The Benefits of Infrared for Reptiles

A thorough understanding of heat and light sources is essential in herpetoculture. Ensuring the well-being of reptiles kept as pets requires a solid grasp of the benefits of proper lighting and the potential problems that can arise from incorrect heating or lighting choices. While keepers have long recognized the importance of heat for reptiles, we continue to explore the significance and benefits of various types of light, heat, and radiation that help our pets thrive in captivity.

To understand the particular physiological benefits of infrared we need to understand the differences between them.

• Near Infrared, or IR-A 💡
• Medium or Middle Infrared, or IR-B 💡
• Far Infrared, or IR-C 💡

Why should we understand light sources as reptile keepers?

Most modern glass, that is used in contemporary windows, vivariums, and tanks, generally blocks natural IR-A and IR-B rays (emitted by the sun) from entering the enclosure. This lack of infrared radiation can lead to serious health and behavioral issues for reptiles. For instance, without sufficient infrared heat, a reptile may spend extended periods under a basking lamp in an attempt to warm itself. However, this behaviour can result in skin irritation and, in some cases, even burns. There are ways you can combat these harmful effects by using a mixture of lamps and heat sources that emit UV, light and IR subsequently providing a close approximation to the benefits they would receive from real sunlight.

In an ideal set up you should provide a variety of light and heat sources for your reptile (i.e. the Arcadia ProT5 and JungleDawn LED), enabling them to receive the full health benefits of a more naturalistic enclosure. You can also invest in heat projectors that do not project high levels of light, but provide IR-A&B in darkness which is ideal not to disrupt the reptile’s natural circadian rhythm.

Everything in a reptile’s enclosure should be there to enhance and enrich their lives as pets affording them as close to wild-like-living as possible while being in the security of domestication.