UVA vs UVB
May 16th 2017
The difference between UVB and UVA is made by the difference
in wavelengths and the energy in the photons of the light. UVA also has a longer
wavelength than UVB does. Both of these wavelengths, however, are Ultraviolet,
hence the UV. UV is necessary for the production of Vitamin D in most living
things, including reptiles, though UVB helps the creation of Vitamin D more than
UVA. A lack of Vitamin D in reptiles can cause a lot of complications.
While UVB helps in the creation of Vitamin D, UVA encourages normal
activities and necessities. UV bulbs provide both UVA and UVB. When it comes to
purchasing a UV Bulb, make sure it has full spectrum lighting and produces at
least 1.1% UVB. The full spectrum lighting gives your reptile an easier time
rendering colors, since reptiles are one of the animals that can see UV light.
1.1% UVB is a good ratio of UVA to UVB, as it gives a proper amount of both UV
lights while not overloading the reptile’s senses.
Full-spectrum lighting
covers the light spectrum wavelengths that are useful to plant and animal life.
While Full-spectrum is not a technical term, it is an reptile industry term used
to imply the product emulates natural sunlight. Products marked Full-spectrum
generally produce light across the spectrum but may not produce an even
distribution throughout.