| It is extremely important that you provide your | | | | No UVB source on the planet is as good as natural |
| beardie with proper lighting. Without it, he will suffer | | | | sunlight. So, you should try to take your bearded |
| numerous health problems. Bearded dragons need | | | | dragon outside whenever you get the chance. Just |
| UVA and UVB. | | | | make sure that the ambient temperature is above 70 |
| Without UVB light, your dragon won't be able to | | | | degrees Fahrenheit before you take him out. If you |
| manufacture his own vitamin D3. This prevents him | | | | have an outside enclosure for him, always provide |
| from digesting calcium which will eventually lead to | | | | him with a hiding place and some shade. |
| metabolic bone disease. There are several options | | | | Many owners put their dragon's enclosure beside a |
| you have when looking for a UVB source. | | | | window so he gets some sunlight. You should be |
| Some UVB sources don't generate heat, so you will | | | | aware that this is ineffective. The window's glass will |
| need to buy a heat lamp to make up for it. If you | | | | either reflect or filter the UVB rays before they even |
| want something that produces both heat and UVB | | | | reach your beardie. If the vivarium is made from |
| rays, you should consider buying mercury vapor bulbs. | | | | glass, it too will prevent the sun's UVB rays from |
| They are more expensive, but you won't have to | | | | reaching him. |
| buy a lamp for additional heat. | | | | Although you'll need an overhead light source, you'll |
| Whichever option you choose, you should know that | | | | also need a lid on the vivarium to prevent your |
| you will need to replace the light after six months or | | | | dragon from escaping. Make sure that the lid isn't |
| so. The source will still continue shining light. However, | | | | made from glass or plastic because it won't allow |
| the production of UVB will be severely diminished | | | | UVB through. It's best to get a screen lid. Avoid |
| after approximately six months. It's also important | | | | screens with fine mesh because it too will filter out |
| that you place the light no more than 12 inches from | | | | UV. Look for a lid that has larger openings. |
| your dragon's basking spot. | | | | |