Different Lights for Different Types

There are three types of lightbulbs you can buy for reptiles.
Infrared/Red light - on during day and night
Night/blue light - on during day and night
And UVB/Day light - on during the day
DO NOT USE REGULAR LIGHT BULBS

Both the red and blue bulbs are used to heat the cage at night, they simulate night time light. The UVB bulb simulates day time and sunlight. Depending on where you live and what you own you may need 2 different lights. Turtles and chameleons and some lizards must have a UVB bulb on during the day. This gives them crucial vitamins that they would get from the sun in their natural habitat. Most lizards only need one light and its up to you to decide.


UVB bulbs are also used to help reptiles determine when it's day and when it's night. If you have a house that let's in a lot of light it might not be necessary to use a UVB bulb. If your reptile has no way of telling what time of day it is, they won't know when to eat, sleep, or get up.

Red lights give off more heat and slightly more light than blue lights. These are mainly used to keep your pet warm during the night. If you live somewhere like Arizona you may never need one of these lights. If you live in a state that's warm for part of the year and cold for the rest you may only need a red or blue light during the cold times. If you live somewhere that is cold most or all of the time you will want to use one of these bulbs all year long.

Bulbs come in different wattage of course. Always check the maximum wattage your heat lamp allows before buying a bulb. Bulbs are usually sold in 50, 60, 70, 100, and 150 watts. The average temperature for all reptiles is between 75 and 90 degrees but always check that your cage is heated the right amount for the reptile you own.

Red and blue lights are usually on all day and night. Turn the UVB light on when you get up and off when you go to bed. You can also buy timers so that lights will turn on or off at a certain time every day.