For reptile owners: Why is lighting and substrate so debatable??

  1. distinctive1_mg profile image56
    distinctive1_mgposted 14 years ago

    Ok, so I know and have known for years how tiring it gets to discuss over and over again about the same controversial subjects. Mainly things become controversial when something goes wrong. Obviously, huh? But I know for a fact that lighting and substrates are big issues especially when it comes to the two most common lizards: bearded dragons and leopard geckos. Correct me if I'm wrong. For the same reason that they are the most common and talked about (check any forum, they have the most post count) lizards out there, they get the most attention. Now leopard geckos face controversy because they are 1) nocturnal so people fight about whether they need UVB or not and 2) how easily they can get impacted with any substrate. Beardies are debated with the same issues. Not necessarily for the same reasons. Beardies aren't as delicate when it comes to substrates.

    As for lighting, people just debate which is better for them and go into chaos when it comes to warning people of "dangerous" products. I'm not going to say there aren't harmful things out there, but please don't spend and entire post getting hostile and defensive if you have no experience or don't know what you're talking about. Thats just me. Like there are people that speak negatively about ReptiGlos, compacts, and other bulbs but even though I have ReptiSuns, I am not going to condemn them.

    I've done and used products for my beardies, for example, that some people would get offensive about. But I mean I do what works for me. Sorry if this is going off into a rant, but I decided to post this after seeing miss Whitneys hub page about impaction: com/hub/Impaction
    I saw smart as well as ignorant comments. I also have used what is now called Zillas "Desert Blend" (aka walnut shells) and I have never regretted it. I have never used things colored sands or calcium sands but I won't speak negatively about them. Get what I mean?

  2. Everyday Miracles profile image85
    Everyday Miraclesposted 14 years ago

    I am a snake person, but not a lizard person. Naturally I opened the thread to read. You might want to re-title as I have insufficient experience with small lizards to really be of any help, and other snake or large lizard people will probably be the same. Sorry.

  3. Whitney05 profile image84
    Whitney05posted 14 years ago

    Leopard geckos do not need uv as they are nocturnal it is essential for BD's to have it as they are diurnal. Both species are highly susceptible to impaction of loose substrates, not just leopard geckos.

    Research shows that it takes ideal temps and husbandry in order to properly support loose substrates. Most people just don't provide that. Most people that have been in the reptile industry for years do not condone lose substrates for leopard geckos or bearded dragons. They all seem to claim that only VERY experienced keepers should attempt that or a natural habitat.

    Calcium based sand causes an inclination to lick the sand, which clumps when wet. It doesn't really desolve. If loose substrate is going to be used the reptile should be over 1 year. It's also recommended very fine sand and nothing coarse.

    Glad you read the hub.

 
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