Lights and Bulbs
UVB lamps 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0, UVA and infrared heat bulbs, ceramic sockets and lamp holders for terrariums.
How to choose?
Advice and care
How to choose terrarium lighting
Lighting gives a reptile its day, a warm spot and UVB, in different amounts per species.
UVB strength
5.0 for tropical species, 10.0 for desert species, 15.0 for very light-hungry ones.
Basking spot
A heat bulb makes a basking spot at one end of the terrarium.
Ceramic socket
Heat bulbs need a heat-resistant ceramic socket.
Popular brands
All brandsFrequently asked questions
Why replace a UVB lamp that still works?
UV output fades long before the lamp goes out. Replace it at the interval the maker recommends.
What is an infrared bulb for?
It gives heat without bright light, which suits night-time heating. Connect it to a thermostat.
Read more
Terrarium lighting has three jobs: keeping the day-night rhythm, providing heat and supplying UVB. A single lamp rarely covers all three, so a UVB lamp is usually combined with a separate heat bulb. An infrared bulb gives heat without bright light and works as extra warmth at night.
A UVB lamp must be close enough to the animal, because the radiation weakens quickly with distance, glass blocks it and mesh absorbs part of it. Position the lamp so the animal can choose between basking under it and staying in the shade. The right distance depends on the species and the lamp, so follow the maker's guidance.
Measure the basking temperature at the animal's level, not next to the lamp. Fit the heat bulb so the animal cannot touch it directly. Switch the lights on and off with a timer, because a steady day length matters to reptiles.