Do ball pythons benefit from a UVB&UVA bulb? Does this hurt their eyes?

lainyflower · 05-13-15, 09:10 PM

Don't laugh! Just not sure.

**Aaron_S** · 05-13-15, 10:10 PM

Nocturnal snakes rarely see the sun. I don't see the use.

I doubt it hurts the eyes if it's not shined in their faces.

jarich · 05-14-15, 06:57 AM

I think Aaron's right in saying that nocturnal animals would make use of it far less. However I think nearly all animals benefit from UV exposure, even if it's infrequently used. Vitamin D metabolite levels can be maintained on minimal exposure, especially for nocturnal animals. However, when people say UVA/UVB lights it often means mercury vapour bulbs, which I wouldn't recommend for ball python enclosures as they are very hot and dry the air out quite a bit. If you instead meant a linear fluorescent tube, then I'd say go for it. Mount it directly above the basking/hot side so it mimics sunlight exposure. The angle will keep it from shining directly in their eyes, so will not be problematic.

Sasha2 · 05-14-15, 09:55 AM

I dont know but some guy on another forum was fairly certain that uvb damaged his albino cornsnakes eyes.
Heres the link.
UVB bulbs and amel corns - CornSnakes.com Forums

prairiepanda · 05-14-15, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarich

I think Aaron's right in saying that nocturnal animals would make use of it far less. However I think nearly all animals benefit from UV exposure, even if it's infrequently used. Vitamin D metabolite levels can be maintained on minimal exposure, especially for nocturnal animals. However, when people say UVA/UVB lights it often means mercury vapour bulbs, which I wouldn't recommend for ball python enclosures as they are very hot and dry the air out quite a bit. If you instead meant a linear fluorescent tube, then I'd say go for it. Mount it directly above the basking/hot side so it mimics sunlight exposure. The angle will keep it from shining directly in their eyes, so will not be problematic.

Most nocturnal animals(or cave-dwellers) can metabolize vitamin D without UV exposure. But of course it may have some other benefit that we aren't aware of, and a day/night light cycle in itself is usually beneficial. That said, I would think our nocturnal critters get plenty enough UV just through our windows(indirectly), and do not need the intense exposure that a UV bulb would provide.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sasha2

I dont know but some guy on another forum was fairly certain that uvb damaged his albino cornsnakes eyes.
Heres the link.
UVB bulbs and amel corns - CornSnakes.com Forums

Interesting experiment, but why would he include an albino in it?? Of course it would be damaged by forced UV exposure; it has no melanin to protect itself!

Rattlehead · 05-14-15, 10:17 AM

When I started with my first snake I got a UVB bulb. When I turned it on, it was so brigth that even I was bothered, and didn't want to hurt her either so I declined with the use.

jarich · 05-14-15, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sasha2

I dont know but some guy on another forum was fairly certain that uvb damaged his albino cornsnakes eyes.
Heres the link.
UVB bulbs and amel corns - CornSnakes.com Forums

Ugh, how do I put this nicely? To quote Forrest Gump..."Stupid is as stupid does". Any animal can go blind if you put a UV bulb too close and at an angle that allows it to shine directly into its eyes. ALL bulbs of any kind should be mounted directly overhead, much like the sun would be at midday. UV wavelengths are good for the animal in proper amounts, but in high doses (like it would be in that guys rack system. How do you even mount a light in a rack?! ) they can be dangerous. That is why there are minimum distances on each bulb, and why they should never be mounted on the side or at any angle that would shine into the eyes of the snake/lizard.

However, when mounted properly, it is beneficial. Even nocturnal animals bask sometimes. In Africa you will still occasionally see a ball basking in the sun. Most nocturnal animals have adaptations that allow their skin to produce Vit D more quickly than diurnal animals typically do.

As for getting UV through your window, only UVA can get through glass (and only about 50-60%). UVB is completely filtered out by typical window glass. Thats why youll never get a tan inside.

prairiepanda · 05-15-15, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarich

Ugh, how do I put this nicely? To quote Forrest Gump..."Stupid is as stupid does". Any animal can go blind if you put a UV bulb too close and at an angle that allows it to shine directly into its eyes. ALL bulbs of any kind should be mounted directly overhead, much like the sun would be at midday.

I didn't realize the guy had the lighting set up at an angle rather than directly above the tubs. That makes it even worse. I feel bad for all the snakes he had in there

Quote:

As for getting UV through your window, only UVA can get through glass (and only about 50-60%). UVB is completely filtered out by typical window glass. Thats why youll never get a tan inside.

Is that all glass or just the grades commonly used in windows? Because I know people regularly get sunburnt at the West Edmonton Mall water park through the windows. I know I've tanned there. Can't say I've tanned at home but I avoid windows because I hate sunlight.

jarich · 05-15-15, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prairiepanda

I didn't realize the guy had the lighting set up at an angle rather than directly above the tubs. That makes it even worse. I feel bad for all the snakes he had in there

Is that all glass or just the grades commonly used in windows? Because I know people regularly get sunburnt at the West Edmonton Mall water park through the windows. I know I've tanned there. Can't say I've tanned at home but I avoid windows because I hate sunlight.

Hahaha vampire!

Not all glass, no. There is glass and plastic both that is more expensive, but that allows UV through. Standard glass does not however.

prairiepanda · 05-16-15, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarich

Hahaha vampire!

Not all glass, no. There is glass and plastic both that is more expensive, but that allows UV through. Standard glass does not however.

Haha yep I've had the vampire comment a lot. I've also been called a mushroom. The sun is bright and hot; it hurts my eyes and skin. Can't stand it. But for some reason I went with an outdoor job for summer, and in a desert region?? I must be crazy.

Anyway thanks for the info on glass. I'm going to look up the differences in glass as I'm curious about the physics behind this effect.