Alright, so I get it that you should have both your u.v. lamp and basking light for your iguana. Well, I'm getting a baby iguana soon, and I'm wondering.. can I *just* use the heat lamp for now? I mean.. for now, its just going to be in an aquarium that isn't huge ...so... ?
2007-08-19 14:09:41 · 4 answers · asked by oh my.... 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
YES, you HAVE to have a UV lamp. Iguanas get so, so sick if they don't have the right lighting and feeding. Especially since you're getting a baby, it doesn't matter how small the aquarium is, this is the most important time. If you only give him a heat lamp he will develop incorrectly. He won't be able to synthesize calcium and his bones will be crap. He'll be unhealthy in general.
Iguanas are NOT good pets for beginners, contrary to popular belief. Please do your research before you get an animal that has such important aspects to its care and that will get so large. Make sure you research about proper diet! Variety is the key!
2007-08-19 14:18:01 · answer #1 · answered by toph 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The short answer is yes.
The long answer is that in order for diurnal lizards to be able to absorb and metabolize calcium, they have to produce their own supply of Vitamin D3, through regular absorption of UVB. This is crucial for healthy bone development, especially in swiftly growing youngsters. Failure to provide UVB, can and will lead to a disease known as Metabolic Bone Disease(MBD). There is also anecdotal evidence that without UVA reptiles don't see properly. Before purchasing an iguana you should really consider buying and looking over "Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual", by James Hatfield. You should also utilize Melissa Kaplan's care sheet available at anapsid.org
2007-08-19 21:20:52 · answer #2 · answered by Dustin H 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes,you have to have a UV lamp,so the iguana will not get matabolic bone disease.The UV lamp helps to synthesize vitamin D and calcium and helps the iguana's bones.You also need to feed a variety of veggies and fruit,and add a calcium supplement and a multi- vitamin.
2007-08-19 21:18:34 · answer #3 · answered by Dances With Woofs! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really don't know anything about iguana but I was thinking maybe if they need both for a certain amount of time per day you could buy one light and switch the light bulbs as needed just a thought
2007-08-19 21:17:04 · answer #4 · answered by apple 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