards
- Uromastyx
- monkey-tailed skinks

Chelonians
- pond sliders (RES, yellow-bellies, maps, etc)
- softshells?
- box turtles
- tortoises
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The following are herps that I know do not require UV at all, or in the very least, have read from several reliable sources that they don't.

Lizards
- most geckos (except day geckos and possibly cresteds)
- most skinks (except the aforementioned monkey-tails)
- anguids (glass lizards, alligator lizards)
- varanids (monitors, with a proper diet)

Chelonians
- mud/musk turtles (including the African Pelosius & Pelomedusa genus)
- snappers

Pretty much any snake is fine without UV (although see next section)
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The following are herps that have proven to be fine without UVB, but have also been proven to benefit greatly from it.

Lizards
- crested geckos, gargoyle geckos,
- skinks
- varanids

Snakes
- arboreal constrictors (ETBs, GTPs, ATBs, RTBs, rainbow boas,)
- diurnal colubrids (garters, water snakes, racers, coachwhips, ratsnakes, green snakes,)
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The following are herps that I've read from equally conflicting sources saying that they do or do not require UVB.

Amphibians...are there some that need it more than others? I'm sure they benefit from it.

Crocodilians....always assumed they need it, but never really researched it.


Any productive comments are welcome.
 
to my knowledge snakes dont need uv light because they get there vitamin D3 from the prey they consume, the D3 is stored in the liver, actually its called calciol after 7-Dehydrocholesterol is exposed to UV radiation, then it is sent to the liver.
 
Yeah, I know that. But I have read that regarding some of those species I mentioned do seem to benefit both in their coloration if provided with it, especially the various tree boas/pythons and rainbow boas.
 
I would have to disagree, I dont think there is a reptile out there that absolutley needs UV light in order to survive. While alot of people think its calcium defeciency debate as whether or not they need it, it should be noted that the most important thing to keep reptiles in good conditions is a temp gradient, and proper diet. Although Im sure it can make the colors more vibrant and what not, I just dont see it being intrical part of their survival. I have never kept any species with UV lights and never had any problems. I think if you were to rephrase the debate as to who can benefit from it, then all the animals mentioned would hold truth.
 
Varanio, are you saying that even iguanas, uros, chameleons and beardies don't even need it? Not saying that you're absolutely wrong or trying to start an argument; I just want to see some more material on it (i.e. I'm just going on 13 yrs of research, which obviously could be fallible). Do you have some references?

Like I mentioned before, I agree 100% that snakes don't need it, geckos don't need it, and monitors don't need it. Just not sure on some of the others.
 
Id say the list is pretty good, but its just that. A list. This would be a GREAT sticky if we could get some meaningful INFO about it in here. Obviously, we all know this is a great stir in the hobby, and we at least need to help it along.

Maybe what we need are side-by-side tests with and without UV for various species. But that would take a long time to do, and would be very expensive. Too bad Zoo Med and T-Rex will sell just about anything to make money, whether it works or not.
 
Well... I think about it this way.

With UV light, you get risk of UV burns and overexposure. With calcium supplemented D3, all that will happen is that the kidneys have to filter it. I means the body won't use more calcium that it need as long is in CONJUNCTION with D3. So, you can give them excess amount and it won't possess any medical health problem. A harder-working set of kidneys doesn't affect the animals at all, nor does it shorten their life span. It make sense if you understand it from a biological point of view.

I means I known people who successfully kept the ones that need UV with calcium + D3 for a long time. Their animals are stress-free, healthy, and are active.
 
I personally, wouldnt dream of using the method you suggest Kioka with my iguana.

She benefits greatly from UV.

I went away for a weekend and my mum was in charge, and decided (even though she doesn't even know what UV is , more that its a light bulb..) that my iggy didnt need and didnt give it her for the weekend.

Obviously there were no long term effects, I could notice the difference straight away, (the light was on by this time...i guess my mum was trying to trick me and prove the iggy didnt need it so as not to pay so much in electric..) and although she was her normal self, she was a little duller colour, her spikes were curved over rather than straight up and she wasn't such a ferocious eater (and took less than usual) water. I give her supplements every three/four days.

its happened a veiw times, I PERSONALLY notice the difference with IGUANAS. I don't know about other animals nor claim too.

I just know my animals, and when something is not as usual.

However, the way you described is interesting.
 
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