If you’ve ever wondered what lighting you should use for your blue tongue skink, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what lighting is best for blue tongue skinks and why.
We’ll also provide some tips on how to set up your lighting to ensure your blue tongue skink stays healthy and happy.
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Do blue tongue skinks need UV light?
Blue tongue skinks are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They are generally a docile species that is popular in the pet trade. Blue tongue skinks do need UV light in order to thrive.
This is because UV light helps them to absorb calcium, which is essential for their health. Without UV light, blue tongue skinks can develop health problems such as metabolic bone disease.
Do blue tongues need heat lamps?
No, blue tongues do not need heat lamps. In fact, they do not need any type of heating element at all. Blue tongues are native to Australia and Indonesia where the climate is hot and humid all year round. They are excellent swimmers and can even tolerate brackish water.
I think that it really depends on the individual blue tongue. If the blue tongue is from a warm climate, then it may not need a heat light. However, if the blue tongue is from a cold climate, then it may need a heat light. I think it is best to err on the side of caution and provide a heat light for the blue tongue.
How much UVB does a blue tongue skink need?
As a lizard owner, you may be wondering how much UVB your blue tongue skink needs. While it is true that all lizards need some form of UVB exposure, the amount of UVB required varies depending on the species. Blue tongue skinks are a type of lizard that originates from Australia, and as such, they require a higher amount of UVB than other lizard species.
In the wild, blue tongue skinks would bask in the sun to get their daily dose of UVB. However, in captivity, we cannot always provide our lizards with this natural form of UVB exposure. This is why it is important to use a UVB bulb that emits the correct wavelengths of UVB light.
A blue tongue skink needs a UVB bulb that emits UVB light at the wavelength of 290-320nm. This type of UVB light is known as “full spectrum” UVB light, and it is the type of UVB light that is most similar to the natural sunlight that blue tongue skinks would be exposed to in the wild.
If you are using a UVB bulb that emits UVB light at this wavelength, then your blue tongue skink should have access to it for at least 12 hours per day. It is important to note that UVB bulbs will lose their intensity over time, so it is important to replace them every 6 months to ensure that your blue tongue skink is getting the correct amount of UVB exposure.
Overall, a blue tongue skink needs a higher amount of UVB exposure than other lizard species. If you provide your blue tongue skink with the correct type of UVB light, then they should have access to it for at least 12 hours per day.
How much light do blue tongue skinks need?
Blue tongue skinks are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They are also found in Indonesia and New Guinea. Blue tongue skinks are a popular pet because they are relatively easy to care for and are very docile.
Blue tongue skinks need a basking spot that is between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They also need a UVB light to help them absorb calcium. Blue tongue skinks should be provided with a hiding spot and a large water bowl. They should be fed a diet of insects and vegetables.
How many hours of light does a blue tongue skink need?
A blue tongue skink needs about 10-12 hours of light every day. This can be provided by natural sunlight or by using artificial lighting. If using artificial lighting, it is important to provide a basking spot for the skink to bask in.
Blue Tongue Skink Lighting: The Basics
Lighting is an important part of any Blue Tongue Skink habitat. The right lighting can help your Blue Tongue Skink to stay healthy and active.
Here are some tips on choosing the right lighting for your Blue Tongue Skink habitat:
- Blue Tongue Skinks need UVB lighting in order to stay healthy. UVB lighting helps Blue Tongue Skinks to absorb calcium and produce vitamin D3. Without UVB lighting, Blue Tongue Skinks can develop health problems such as metabolic bone disease.
- Blue Tongue Skinks also need a basking spot in their habitat. A basking spot is a spot where the Blue Tongue Skink can bask in the heat of the lights. The basking spot should be warm, but not too hot. A good way to test the basking spot is to put your hand in it. If it feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for the Blue Tongue Skink.
- The lights in the Blue Tongue Skink habitat should be on for 12 hours a day. The Blue Tongue Skink needs this time to bask and absorb UVB lighting.
- Blue Tongue Skinks are active during the day, so the lights should be on during the day. Blue Tongue Skinks need a day/night cycle in order to stay healthy.
