Green Iguana
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=== Lighting === | === Lighting === | ||
| - | Basking lights are very easy and inexpensive if you stay away from the pet stores for this one. They need a photoperiod with daylight and nighttime as they would in their natural home. Instead of using the expensive "reptile basking lights", go to your local retail store and get a regular incandescent light bulb, such as what you would use for a lamp. | + | [[Image:Basking_Area_Lights.jpg|thumb|left|Zair - Owned by Author]]Basking lights are very easy and inexpensive if you stay away from the pet stores for this one. They need a photoperiod with daylight and nighttime as they would in their natural home. Instead of using the expensive "reptile basking lights", go to your local retail store and get a regular incandescent light bulb, such as what you would use for a lamp. |
Igs should NOT have night heat unless their nighttime temps go below the lowest temp requirements. Their bodies need to regulate to lower temps in order for them to "rest and recharge" for the next day. | Igs should NOT have night heat unless their nighttime temps go below the lowest temp requirements. Their bodies need to regulate to lower temps in order for them to "rest and recharge" for the next day. | ||
Not all UVB lights are created equal. Some decay very quickly. You need no less than two 4' fluorescent UVB tubes. Short version - UVB helps the ig to process the calcium in their diet. Without the UVB...the calcium does not get absorbed and the result is Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) and renal failure. The brands to go with: | Not all UVB lights are created equal. Some decay very quickly. You need no less than two 4' fluorescent UVB tubes. Short version - UVB helps the ig to process the calcium in their diet. Without the UVB...the calcium does not get absorbed and the result is Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) and renal failure. The brands to go with: | ||
| + | Tubes: | ||
* Reptisun 5.0 or 10.0 | * Reptisun 5.0 or 10.0 | ||
* Iguana Light 5.0 | * Iguana Light 5.0 | ||
* Exoterra 8.0 | * Exoterra 8.0 | ||
* Arcadia 5.0 (UK) | * Arcadia 5.0 (UK) | ||
| - | |||
| - | Many of these can be purchased at http://www.reptiledirect.com | + | Merc Vapors: |
| + | * Mega Ray EB (external ballast) [http://www.reptileuv.com ReptileUV] | ||
| + | * Mega Ray SB (self-ballast) | ||
| + | * T-Rex 100W or 160W Active UV Flood & Spot Lamps (available in many stores) | ||
| + | |||
| + | Many of these can be purchased at [http://www.reptiledirect.com Reptile Direct] reasonable price than the pet stores. Once you provide these lights for your ig...set them in the 6" - 8" range (12" - 18" for the Mega Ray). Any farther and the UVB drops of so much that they don't do any good. A note on the compacts and spirals. These are no good for large lizards and reptiles. They do not cover nearly enough of the animal to benefit them. A UVB meter is an excellent way to keep on top of your bulbs. | ||
Some EXCELLENT sources on UVB at the bottom. | Some EXCELLENT sources on UVB at the bottom. | ||
* The Iguana Den's Care and Keeping of Giant Green Iguanas - Meri Martin, Gail Elsey and Diane Remphrey | * The Iguana Den's Care and Keeping of Giant Green Iguanas - Meri Martin, Gail Elsey and Diane Remphrey | ||
* What's Wrong With My Iguana - by John Rossi M.A. D.V.M. | * What's Wrong With My Iguana - by John Rossi M.A. D.V.M. | ||
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| + | '''Many of these books can be found on Amazon for very reasonable prices. Use the Amazon link on the main forum pages and help to contribute to the upkeep of all that is good here.''' | ||
== Author == | == Author == | ||
