Final Answer on UVB for Savs

Hey guys! While researching savannahs before I got Rango, I read that they don't require uvb lighting but also I read that they do need it! After doing more research I could not come up with a definite answer, so I just got one for the enclosure just in case! (Better safe than sorry )

Considering I already bought one and am using it, it doesn't really matter anymore but my curiosity is piqued! What do you guys say?

While I haven't seen any evidence that Savs benefit from UVB lighting I'd be inclined to offer it regardless, considering the fact that they are a basking reptile and they receive it in their natural conditions. That said I would probably only use a MVB or MH lamp, which both have a longer working distances than standard t8/t5 fluorescent bulbs. I just wouldn't want the animal to be able to come in direct contact with the bulbs, and at 8-12" for UVB fluorescent lighting that would be no feat at all for even young savs, let alone full grown adults.

Originally Posted by Jkbauer13

Hey guys! While researching savannahs before I got Rango, I read that they don't require uvb lighting but also I read that they do need it! After doing more research I could not come up with a definite answer, so I just got one for the enclosure just in case! (Better safe than sorry )

Considering I already bought one and am using it, it doesn't really matter anymore but my curiosity is piqued! What do you guys say?

Hi, there`s absolutely no evidence to suggest UVB bulbs cause health problems when used according to the manufacturers instructions. On the other hand, it`s been shown that captive Varanids when properly supported, do not need UVB exposure to remain healthy, long lived and productive.
As far as them having the ability to absorb the UVB through their skin is concerned, I believe that in the wild, it`s a "back-up" for when more nourishing food may not be available. In some parts of their range they can be fairly inactive for up to 8 months of the year, possibly (probably?) not taking food during that time, though they aren`t brumating.

I think UVB should be supplied if you are feeding insects. If a more diverse diet including rodents I see no need, however you must have a suitable basking spot to ensure proper digestion.

Anecdotal evidence points to savannah monitors relying heavily on dietary d3 for calcium absorption.

The question isn't whether or not they benefit from UV (they do), but whether or not it is necessary in captivity. In other words, in the absence of UV light, can monitors get enough vitamin D3 from their diet to be able to metabolise calcium properly? The answer seems to be that they can, provided they have hot enough basking temperatures to maintain a healthy metabolic level and are given a diet small whole animals rather than cuts of meat. Despite this, I use UV lights with some of my animals, mainly to hedge my bets, but stick to high quality mercury vapour bulbs when I do.

Originally Posted by murrindindi

...I believe that in the wild, it`s a "back-up" for when more nourishing food may not be available. In some parts of their range they can be fairly inactive for up to 8 months of the year, possibly (probably?) not taking food during that time...

As monitors can't photosynthesize (ie produce nourishing food when they're not feeding), the association between UV light and vitamin D3 synthesis is only of importance to monitors when they're actively feeding, during the warmer months. When they're feeding, they need to be able to metabolise calcium or else they'll be growing without strengthening their bones, leading to metabolic bone disease (MBD). If they're not feeding, no damage can be done that way. One could keep a cooled down, non-feeding monitor in complete darkness and it would have little effect. During the winter, when my lace monitors are cool and not feeding for months on end, I have never offered them UV light. Despite this, within a couple of weeks of warming up and feeding in spring they go straight into a breeding cycle and the female is able to produce beautiful, healthy eggs, indicating appropriate calcium levels.

Haha, I have just noticed that the forum has auto-filled my acronym for metabolic bone disease:

Originally Posted by crocdoc

leading to metabolic bone disease (MBD).

The original sentence was "...leading to metabolic bone disease (M.B.D.)"

I'd use it. if it basks, it should have uv is my philosophy.

What kind of UVB should I use in my enclosure? linear fluorescent, etc.?