UVB CFL Bulb Necessary?

[hatchcrab]

How critical is it that I use a UVB emitting compact florescent CFL bulb. Brands like Exo Terra have them and they are about 15 bucks each but I can get "normal" CFL bulbs for the light hoods for a lot less. If the BPs are typically hiding during the day (when the bulbs are on) and i have them near a window in Florida how critical is buying a UVB bulb? I was thinking of getting one 26w UVB and the other 3 "normal" ones.

Thoughts?

[Spikeanoid]

Ball pythons don't need UVB.

[hatchcrab]

I figured it would be lizards and more sun-basking reptiles but thanks for confirming!

[Eric Alan]

For additional husbandry info: Ball python (Python regius) Caresheet

[PitOnTheProwl]

and just for an FYI windows/glass will block out most of the UV that reptiles would need.

[shadow reaper]

So snakes don't need UVB and I've heard claims that they don't even need a simulated day/night cycle (natural ambient light is fine), could you get away with just having a ceramic bulb for heat?

I use a light bulb for daytime, then switch that light at night to the ceramic to keep the hot side heated enough. Thing is, ceramic bulbs have ten times the lifespan of regular bulbs, which could be more helpful in the long run to only use ceramic.

[hatchcrab]

I use a ceramic bulb above and an under tank heater on the warm side of the tank. I really only have the bulbs up top for aesthetics. I turn off the lights manually (leaving the ceramic on) but I'll probably set up a timer for the lights to keep it more realistic.