If you are a proud owner of a blue tongue skink, or you are thinking of getting one, you might have wondered: do blue tongue skinks need UVB?
UVB stands for ultraviolet B, a type of radiation that is emitted by the sun and that is essential for the health and well-being of many reptiles, including blue tongue skinks.
In this article, we will answer this question in detail, and explain why and how to provide UVB for your blue tongue skink.
By the end of it, you will have a clear understanding of the importance of UVB for blue tongue skinks, and how to create a suitable environment for them. So, let's get started!
Also Read Our: Blue Tongue Skink Care Guide
Table of Contents
What is UVB and Why Do Reptiles Need It?
UVB is a type of ultraviolet radiation that is emitted by the sun and that is invisible to the human eye. UVB has a wavelength of 280-320 nanometers, and it can penetrate the atmosphere and reach the earth's surface.
The UVB is responsible for causing sunburns and skin cancer in humans, but it also has some positive effects, such as stimulating the production of vitamin D3 in the skin.
Vitamin D3 is a vital nutrient for many animals, including reptiles, as it helps the body absorb calcium from food and use it to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.
Calcium is also important for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood clotting, and other bodily functions.
So without enough vitamin D3, reptiles can develop a condition called metabolic bone disease (MBD), which causes soft and brittle bones, deformities, fractures, paralysis, and even death.
Need for UVB Light
UVB is not the only source of vitamin D3 for reptiles, as some of them can also get vitamin D3 from their diet, such as insects, plants, or supplements.
However, not all reptiles can synthesize vitamin D3 from food, and some may need more UVB than others, depending on their natural habitat and behavior.
For example, reptiles that live in sunny and arid regions, such as deserts, savannas, and grasslands, tend to need more UVB than reptiles that live in shady and humid regions, such as forests, swamps, and caves.
Benefits of the UVB Light
UVB also has other benefits for reptiles, besides helping them produce vitamin D3, as it can improve their immune system, mood, and behavior, by stimulating the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and melatonin.
The UVB can also enhance their coloration, appetite, and reproduction, by mimicking the natural cycles of day and night, and the seasons.
As you can see, UVB is very important for reptiles, and it should not be neglected when keeping them as pets. But, do blue tongue skinks need UVB? Let's find out in the next section.
Do Blue Tongue Skinks Need UVB?
There are several species of blue tongue skinks, such as the northern, eastern, western, centralian, blotched, shingleback, and Indonesian blue tongue skinks.
They are named after their distinctive blue tongues, which they use to scare off predators and communicate with each other.
Effects of Lack of UVB Light
Blue tongue skinks are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and sleep at night. They are also basking animals, which means they like to expose themselves to the sun to warm up their bodies and regulate their temperature.
In the wild, blue tongue skinks spend a lot of time under the sun, exposing themselves to natural UVB. This helps them produce enough vitamin D3 to maintain healthy bones and teeth and to prevent MBD.
If blue tongue skinks do not receive enough UVB in captivity, they can develop serious health problems, such as:
- MBD, which causes soft and brittle bones, deformities, fractures, paralysis, and even death
- Muscle weakness, which affects their mobility and ability to catch prey
- Eye problems, such as cataracts, infections, and blindness
- Skin problems, such as infections, ulcers, and tumors
- Digestive problems, such as constipation, impaction, and diarrhea
- Reproductive problems, such as infertility, egg binding, and dystocia
- Behavioral problems, such as lethargy, depression, and aggression
As you can see, UVB deficiency can have devastating consequences for blue tongue skinks, and it should be avoided at all costs. But, how can you provide UVB for your blue tongue skink in captivity? Let's find out in the next section.
How to Provide UVB for Blue Tongue Skinks
Choose the Right Type of UVB Bulb
There are different types of UVB bulbs available for reptiles, such as:
- T5 bulbs, which are thin and long, and have a high output of UVB
- T8 bulbs, which are thicker and shorter, and have a lower output of UVB
- Mercury vapor lamps, which are large and round, and emit both heat and UVB
The best type of UVB bulb for blue tongue skinks is a high output 10-12% UVB tube light, such as Arcadia or Zoo Med.
These bulbs emit enough UVB to mimic the natural sunlight that blue tongue skinks receive in the wild, and they have a long lifespan and low energy consumption.
Avoid using compact or coil UVB bulbs, as they can cause eye damage and uneven UVB distribution.
Install the UVB Tube Light in the Enclosure
The UVB tube light should be installed in the enclosure, covering 50-70% of the length, and following the manufacturer's guidelines for distance and replacement.
The distance between the bulb and the basking spot should be between 10 and 15 inches, depending on the output of the bulb, and the bulb should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, or as indicated by the manufacturer, as the UVB output decreases over time.
Also, the UVB tube light should be placed inside the enclosure, not outside, as UVB can be blocked or filtered by mesh, glass, plastic, and dust, and its light should also be placed horizontally, not vertically, as this ensures a better UVB distribution and coverage.