- The Blue Tongue Skink habitat should be kept at a temperature between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The Blue Tongue Skink needs this temperature range in order to stay healthy and active.
- Blue Tongue Skinks also need hiding spots in their habitat. Hiding spots give the Blue Tongue Skink a place to feel safe and secure. Hiding spots can be made out of rocks, logs, or hiding spots specifically made for reptiles.
- The Blue Tongue Skink habitat should be cleaned regularly. The Blue Tongue Skink needs a clean habitat in order to stay healthy. Clean the habitat at least once a week.
- Make sure to provide the Blue Tongue Skink with fresh water. The Blue Tongue Skink needs fresh water to drink and soak in. Change the water daily and clean the water dish weekly.
By following these tips, you can create a healthy and thriving Blue Tongue Skink habitat.
The Pros and Cons
Lighting is one of the most important factors to consider when setting up a habitat for your blue tongue skink. The right lighting can provide your skink with the necessary heat and UVB rays to stay healthy and active. However, too much light can be harmful to your skink and cause problems such as dehydration and eye damage.
When choosing lighting for your blue tongue skink habitat, it is important to pay attention to the intensity and type of light. Blue tongue skinks need a basking spot that reaches temperatures between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
This can be achieved with a basking lamp, heat lamp, or ceramic heat emitter. It is important to note that blue tongue skinks should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause burns.
In addition to providing heat, your lighting setup should also provide UVB rays. UVB rays are important for blue tongue skinks because they help the skink synthesize vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption. Without adequate UVB rays, blue tongue skinks can develop metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal.
There are a few different options available when it comes to UVB lighting. You can use a fluorescent tube that emits UVB rays, or you can use a mercury vapor bulb. Mercury vapor bulbs are more expensive, but they provide a higher intensity of UVB rays.
When setting up your blue tongue skink habitat, it is important to provide both a basking spot and a UVB light source. By doing this, you can create a healthy environment for your skink and help prevent problems such as metabolic bone disease.
What Do You Need to Know About It?
As a lizard owner, you’re probably well aware of the importance of providing your pet with the right type of lighting. But when it comes to blue tongue skinks, there are a few extra considerations to keep in mind.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about blue tongue skink lighting, including the best type of bulbs to use and how to set up your lighting system.
As a general rule, blue tongue skinks require 12-14 hours of light per day. This can be provided by a combination of natural sunlight and artificial lighting. If you live in an area with limited sunlight, you’ll need to supplement with artificial lighting.
There are a few different types of artificial lighting that can be used for blue tongue skinks, but the most popular and effective option is a full-spectrum UVB bulb. These bulbs emit both UVB and UVA rays, which are essential for your blue tongue skink’s health.
When choosing a UVB bulb, it’s important to select one that emits UVB rays in the 3% range. This is the optimal range for blue tongue skinks and will help prevent problems like metabolic bone disease.
In terms of wattage, a 40-watt bulb should be sufficient for a small blue tongue skink enclosure. If you have a larger enclosure, you may need a higher wattage bulb.
When setting up your blue tongue skink’s lighting system, it’s important to use a light meter to ensure that the UVB rays are reaching your pet. The meter should be placed inside the enclosure at the basking spot, and the reading should be in the 3% range.
If you have any questions about blue tongue skink lighting, or if you need help choosing the right bulbs for your pet, feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help.
Summary
If you’re considering what lighting to get for your blue tongue skink, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- First, blue tongue skinks need UVB lighting in order to process calcium and stay healthy.
- Second, they also need a basking spot that’s around 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit.
- And finally, blue tongue skinks are also nocturnal, so they need a night time light as well.
With all of this in mind, there are a few different lighting options that would work well for a blue tongue skink. First, you could get a fluorescent tube light that has a UVB component. Second, you could get a mercury vapor bulb that provides both UVB and heat.
Or finally, you could get a ceramic heat emitter that provides heat without any light. Whichever option you choose, just make sure to get the proper lighting and heat for your blue tongue skink so that they can stay healthy and happy.
