If you have a bearded dragon, you must be aware of the importance of UVB light and may be wondering how long your beardie can go without the light. In this guide, we’ll discuss the effects of not having UVB light and how long your bearded dragon can go without it.
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What is UVB Light?
UVB light is a type of ultraviolet light that is found in sunlight. This light helps your bearded dragon to produce vitamin D3, which is essential for their health. Without UVB light, your beardie can become deficient in vitamin D3, which can lead to health problems such as metabolic bone disease.
About Vitamin D3:
Vitamin D3 is an essential vitamin for your bearded dragon. This vitamin helps them to absorb calcium, which is important for their bones and muscles. Vitamin D3 also helps to regulate phosphorus and calcium levels in the blood.
Epidermal cells of the skin produce vitamin D3 when they are exposed to UVB light. This vitamin is then transported to the liver, where it is converted into an active form of vitamin D3 called calcitriol. Calcitriol is then sent to the kidneys, where it helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood.
UVB radiation with a spectrum range of 290 nm to 320 nm is required for the production of vitamin D3.
Effects of Not Having UVB Light:
If your bearded dragon does not have access to UVB light, they can become deficient in vitamin D3. This can lead to health problems such as metabolic bone disease.
Metabolic bone disease is a condition that results in weakened bones
A deficiency in vitamin D3 can lead to health problems such as:
- Metabolic bone disease: This is a condition where the bearded dragon’s bones become weak and deformed due to a lack of calcium.
- Kidney problems: A lack of vitamin D3 can lead to kidney stones and other kidney problems.
- Lowered immune system: Without enough vitamin D3, your bearded dragon may be more susceptible to infections and diseases.
What are the Effects of Not Having UVB Light?
If your bearded dragon does not have access to UVB light, they may become deficient in vitamin D3. This can lead to health problems such as metabolic bone disease, kidney problems, and a lowered immune system. Without UVB light, your beardie may also be more likely to develop eye problems such as cataracts.
How Long Can a Bearded Dragon Go Without UVB Light?
Your bearded dragon can go without UVB light for a short period of time, but they will eventually become deficient in vitamin D3 if they do not have access to the light. If you must take your beardie out of their enclosure for a short period of time, you can provide them with a vitamin D3 supplement to help prevent a deficiency.
You should also try to give your bearded dragon access to natural sunlight for a few hours each day. This will help them to produce vitamin D3 and stay healthy. If you are not giving your beardie Vitamin D3 supplement, your beardie should not be UVB-deficient for 3 days in a row.
Bearded Dragon UVB Light requirements:
Bearded dragons require UVB from lights created for lizards with an 8%-10% UVB output. The light should remain on during the daytime hours for 12-14 hours each day. This is the equivalent of the natural sunlight that a bearded dragon would receive in their natural habitat.
You should also provide your bearded dragon with a basking spot that has a temperature of 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. This basking spot should be located under the UVB light so that your beardie can soak up the light and heat.
You should provide your bearded dragon with a UVB light source such as a reptile bulb or tube. The bulb should be placed about 12-18 inches from your beardie’s basking spot. You should also change the bulb every 6-12 months to ensure that it is providing the correct amount of UVB light.
Your bearded dragon needs UVB light to stay healthy, so you should provide them with a light source and access to natural sunlight. If you are not able to provide your beardie with UVB light, you should give them a vitamin D3 supplement to help prevent a deficiency.
8%-10% UVB output – What this means:
The 8%-10% UVB output means that the light should be between 8 and 10%UVB. This means that you need a light that is specifically made for reptiles as they require this range to be able to assimilate vitamin D3.
You can find these lights at your local pet store or online.
You should change the UVB bulb every 6-12 months to ensure that it
How long should UVB Light be turned on daily?
In the beardie tank, you can set up a UVB bulb on a 12-hour timer so that it’s only on when your beardie is awake. This will help to prevent them from getting too much UVB exposure. Some experts recommend keeping this equipment switched on for around 12 to 14 hours every day but I think 12 hours is sufficient.
You should also provide your bearded dragon with a basking spot where they can bask in the UVB light for a few hours each day. This will help them to produce vitamin D3 and stay healthy.
Types of UV Radiations:
UVA:
Long wave ultraviolet A, ranges from 320-400 nm and is significant for reptile vision and wellbeing.
UVB:
Medium wave ultraviolet B, ranges from 290-320 nm, and is required for the production of vitamin D3 in reptiles.
UVC:
Short wave ultraviolet C, ranges from 180-290 nm, and is germicidal (kills bacteria). This spectrum is completely filtered by the earth’s atmosphere and does not reach the surface.
Visible light:
The light that we can see, ranges from 400-700 nm.
Infrared light:
“Heat” radiation, felt as warmth but not seen, ranges from 700 nm to 1 mm.
What is basking?
Basking is when a reptile soaks up heat and UVB rays from their basking spot. This is an important part of a reptile’s thermoregulation and helps them to stay healthy.
Basking also allows reptiles to produce vitamin D3, which is essential for their health. Vitamin D3 helps reptiles to absorb calcium, which is important for bone growth and health.
What is the ideal basking temperature?
The ideal basking temperature for a bearded dragon is between 88-100 degrees Fahrenheit. This basking spot should be located under the UVB light so that your beardie can soak up the light and heat.
You can use a basking lamp, heat mat, or ceramic heat emitter to create a basking spot for your beardie. You should also provide a hide or shelter for your bearded dragon to use when they need to cool down.
What is the ideal humidity level?
Monitor the humidity level with a hygrometer and keep it between 20 and 40%. Maintain the temperature during the day between 75 and 85°F (24-29°C) and keep the basking spot at 88-100°F (31-38°C). At night, the temperature can fall to 65-75°F (18-24°C).
What size tank does a bearded dragon need?
A juvenile bearded dragon needs a 20-gallon tank. An adult bearded dragon needs a 40-60 gallon tank. If you have more than one bearded dragon, you will need a larger tank.
How often should I clean the tank?
You should clean the bearded dragon tank every week to remove any waste or uneaten food. You can do a deep clean of the tank every month, which involves removing all of the décor and cleaning it with hot water and reptile-safe cleaner.
How often should I clean their enclosure?
You should clean your bearded dragon’s enclosure at least once a week. This includes spot cleaning any waste, changing the water, and wiping down the surfaces of the enclosure. You should also deep clean their enclosure every month by disinfecting all of the
Bearded dragon without heat lamp:
When the temperature is at least 65°F, bearded dragons can survive for up to 24 hours without heat. If the lizard goes too long without access to an external heat source, it will become sluggish and its digestive processes will slow down.
Full spectrum UV light (such as ReptiSun) is required for about 12-14 hours each day during the spring and summer seasons and 8 hours each day during the fall and winter months. UV radiation cannot pass through glass or plastic, so keep any distance between the bulb and the beardie.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons need UVB light to produce vitamin D3, which is essential for their health. Without UVB light, your beardie can become deficient in vitamin D3, which can lead to health problems such as metabolic bone disease, kidney problems, and a lowered immune system. You should provide a UVB light for your bearded dragon for 12-14 hours each day during the spring and summer, and 8 hours each day during the fall and winter. You can use a basking lamp, heat mat, or ceramic heat emitter to create a basking spot for your beardie.