Lighting for Ackies?

Do they need Uva or Uvb? Everywhere ive looked said they don't just making sure this is true. And I read I need anywhere from 45-75 watts but how many volts? some are 120 and 130 for the 75 watt bulbs. And are halogen bulbs fine? Ok one more question. Probably a stupid one but how do I connect the light to electricity??:o Do I need to but something to screw the light into or what?

Never mind, I know now. Sorry I was having one of those moments :o

I do need to know if I should put the light inside the tank or on top? its made out of plexi glass. And how should I connect it to the top of the inside of the tank? I was planning on making a side opening tank so I don't know how I'm going to run the cord in there either

Contact me by private message and I`ll go through all those points with you.
Stefan ( Murrindindi)
P.S Varanids DO need exposure to either natural sunlight or the artificial substitute : Supplements and/or full spectrum lights!!

I haven't fully articulated my response to the UV question yet.
But for now, I'm going to say that any animal that doesn't receive any kind of UVA or UVB is like an animal that lives it's entire life inside a cave! No light what so ever!
Man made vitamin supplements will negate the effects of the lack of natural sunshine.
You have to decide if you want to go the natural route or the supplement route.

Supplements have an expiration date. But so do the bulbs that provide UV exposure. Natural sunshine, However, Never runs out!

Ok but if I get one with only uva will that be fine or will I need one with uvb also? And another question I read somewhere that the temperature should be the same even with the lights off is this true? and if so how will I do that?

Ok I am planning on using a halogen light for my basking area for an ackie monitor. I was wondering what wattage I should get? It will be about 12-14inches away from the basking spot. And will I have to get another light for the rest of the tank? The tank is going to be 48Lx24Dx36H. I am planning on getting a Mega Ray but i am trying to cut down on initial costs but i will get one soon.

Travis, I`ll give you these details shortly, you don`t need it 3ft. high, 2 ft. is fine! You need uva and uvb, do not listen to anyone who tells you they don`t need either full spec..bulbs, or exposure to natural sunlight, because they definitely DO!!

Actually Stefan, 3 ft is better depending on how deep you go with the substrate.
I have 10-12 inches of substrate so 3 ft high is more beneficial.
Get a 150 watt basking lamp and put it on a dimmer or rheostat. That way you can adjust it depending on your requirements. It's easier than buying different bulbs and trying them out.

I supplement with vitamin D3, instead of providing UVB lights and have had many successful clutches.

Sorry Mike, you`re right! I wasn`t thinking about substrate depth!
I`ve been using my tiny mind too much!!
The only difference between supplements and the full spec.. bulbs (patrticularly Mega-Rays) is knowing how much of the supps.. to give, so easy to either give too little or too much! And both of course can present problems. The Mega-Rays have had research done, and show excellent results, in my opinion ,this makes things much easier. ( The debate continues!!) Your turn, Mike!

Yes that is why I decided to add the extra foot to the height because of the substrate.

Good thinking!! ( I would have remembered in the end, but it may have taken some time!)

Remember, substrate too dry can damage toes as well as substrate too wet.