UVB Lighting: The Perfect Partner to Your Reptile's Heat Bulb

 

Every reptile species thrives when they can absorb both heat and ultraviolet light. Research demonstrates that metabolic bone disease (MBD) rates drop dramatically when captive reptiles can bask under UVB exposure simultaneously with heat.

The best linear fluorescent UVB bulbs available in the US

At Bean Farm, we exclusively carry Arcadia brand UVB bulbs. These are the only bulbs that undergo regular quality testing to guarantee consistent UVB output, and they're renowned for outlasting other fluorescent lamps on the market.

A few tips for choosing the right UVB bulb

Key factors to evaluate: Consider your enclosure dimensions, fixture placement (whether mounted on mesh screening or suspended inside the habitat), your animal's proximity to the lamp, and your specific reptile species.  
 
Arcadia UVB bulb suggestions:

Sun-loving baskers require Arcadia's most powerful option—the 14% UVB Dragon HO-T5 lamp. This bulb delivers crisp, bright, full-spectrum lighting ideal for species like bearded dragons.

Desert species are open-sun baskers that flourish under the intense output of Arcadia's 12% UVB Desert T5 bulb. In spacious enclosures, this works beautifully for Bearded Dragons, Bosc Monitors, Uromastyx, Blue-Tongued skinks, Frilled Lizards, Agamids, and Tortoises.

Forest species are partial-sun baskers that thrive with Arcadia's 6% UVB Forest T5 bulbs. Chameleons, Day Geckos, Iguanas, and Water Dragons benefit from this moderate UVB and UVA output, which supports healthy vitamin D3 synthesis.

Crepuscular species do best with the ShadeDweller ProT5 UVB lamp, designed for leopard geckos, crested geckos, amphibians, ball pythons, corn snakes, and hatchling snakes.

Browse our selection of proven UVB lighting by clicking here.