Sundrops???

Mr.Lizard · 08-06-03, 04:18 PM

Has anyone heard of a product by T-Rex called "Solar Drops"?
I just noticed them in the petstore today and they're promoted as being an inexpensive substitute to UV lighting.
It says they're made from species specific sterols created by intense UV-B exposure. The label goes on to say that if you have a nocturnal lizard,to use "Moon Drops".
It's made into a palatable formula and apparently goes onto the food,I doubt anyone would have much luck applying it orally.

Sounds ridiculous to me,what do you guys think?

Siretsap · 08-06-03, 04:36 PM

I saw the bootles also, but am sceptic about how benefic it actually is.

Bartman · 08-06-03, 04:39 PM

i think we should just stick to the bulbs. Anyways it lights up the tank

sounds like a load of **** if you ask me...

Rich · 08-06-03, 04:40 PM

Hello,
For iguanas, the uv is their source of vitamin D3. Well, that being the case, then the drops are pointless for them. It is believed that iguanas can not absorb D3 from their food and require the lighting to obtain it. Without the d3, they can't properly assimilate dietary calcium and phosphorus. that would lead to problems like MBD. I think that product is just another gimmick for the distributers to grab a buck off the unknowing newbie!

Linds · 08-06-03, 08:53 PM

Natural UVB from the sunis the best source of d3 for herps, howevevr it is not necessary in captivity if given the correct supplementation. UV bulbs pale in comparison to the suns rays, and IMHO aren't even worth it. If they were good enough you wouldn't need to be supplementing your animals with a d3 supplement in addition to lighting. It is a highly debatable topic, and I know I am gonna get a whole lot of static off this post, but hey... can't fight the facts, right? The Iguana zoo over in Europe has been breeding, producing, and raising iguanas for many generations, as well as many species of varanid and other diurnal lizards without any UV lighting, and many of the monitor breeders in the states do as well. Animals will not breed, let alone produce healthy animals, unless they are being kept in optimal health and conditions are prime.

Those drops you see can and will do the trick, but with liquid d3 supplements you have to be careful. They have a decent concenrt
tion to them, as well as I have heard stories of resulting overdoses by them. Not gimmick for newbies, though most products you find in stores are, just a supplement

Mr.Lizard · 08-07-03, 04:22 AM

Thanx Linds,I have heard the issue of UV lighting being unneccessary....depending on who you talk to.
Good point about the animals reproducing without UV,I'd have to agree that herps wouldn't be breeding if they did not feel good.
As well as offspring coming out fine and growing up just fine.
I myself have spent what I thought was too much money on UV/spectrum bulbs which were supposed to provide required heat as well. I also provide my monitor with Repi-Cal calcium supplement. In your opinion,do you think I need to start using the D-3 supplements?

--------I just noticed,Rep-Cal does contain vitamin D3.
Is it nearly as useful when it is in powder form as opposed to a liquid supplement? And if so,would it be alright to just replace the UV bulbs with regular floodlamps as they burn out?

Thanks---Kevin