How Much Heat and Light Do Reptiles & Amphibians Need?

Heat and light needs by species

Reptiles and amphibians have different lighting & heating needs depending on where they’re from and whether they’re nocturnal (more active at night), diurnal (more active during the day) or crepuscular (active during dawn & dusk).

Lighting

Many reptiles & amphibians require support from UVB to help support their immune system, stimulate production of endorphins, and play a vital role in skin synthesis of Vitamin D3 which directly aids in calcium absorption for strong bones! Most UVB bulbs also provide UVA, which is essential for promoting normal behavior.

For pets whose wild counterparts enjoy the forest floor or a less intense sun, a “tropical” UVB bulb (sometimes referred to as 5.0 UVB) mimics filtered sunlight. Pets who would enjoy being out-and-about when the sun is most intense, need a “desert” UVB bulb (sometimes referred to as 10.0 UVB). If you are unsure of what your pet needs, consult the packaging or ask any PetSmart associate!

Heating

Every reptile or amphibian species has different heating requirements and always need a warm-side and a cool-side during the day and at night. This helps them regulate their temperatures appropriately so they can be happy, healthy, and active!

The following chart provides recommendations for the common habitats sold at PetSmart. Smaller enclosures may require lower watt bulbs while larger enclosures may require higher. Check the packaging for more information or consult a PetSmart associate for recommendations