Setting up the correct lighting for skinks in its tank can be pretty daunting and a confusing predicament for some noobs. Unfortunately, this fact is especially actual when it comes to a new owner.
You don’t have to worry too much because, in this article, I will tell you what the best UVB bulb for blue tongue skinks is. We will also learn the correct basking bulb to understand how much UVB a blue tongue skink needs.
This article will serve you as a guide to help both new and experienced skink owners make sure they are using only the best UVB bulb for their skinks.
This article will also aim to answer some common questions associated with UVB bulbs for blue tongue skinks. Keeping skinks nutritional needs multiple practices and things correct, but one of your skink’s essential needs is UVB light.
Best Uvb Bulb For Blue Tongue Skink
Now, here we will discuss some of the best options for blue tongue skinks UVB lighting. Being Frank, most UVB light bulb options available in the market and online are not exactly as safe as they claim or most of us would like them to be.
This is the reason this list is relatively short and informative. Here, I will tell you the top 3 picks for a fluorescent UVB bulb for a blue tongue skink. To be aware, UVB fluorescent bulbs will only supply UVB rays for your blue tongue skink, so, in the end, you will still need a basking bulb along with it as well.
Repti-Sun 10.0 UVB (Fluorescent Light)
If you want a bulb with tons of fixture solutions, this is the one for you. It has many fixture options that will work just fine for you. It has an under cabinet light fixture & a zoomed light fixture. If you are looking for a more affordable solution that provides mounting equipment, you can also look at sun blaster institutions.
Talking about this light, this is the best overall pick for the blue tongue skink. It will provide 10% UVB lighting in a compact size. You can also use this lamp in dome light fixtures or hoods. 30% UVA output means it will not interfere with the temperature inside the tank.
The 30% UVA lighting from this bulb will help your skink’s mood and increase its appetite. The only thing I find in this bulb is that you can’t handle it using your bare hands.
Your hand’s natural oil will damage this bulb, like shortening its life. Another thing that you must know about this bulb is – it needs to be replaced every six months. However, another advantage of using this bulb is that it can be used horizontally and vertically and fits any standard threaded socket.
Zilla UVB Bulb 20 Watt
This is a 20-watt light that can fit any standard threaded socket. The only reason to list this one in our article is that it can effectively give off 50 Watts of UVB light per second. So, all in all, this feature makes this bulb an energy-efficient bulb. The only downside of having this bulb is its unmeasured light percentages.
It will also give off heat. As this bulb is without mercury, disposal of this one is acceptable when replacing it. This UVB bulb needs to be replaced every 12 months or less, according to the company claim.
After knowing it gives off heat, you shouldn’t fool yourself by thinking it can replace a heat lamp as it cannot. Many have claimed their skinks get an enhancement in their natural color after using this light. It is not only energy efficient but also provides full-spectrum lighting.
Reptile System 36-in T5 Juvenile Light Kit.
If you’re looking for a more premium option, then this is the one for you. It comes in a kit, and it’s perfect for Juvenile Skinks. It contains a 70-watt Mercury vapor lamp, t5 UVB bulb, black clamp on lamp holder, and others. According to the manufacturer’s claim, this bulb is perfect for tanks that are around 45 inches, but I find it effective in both Vivariums and Terrarium of 36 inches.
It is specially designed for Juvenile blue tongue skink or other baby reptiles. Although it is perfect for Juveniles, it can be used for blue tongue skinks of any age. The only reason for the company to put this product in the Juvenile reptile category list is its increased UVB output which will help baby reptile development and stimulate healthy growth.
The design of this lamp holder is also very sleek, but the only downside is the need for a separate light fixture for the bulb in this kit. A bulb included in this kit will work only with the Mercury vapor lamp bulb. So, after paying the premium price, you will still need a UVB light fixture.
How Much Uvb Does A Blue Tongue Skink Need?
Blue Tongue Skinks need UVB from bulbs with a strong 8%-10% UVB output. skinks are experts at regulating their intake of UVB & its absorption The light should be active during the day for your skink for at least 12-14 hours per day. It would help if you gave your skink as much UVB lighting as it needs or can get.