Finally, the UVB tube light should be secured with clips or brackets, and protected with a guard or a cover, to prevent the blue tongue skink from touching or breaking it.
Measure the UVB Levels in the Enclosure
The UVB levels in the enclosure can vary depending on several factors, such as the type, age, and position of the bulb, the size and shape of the enclosure, the temperature and humidity, and the presence of decorations and substrates.
Therefore, it is important to measure the UVB levels in the enclosure regularly and adjust them accordingly.
The best way to measure the UVB levels in the enclosure is to use a device such as Solarmeter, which can detect the amount of UVB in microwatts per square centimeter (µW/cm2) or in UV Index (UVI).
UV Index
The UV Index (UVI) is a scale that indicates the intensity of UV radiation at the earth's surface, and that ranges from 0 to 11+.
The UVI can be used to determine the optimal UVB exposure for different reptiles, based on their natural habitat and behavior. For blue tongue skinks, the recommended UVI range is 3.0-5.0, which corresponds to high to very high UVB exposure.
This means that the basking spot of the blue tongue skink should have a UVI of 3.0-5.0, while the rest of the enclosure should have a lower UVI or no UVI at all.
Here is a table that summarizes the UVI zones and their descriptions:
| UVI | Zone | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | Shade | No UVB exposure |
| 0.1-0.5 | Partial Shade | Low UVB exposure |
| 0.6-1.0 | Sun Penetration | Moderate UVB exposure |
| 1.1-3.0 | Partial Sun | High UVB exposure |
| 3.1-5.0 | Full Sun | Very high UVB exposure |
| 5.1+ | Extreme Sun | Dangerous UVB exposure |
To create a UVB gradient in the enclosure, you can use different methods, such as:
- Moving the bulb closer or farther from the basking spot
- Adding or removing decorations and substrates that can block or reflect UVB
- Using a dimmer or a rheostat to control the intensity of the bulb
- Using a reflector or a hood to direct the UVB to the desired area
Regulate the Photoperiod of the UVB Light
The photoperiod is the length of time that the UVB light is on or off in a 24-hour cycle, and the photoperiod should mimic the natural day and night cycle of the blue tongue skink's native habitat, and it should vary according to the seasons.
For example, in the summer, the photoperiod should be longer, with 12-14 hours of UVB light, and in the winter, the photoperiod should be shorter, with 8-10 hours of UVB light.
This helps the blue tongue skink adjust its metabolism, activity, and reproduction to the changing environmental conditions.
The easiest way to regulate the photoperiod of the UVB light is to use a timer, which can automatically turn the light on and off at the desired times.
A timer can also prevent human errors, such as forgetting to turn the light on or off, or leaving it on for too long or too short.
Also, it can also save energy and money, by reducing electricity consumption and extending the lifespan of the bulb.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have answered the question: do blue tongue skinks need UVB? We have explained what UVB is and why it is important for reptiles, especially for blue tongue skinks.
We have also explained how to provide UVB for blue tongue skinks, by choosing the right type of UVB bulb, installing it in the enclosure, measuring the UVB levels, and regulating the photoperiod.
Finally, we hope that this article has been informative and helpful for you and that you have learned something new about blue tongue skinks and their UVB requirements.
By following the tips and recommendations given in this article, you can create a suitable environment for your blue tongue skink, and enjoy its company for many years.
If you have any feedback, comments, or questions, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you and help you with any doubts or concerns.
You can also check out our other articles, where you can find more useful information and tips. Thank you for reading, and have a great day!
Additional resource
FAQs About Do Blue Tongue Skinks Need UVB?
What are the symptoms of MBD in blue tongue skinks?
Some of the symptoms of MBD in blue tongue skinks are soft and brittle bones, deformities, fractures, paralysis, and even death.Â
How often should I replace the UVB bulb for my blue tongue skink?
You should replace the UVB bulb for your blue tongue skink every 6 to 12 months, or as indicated by the manufacturer, as the UVB output decreases over time.Â
Can I use natural sunlight instead of artificial UVB for my blue tongue skink?
Natural sunlight is the best source of UVB for blue tongue skinks, but it can be difficult to provide in captivity. If you want to use natural sunlight, you need to make sure that your blue tongue skink is in a safe and secure enclosure, that there is no glass or plastic between the sun and the skink, that the temperature and humidity are appropriate, and that there is enough shade and water available.Â
Can I use a heat lamp and a UVB lamp at the same time for my blue tongue skink?
Yes, you can use a heat lamp and a UVB lamp at the same time for your blue tongue skink, as long as they are compatible and do not overheat the enclosure. You can also use a mercury vapor lamp, which emits both heat and UVB.Â
How can I tell if my blue tongue skink is getting enough UVB?
The best way to tell if your blue tongue skink is getting enough UVB is to use a device such as [Solarmeter], which can measure the UVB levels in the enclosure. The recommended UVI range for blue tongue skinks is 3.0-5.0.