Is There A General Rule To The Size of Enclosure Versus The UV Light?

[GaryB]

I am putting together an enclosure for a Red Teail Boa and I was wondering if there was a general rule to the size of the enclosure versus the size and power output of a UV light? The enclosure is 36Hx36Wx18D.

[Malum Argenteum]

I've found that providing UVB to species that don't actually require it (iguanas, turtles, chameleons) is a big hassle that complicates care and can and does cause negative reactions. I do use metered UVB on a couple species currently, and have on others in the past, but only because they require it for health. B.c. does not.

Sounds as if you're working with an ExoTerra-style enclosure. It may be valuable for you to provide details on the whole build, as glass enclosures can be very hard to provide decent conditions in. Heating and ventilation/moisture management are challenging in screen top enclosures.

[Caitlin]

Yes, there is, and I'm glad you want to provide UVB to your Boa. With UVB, once you are sure that the bulb is placed at the correct height from the basking spot, you also want to provide a light gradient that ranges from full basking (intensity appropriate to the species) all the way down to deep shadow. You don't want UVB to extend the full length of the enclosure, as your snake needs the option to bask under UVB but also to be in areas that are not in UVB at all.

Below are some diagrams for light placement from a guide I put together for another group with the help of a friend whose profession is installing and evaluating light systems in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. In your enclosure you could use a 12" UVB bulb - something like an Arcadia Shadedweller.

[Animallover3541]

I am putting together an enclosure for a Red Teail Boa and I was wondering if there was a general rule to the size of the enclosure versus the size and power output of a UV light? The enclosure is 36Hx36Wx18D.

The general rule I have heard for UVB fixture is that it should be no longer than half the enclosure length. Also, my veterinarian highly recommends UVB for snakes, and it's nice to see someone taking that step for their animals.

Here's a link to the Arcadia lighting guide for red tail boas: https://www.arcadiareptile.com/lighting/crepuscular-species/