Enclosure lights

The vivarium lighting is very important. Please, please, please do not just use a standard bulb to light the viv! Bearded dragons need the appropriate UV-A and UV-B output to metabolize calcium. You can use a fluorescent aquarium light, but it must be designed for use with reptiles. The light must also be replaced annually as the UV output reduces during its usage rapidly. Without the correct lighting your beardie could get metabolic bone disease, which is a serious condition and could lead to death.

I have seen a number of times in my hunt for a second beardie that though people buy the correct bulb, they only buy a small bulb. Please buy the size appropriate to the size of your enclosure. If you are unsure just ask.

A selection of different sizes of UV tubes to fit any vivarium can be found in our shop.

Lights should be on for 12-14 hours a day. You can buy light timers which may come in handy. During the night the temperature should not get below 62F. See the Heating section for more information on vivarium temperature.

If you are keeping your beardie outside, special lighting is not required so long as the beardie gets at least 30 minutes of natural sunlight a day and has a basking area with an incandescent bulb.