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zilla LIGHTING & HEATING

UNDERSTANDING FLUORESCENT LIGHTING

Ultraviolet (or UV) light is represented in the light spectrum with a wavelength of 200 to 400 nanometers (nm). The UV spectrum is broken
up into three parts: UVA, UVB and UVC, all of which are present in
natural sunlight:

Reptiles and amphibians require UVB and UVA light – each of which is used for different purposes.

UVA is in the visible range for reptiles and is responsible for normal behaviors such as feeding, diurnal movement, mating and others.

UVB is a non-visible wavelength and allows the synthesis of vitamin D3, which helps to absorb calcium.
UVC is also a non-visible wavelength and is not required by reptiles. UVC is often used as the light source for UV sterilization for killing bacteria, and at high levels of exposure, can be harmful to most animals.
The makers of Zilla® products recommend replacing fluorescent bulbs every 3,500 hours or 12 months, as UV output decreases with time.
Note: UV wavelengths are filtered by glass and plastic, so it is important that the bulb has direct exposure to the reptile’s habitat.

Choose the proper light and/or heat fixture.
- Heat or UVB
- Heat and/or UVB
- For use with reptiles that require a heated spot for basking or focused light.
- Ideal for: Incandescent Bulbs, Incandescent Spots, Fluorescent Coil Bulbs, Heat Emitters, Mini Halogen Bulbs
- For use with a reptile that requires a heated spot for basking or focused light and UVB.
- Ideal for: Mini UVB, Mini Halogen, UVB Coil Bulbs
Choose the proper UV light bulb.
- Identify the reptile on the habitat guide and select recommended UV bulb.
Choose the right heat bulb.
- Identify the reptile on the habitat guide and select recommended heating temperature requirements.
- Provide a temperature gradient for the reptile in which the animal can bask in the heat and then move to the other side of the living area to cool down.
- Make sure to have thermometers at each end of the terrarium and a digital infrared thermometer to spot check temperatures.
- Temperatures were taken directly under the fixture.