Quote Originally Posted by AdamL8 View Post
I don't think that any formal study has ever been done on the effects of UVB on monitor lizards but I have read accounts from many well informed long term keepers on other forums who have successfully raised multiple monitors of different species from hatchlings to adults with no UVB. I don't actually know of anyone who uses UVB other than Infernalis who got UVB tube bulbs on sale cheaper than fluorescent tube bulbs although they are too high to really be giving off any benefit. I think that bright lighting contributes a fair bit to activity so that could possibly be the benefit that you were seeing. Regardless, Extra activity does not constitute it being necessary although if you have the bulbs there's no reason to not use them.
Well if you're trying to somewhat imitate the natural habitat, monitors are often seen out in the sun. It's not like the animals they eat roll in calcium powder before getting eaten... so if we really provided the "proper habitat" would that even be necessary?