Lighting

[Garter_Gertie]

Happy Solstice to you all! Though the days start getting shorter tomorrow. :(

I read our care sheet but found nothing on lighting. Do I need a UV light (I read elsewhere I didn't) and if I do - A or B?

If I don't need one, would it hurt to have one and will it help with the plants?

THANKS!

[adamanteus]

It seems there are two schools of thought on this one..... half of us think not, the other half that we should provide UV, as Garters are diurnal and like to bask.
Personally I think the duration of the light (photoperiod) is more important than the quality.... Others will disagree I'm sure.

[infernalis]

Gertie, I picked up a nice UV bulb in a discount bin.

No ill effects to the snakes, and it makes the cage look more attractive.

Full spectrum grow lights work really well for the plants, and show off your snakes colors better. (that's only my take)

[el lobo]

It wouldn't hurt to have one...A full spectrum grow light is good for plants...I have used a UVB light for my snakes, but now I just use a heat lamp, and they do just fine.

[GartersRock]

I say either or. Just whatever you can do...

[Garter_Gertie]

I think - maybe - still kicking ideas around, that I'll go with a basking lamp that's UV and then have aquarium lights with grow lights in them.

Kind of:

O--- or --O- or something else like that.

Thanks for the help.