What Is the Right Type of Lighting for a Bearded Dragon?

The bearded dragon, or Pogona barbata, is native to Australia as well as to thousands of home habitats worldwide. It needs not only the right type of omnivorous diet and at least a 55-gallon (208.2-liter) tank to stretch out, but also a heating light that provides a simulated natural environment. Lighting for a bearded dragon will contain sun-simulating ultraviolet rays to keep the temperature in a basking area between 95 to 100&deg F (35 to 37.78&deg C). Elsewhere in its enclosure, the bearded dragon should have a temperature of between 78 and 88&deg F (25.56 and 31.11&deg C).

The cold-blooded bearded dragon will not be able to digest its food — ranging from crickets and vegetables to small, "pinky" mice and mealworms — without a properly heated and lighted tank. This does not imply that a bearded dragon's heat lamp should be kept running all day. Many handlers recommend a schedule of 14 hours of "daylight," followed by a natural 10 hours of darkness — just like in the wild.

Using a timer will ensure the bearded dragon's environment is controlled, even when its owner is not there to control it. These timers are available at most pet stores and online. The lighting for a bearded dragon, contained within a reflective dome-type assembly to concentrate the rays, should point downward onto a dedicated basking area. It should not be shining through the glass from the outside, since this will deflect UV rays. This is where a bearded dragon will go when it feels chilly, though this area should not be allowed to get hotter than about 100&deg F (37.78&deg C).

The rest of the enclosure should hover between 78 and 88&deg F (25.56 and 31.11&deg C). This area should contain some climbing branches and even some rocks and a hiding cave. The entire floor should be coated with a substrate like sand, reptile bedding or carpet that can adequately absorb waste. Lighting for a bearded dragon should be maintained on a stringent schedule, and flooring should be replaced or cleaned weekly. The typically docile reptile should return the favor by being easily handled and cuddled.

Properly supplementing vitamin intake with pet store supplements or a balanced diet will complement the lighting for a bearded dragon. These reptiles use the ultraviolet rays of their lights to make the vitamin D required for a healthy skeleton. Keeping the light close to the bottom of the enclosure's basking area — less than 1 foot (0.3 meters) away — will ensure proper metabolism. Another sound investment in lighting for a bearded dragon is a dim, nighttime heating light that can offer a constant heating source for when the lights are out and everyone is sleeping.

Bearded dragons require both UVA and UVB lighting to maintain their health. UVA light stimulates natural behaviors like feeding and mating, while UVB is crucial for vitamin D3 synthesis, which aids in calcium absorption and prevents metabolic bone disease. A full-spectrum UV light specifically designed for reptiles is recommended to meet these needs.

UVB bulbs should be replaced every 6 months, as their effectiveness diminishes over time, even if the light still appears to be working. This ensures your bearded dragon continues to receive the necessary levels of UVB for proper health, as stated by reptile care experts and veterinarians.

Regular household bulbs are not suitable for bearded dragons as they do not provide the necessary UVB light. These reptiles need specialized reptile UVB bulbs to meet their lighting requirements. Household bulbs can be used for additional light and warmth, but they cannot replace the need for a UVB source.

Bearded dragons thrive on a consistent lighting schedule that mimics natural sunlight. Aim for 12-14 hours of light during the day and 10-12 hours of darkness at night. This cycle helps regulate their circadian rhythm, which is important for their overall well-being and health.

The UVB light should be positioned within 12-15 inches of the area where your bearded dragon spends most of its time basking. Ensure there is no glass or plastic between the bulb and the lizard, as these materials can filter out the beneficial UVB rays. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for proper bulb placement.

It is generally not recommended to leave a heat lamp on overnight for bearded dragons, as they require a temperature drop to simulate natural conditions and promote healthy sleep cycles. If additional warmth is needed, a ceramic heat emitter or under-tank heater can be used, as these do not emit light.