In captivity, we should try to emulate our skink’s natural habitat with our setup. It means that out of many light options available, only a few will work for these skinks. You need to tackle the first thing is finding the correct type of UVB bulb for your blue tongue skinks.
The bulbs mentioned above are great for skinks, and one of my favorite bulbs is Repti-Sun 10.0.
Do Blue Tongue Skinks Need Uvb?
Yes, blue tongue skinks need UVB light because it is a specific UVB spectrum light that helps stimulate vitamin D production in your blue tongue skink body. Vitamin D is what enhances calcium absorption in your skin.
If your blue tongue skink doesn’t get enough vitamin D levels, their calcium level will drop severely, resulting in metabolic bone diseases and inbreeding issues.
Can A Blue Tongue Skink Get Too Much UVB?
Yes, blue tongue skinks can get too much UVB and close their eyes every time they bask. If they are continuously closing their eyes during basking, you need to lower the UV output from the bulb. Too strong UV output from a UVB bulb can be wrong.
Anything too much is always wrong. However, reptiles like skinks are experts at regulating their intake of UVB & its absorption. In case of too much UVB, you don’t have to worry too much as they can absorb accordingly as per their need.
You need to worry about the quality and intensity of the UV being put out by the bulbs installed in the skink’s tank. This is why I have shared so much detail on choosing and buying the best UVB bulb. Many of them available in the local market or online are total crap.
Do Blue Tongue Skinks Need Uvb Light At Night?
As long as the blue tongue skink meets the daily requirement outlined in the paragraph above, they don’t need light at night. Although you can turn off the glow of your skink’s tank at night, you should not do it too soon after feeding them.
Turning off the UVB light just after feeding them can make it a little complicated and tricky for skinks to digest their food correctly. I don’t know if you have noticed or not, but blue tongue skinks tend to decline their appetite when you offer them food in the dark.
I recommend you to give your blue tongue skink at least an hour or 2 hours of light after dinner and before breakfast to help digestion and stimulate your appetite.
How Many Hours Of UVB Does Blue Tongue Skink Need?
Keep a blue tongue skink bulb on for at least 10-12 hours in the summer season and warmer months. You need to keep the UVB bulb on for only 8-10 hours in the winter season and colder months. Make sure to adjust the UV light throughout the year for your blue tongue skinks.
Turning it on in mid-morning and off during mid-evening is best for their well-being and growth. It will also help regulate the seasons for your blue tongue lizards and create a more natural environment to leave
Blue Tongue Skink Uvb Wattage
After learning so many things, you might feel you know all the stuff about the UVB bulb setups n all, but the reality is, you should know what a blue tongue lizard’s UVB wattage should be.
If you have found yourself wondering how much UVB my blue tongue skink needs, rest assured because you are not alone. This type of concern and query plagues many new owners at some time with their skink care. Here is what you need to know about blue tongue skinks UVB Wattage.
You don’t need to focus on Wattage too much. Rather than focusing on Wattage, your focus should be more inclined towards its placement. For example, a UVB bulb in a blue tongue skink tank 20 inches away will provide more UV than a 160-watt UV bulb that is 24 inches away.
Final Thought
Wrapping Up: Blue tongue skink only needs 10-12 hours of UVB lighting in the daytime. If their requirement doesn’t meet in the day, consider giving them UVB lighting at night.
Most of the UVB bulbs available in the market are crap. Repti-Sun 10.0 UVB (Fluorescent Light) is the best I find helpful in both skinks growth and well-being.
Rather than focusing on the bulb wattage, it would help if you concentrate on its placement. Turning the UV bulb on in the mid-morning and turning it off in mid-evening is always considered best for blue tongue skink Vitamin D and calcium absorption.
I hope I managed to give you all the information needed on the best UVB bulbs for blue tongue skinks and whether blue tongue skinks need UVB bulbs or not. I have shared a very detailed guide on how to care for a blue tongue skink for you to check. I hope I will also get another chance to help you through another article as well till then, take care and goodbye.
94% of pet owners say their animal pal makes them smile more than once a day. In 2007, I realized that I was made for saving Animals. My father is a Vet, and I think every pet deserves one. I started this blog, “InPetCare”, in 2019 with my father to enlighten a wider audience.
