Reptile UVB Schedule

Get species-specific UVB lighting hours, target UV Index, bulb type recommendations, and an automatic replacement date so your reptile never silently develops metabolic bone disease.

Daily UVB on-time
12 hours

Target UVI at basking spot: 4.0-6.0

Desert species — high UVB demand. Use T5-HO 10-12% linear bulb across ⅔ of the enclosure length.

Recommended bulb life: 12 months

Even when a UVB bulb still glows visibly, its UVB output drops sharply after the rated life — reptiles then develop metabolic bone disease silently.

Not medical advice. This tool provides general guidance based on common veterinary formulas. Always consult your veterinarian for medical decisions about your pet.

Examples

  • Bearded dragon on T5-HO12h/day, UVI 4-6, replace every 12 months
  • Leopard gecko on ShadeDweller10h/day, UVI 0.5-1.5
  • Ball python on 5% T510h/day, UVI 0.5-1.0

Frequently asked questions

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