What is the right height /distance of the UV light?

Question

I've just read that if you have your UV at the right height/distance then you don't need to give them Vitamin D3. So what is the right height/distance?

Answer 1

Vitamin D3 aids in the absorption of calcium.  You still need to supply a calcium powder with D3.  MBD (metabolic bone disease) can't be prevented by UVB lighting.

As your other poster said, 6-12 inches, depending on the product.  But, UVB is invisible to the eye.  UVA is the spectrum you see.  Though the bulb will put out UVA much longer, the UVB will expire in 6-8 mo.  A good rule of thumb is to replace your UVB source every 6 mo.

Enjoy your pet, and I hope this has been helpful.

Answer 2

Reptiles need UVB light to properly process calcium. If you don't have a UVB light, you will need a calcium supliment with D3.

Most compact florescent bulbs and tubes, it's usually between 6 and 12 inches. The box the UVB bulb comes in should give you exact distances.

Answer 3

As already posted, the ideal basking range 6-12 inches for most fluorescent tube bulbs. The intensity of the rays decreases the further from the bulb. The type of bulb (fluorescent, fluorescent compact), number of bulbs used, brand( there are lights that produce UV that are not designed for reptiles but can still be used), rating (2.0,5.0,8.0,10.0), and light fixture (with /out reflectors) all can effect the distance and intensity of the UV rays at those distances.

Here are some good links about UV lighting

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/index.htm

http://www.anapsid.org/maincaptive.html