A few lighting questions...

[corneliusmom20]

Hey everyone,

My lil girl just shed...but thats nothing about my question.

I've read that people use basking lights for their boas,
Is a light necessary? I have a heat pad for my girl and i never thought she would need a light.
So what are the opinions?...and if i should have one, what wattage and what kind?
Should i get a tight beam basking light???...i use that same kind for my bearded dragons.

[mpgt]

I don't think snakes need or even like lights. If you can provide correct temps through other means, they're probably better off.

[jbt123]

I agree with mpgt. None of my snakes have lights, they enjoy bellyheat more than anything.

The only snake species I can even think of that MIGHT need a light is an aboreal species such as a green tree python or an amazon tree boa, since they are almost never on the ground...

[mpgt]

This care sheet talks about lights. Care of True Red-tail Boas

[TheBoaGuy]

Its my belief that belly heat is much better then basking heat from a light. All my cages use flex watt for belly heat and have florescent bulbs for light. The light is mainly for me to be able to see them better. But does factor in to breeding season when day light hours are cut shorter.

[boa_kid]

I believe basking bulb,dont have to be used,but help your snake stay healthier,by providing energy and vitamins.

[jtmoney]

Belly heat

[TheBoaGuy]

Originally Posted by boa_kid

I believe basking bulb,dont have to be used,but help your snake stay healthier,by providing energy and vitamins.

Boas do not need special UV bulbs. Beardies, iguanas, and some other lizards do however.

	Iguana Iguana

[corneliusmom20]

I guess the opinion here is pretty strong haha...
I know all about the UV bulbs lol...having 2 beardeds, you have no choice but to provide one.
So i guess i'll stick to the heat pad...i bought her a bigger one because i bought her a new 50 gallon terrarium with sliding doors.
i have pics if anyone wants to see...she shed yesterday too...andd wow..just amazing.

[razeraze]

I disagree with everyone . I found light cycles of 12/12 mimic natural light cycles which may play a key role in the pineal gland regulating hormones.
I only use heat lamps or CHE in enclosures because it provides a huge gradient and is easy to modify to mimic how the jungle is naturally heated (solar not geothermal).

I will say both ways work I just prefer naturalistic heating and lighting for my reptiles. Belly heat is accomplished by putting a surface or multiple surfaces under the light. Also tight beams or small basking areas do not do a great job of heating the whole snake so burns can occur.

	Ceramic Heat Emitter Ceramic Heat Emitter: A porcelain heating device that screws into a standard porcelain incandescent socket