The UVB Varanid debate !

smy_749 · 12-06-13, 04:35 PM

I'm sure there are already discussions about this, and most of us agree that its not necessary for a healthy monitor. Everyone I've talked to in our US community agrees, however our european counterparts look down upon us for not using adequate lighting and keeping our animals in small boxes (frequently said on FB groups)

Anyways, I now have a 48" 6500k bulb and a 48" zoomed reptisun 10.0 bulb, 2 x 65 watt basking spotlights and a 38 watt basking spot light. I have all of my old pictures and I have current weights for my little guys. I will compare new pics for coloration improvement (this is an effect of the UVB, more beautiful colors...apparently), differences in weight increase, appetite, breeding behavior (hopefully! since I haven't seen any yet) and posting it all in this thread.

Gonna try to give my unbiased opinion as to its benefits, I am of the opinion that it doesn't do much.

The bulb is 6 inches away from the basking area, and a few longs get even closer.

Toothless · 12-06-13, 06:26 PM

I plan to add UVB to my enclosure as well, but unfortunately have to wait until the new year when I start back at work as funds are limited right now- the ones I found here are $60.
I plan to start having regular bloodwork and x-rays done next year as well, and am curious to know if there will be any changes in blood chemistry and x-rays (plan to get it taken before adding the UVB, and again after 6 months of exposure).

TheFrogman · 12-06-13, 06:32 PM

I have read the argument that UVB adds no value to a snake but I have also read that UVB can actually hurt a snake and or a snakes eyes. What are your thoughts on this?

poison123 · 12-06-13, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFrogman

I have read the argument that UVB adds no value to a snake but I have also read that UVB can actually hurt a snake and or a snakes eyes. What are your thoughts on this?

False. There were some bulbs that have been known to harm reptile eyes in general. But I believe the brand has fixed the problem. I have used UVB lighting on snakes with no ill effects.

TheFrogman · 12-06-13, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poison123

False. There were some bulbs that have been known to harm reptile eyes in general. But I believe the brand has fixed the problem. I have used UVB lighting on snakes with no ill effects.

Ok great that is good to know.
Thanks

smy_749 · 12-06-13, 07:10 PM

Toothless, they are also 60$ here for the four foot ones, luckily amazon.com has them on sale for 22 and I get free shipping with my sisters prime account so it was a no brainer. @ Thefrogman, basically what poison said. Also, the problem was with coil bulbs, not tube fixtures. Although I'm doing this with monitors, I have also heard UVB brings out better coloration in some of the carpets and is beneficial (necessary?) for M.s.spilota.

I just talked with a few of the moni guys who told me to expect breeding behavior as soon as the lights switch on tomorrow. Haha.

TheFrogman · 12-06-13, 07:22 PM

Aesome, thanks and good luck

Im going to go on Amazon now, I need a 36" Bulb

Mikoh4792 · 12-06-13, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smy_749

Toothless, they are also 60$ here for the four foot ones, luckily amazon.com has them on sale for 22 and I get free shipping with my sisters prime account so it was a no brainer. @ Thefrogman, basically what poison said. Also, the problem was with coil bulbs, not tube fixtures. Although I'm doing this with monitors, I have also heard UVB brings out better coloration in some of the carpets and is beneficial (necessary?) for M.s.spilota.

I just talked with a few of the moni guys who told me to expect breeding behavior as soon as the lights switch on tomorrow. Haha.

Not sure how true that is for morelia. I've noticed mine look much better under uvb flourescents(temporarily) but haven't seen any confirmed experiments where carpets raised under uvb gain permanent color enhancement.

Also on facebook there is this guy who has a 25 year old(if I remember correctly, but still over 20 years) diamond python. It was a common misconception to believe that diamonds needed uvb for health benefits, but itwas actually due to other husbandry mistakes(keeping them too hot). He says he hasn't kept any morelia under uvb and they are all healthy.

smy_749 · 12-06-13, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Not sure how true that is for morelia. I've noticed mine look much better under uvb flourescents(temporarily) but haven't seen any confirmed experiments where carpets raised under uvb gain permanent color enhancement.

Also on facebook there is this guy who has a 25 year old(if I remember correctly, but still over 20 years) diamond python. It was a common misconception to believe that diamonds needed uvb for health benefits, but itwas actually due to other husbandry mistakes(keeping them too hot). He says he hasn't kept any morelia under uvb and they are all healthy.

Joshua easter^^ Its 25 yea haha crazy

I'm just saying what I've heard from some morelia guys. Dunno how true any of it is as I've never looked into it further.Don't think he lives too far from us (NH?), maybe thats why he's been successful with them, its so cold up here

Mikoh4792 · 12-06-13, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smy_749

Joshua easter^^ Its 25 yea haha crazy

I'm just saying what I've heard from some morelia guys. Dunno how true any of it is as I've never looked into it further.Don't think he lives too far from us (NH?), maybe thats why he's been successful with them, its so cold up here

Does it get hot in warm season there? Can't keep diamonds where I live since my house gets to 84f sometimes.

shaunyboy · 12-06-13, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFrogman

I have read the argument that UVB adds no value to a snake but I have also read that UVB can actually hurt a snake and or a snakes eyes. What are your thoughts on this?

i use 2.0 UVB natural sunlight bulbs with my carpet pythons with no issues

it is thought that NOT using UVB when keeping Diamond Pythons,can lead to DPS and premature death...

2.0 is the strongest UVB i would use with Carpet Pythons

cheers shaun

smy_749 · 12-06-13, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Does it get hot in warm season there? Can't keep diamonds where I live since my house gets to 84f sometimes.

He actually lives in maine, but they still hit 80's and 90's in summer. buy another AC or something haha

TheFrogman · 12-06-13, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaunyboy

i use 2.0 UVB natural sunlight bulbs with my carpet pythons with no issues

it is thought that NOT using UVB when keeping Diamond Pythons,can lead to DPS and premature death...

2.0 is the strongest UVB i would use with Carpet Pythons

cheers shaun

Thanks for the tip, Ill pick one up for my Spotty tomorrow

mdfmonitor · 12-07-13, 11:13 AM

Not used it yet, very hard to fit a UVB bulb in & still achieve 160f basking surface temp & not over heat the run. I prefer a good hot basking spot covering snout to vent myself, if enclosure was twice as big 10x10 then it would be in regardless of needing it.

Black tape is the compare line, bottom right bottom pic. April 7th till around Nov 1st (2nd pic)

smy_749 · 12-07-13, 11:56 AM

My winter temps are a bit low anyways, the extra wattage is being put to good use, and in the summer / spring I think I'll just remove one of the basking bulbs. They are now basking in the spot they never use, because its the closest one to the UVB. Strange how they know...