Bearded dragons require about 12-14 hours of light per day. This can be achieved by providing them with a basking light or heat lamp, as well as a UVB light. The basking light should be on for around 10-12 hours per day to provide heat for the dragon to regulate its body temperature, while the UVB light should be on for 12-14 hours per day to provide essential ultraviolet radiation for the dragon’s health. It’s also important to create a natural day/night cycle by turning off all lights for 10-12 hours per day to allow the dragon to rest.
What You'll Learn
What Types of Light Sources Are Recommended for Bearded Dragon Cages?
The type of light source is an important factor for the health and wellbeing of bearded dragons. In order to give your beardie the best possible environment, you should consider what types of light sources are recommended for bearded dragon cages.
Fluorescent Lights
Fluorescent lights are one of the most popular light sources for bearded dragon cages. These lights provide a bright and balanced spectrum of visible light, which helps to keep a bearded dragon’s tank brightly lit. In addition to providing adequate lighting, fluorescent lights also generate heat, which can help keep a bearded dragon’s tank warm.
LEDs
LED bulbs are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional fluorescent lighting. LEDs provide a brighter, more intense light that can help to create a more vibrant environment for your bearded dragon. LED bulbs require less power than conventional lighting and last much longer than other light sources.
Basking Lights
Basking lights are designed to provide heat and are often used in combination with other light sources in order to create an ideal environment for bearded dragons.
Basking lights should be placed close to the basking area of the tank so that the heat can be easily absorbed by the reptile.
This type of lighting is especially important during the winter months when temperatures drop significantly.
Natural Sunlight
The best light source for a bearded dragon is natural sunlight. This type of light provides the most intense, bright, and healthy light available.
Natural sunlight helps keep bearded dragons active and healthy, improving their appetite and digestion.
Owners should place the tank near a window that receives direct sunlight each day.
Can a Lack of Light Have Negative Effects on A Bearded Dragon’s Health?
A lack of light can have serious and potentially fatal effects on a Bearded Dragon’s health. Without the right amount of UVB and UVA light, Bearded Dragons can suffer from a wide range of health problems, including metabolic bone disease, skin problems, and an inability to properly digest their food. To ensure that your Bearded Dragon is healthy and strong, it is important to provide them with the right amount of light.
Metabolic Bone Disease
Bearded Dragons need UVB in order to synthesize Vitamin D3 which is essential for calcium absorption. Without enough calcium in their diet, they can develop Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
Symptoms include softening of the bones, difficulty walking and eating, seizures, lethargy and swelling around the eyes and mouth. MBD is painful and can be fatal if left untreated.
Skin Problems
A lack of UVA light can also lead to skin problems in Bearded Dragons. Without enough UVA, their skin cannot properly produce pigmentation which results in a dull gray appearance. Additionally, they may experience shedding issues or dry patches on their skin that can cause discomfort.
Digestive Problems
Without enough UVB, bearded dragons will not be able to absorb enough calcium or vitamin D3 which are essential for proper digestion. This could lead to constipation or other digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea.
Poor Appetite
Bearded dragons rely on their natural environment to regulate their daily habits, including feeding times. When there’s not enough light, their bodies don’t produce enough of the hormones that stimulate appetite. As a result, your beardie may not eat enough and become malnourished over time.
To keep your pet healthy and happy, it’s important to provide them with ample daylight or artificial lighting at regular intervals throughout the day.
Is It Necessary to Provide Light at Night for Bearded Dragons?
It is not necessary to provide light at night for bearded dragons. In fact, complete darkness is essential for a bearded dragon’s health and wellbeing. Here’s why:
Supports Healthy Sleep Habits
Bearded dragons need complete darkness to sleep properly. Providing light at night may interfere with the bearded dragon’s sleep, making it difficult for them to get the rest they need. This can have negative consequences on their overall health.
Prevents Stress & Anxiety
Bearded dragons can become stressed and anxious if they are exposed to too much light or noise during the night. This can have serious consequences on the health of your pet, so it is important to provide complete darkness in order to prevent stress and anxiety.
Helps Control Body Temperature
One of the benefits of complete darkness at night for a bearded dragon is that it helps them to control their body temperature. Reptiles rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. Since they are cold-blooded animals, they need to be exposed to sunlight during the day in order to warm up, and darkness at night helps them cool down.
How to Maintain a Proper Light Schedule
Maintaining a proper light schedule for your bearded dragon’s cage is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy. Without the right amount of light, their bodies won’t be able to properly regulate temperature and their growth and development could be stunted.
Here are some tips on how to maintain a proper light schedule in your bearded dragon’s cage.
Have the Right Lights
Bearded dragons require both full spectrum lighting and a basking light. The full spectrum lighting will help simulate a natural day/night cycle, while the basking light allows them to properly warm up throughout the day. Both lights should be placed at one end of the cage and directed towards the center.
Monitor Temperature
Temperature is very important in order to maintain a proper lighting schedule for your bearded dragon. The basking lamp should be set between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, while the ambient temperature of the cage should remain between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. This can easily be monitored using an infrared thermometer or digital thermometer.
Set a Timer
Setting a timer for when your lights should turn on and off is an easy way to keep track of your bearded dragon’s light schedule. The lights should be on for 12-14 hours per day, with 10-12 hours of darkness at night. This will help create a natural day/night cycle for your pet, allowing them to rest and digest their food properly.
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What You’ve Learned
- Bearded dragons require around 12-14 hours of light per day to stay healthy.
- A combination of UVB and basking lights, providing warmth, is recommended. Fluorescent and LED lights are popular choices for bearded dragon cages, with natural sunlight being the best source of light.
- Lack of light can cause health problems including metabolic bone disease, skin problems, digestive problems, and a poor appetite.
- It is not necessary to provide light at night for bearded dragons, as they need complete darkness to sleep properly.
- To maintain a proper light schedule, having the right lights and turning off all lights for 10-12 hours per day is important.
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Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
