Monitors and UVB

[5hane]

I'm interested to hear the opinions of other monitor keepers about whether or not UVB is required when kept indoors. Also could you include how long you have kept monitors indoors and the species kept, in your reply.

thanks.


p.s Any links to studies would be appreciated.

 

[CrazyNut]

Been keeping monitors for 4 years (I think, I can't remember off the top of my head) I currently have 1 V.mertensi and 2 V.storri. I here a lot about how it isn't necessary but I use uvb globe to illuminate my merten's enclosure and my storri get it as they are housed in smaller enclosures with my C.fionni (my storri aren't even a year old yet), so wether it not its necessary or not is up to those who know more about the subject I guess.

 

[pinefamily]

That is a question that will start a long argument, lol. There are those who say UVB is necessary for monitors, and there are those who swear by not using it, if you feed them whole prey items. I'm fairly certain there have been no studies done as yet.
We have kept monitors for the last two years; Mertens', flavi's, and ackies. All have UVB exposure by our choice. Our Mertens' are going outside this summer.

 

[Bushfire]

Ive been keeping monitors since 2008 so still fairly new at it. Species kept (almost all the Oz species between 40 to 75 cm total length). Currently keeping 80 odd monitors. Personally I'm a fan of providing UV for monitors. Its important when using these type of bulbs to test the performance. I use two solar meters for this. While I acknowledge some have done ok without UV I feel they generally do better with it and MBD is far less common than without it. I treat UV the same as I deal with heating options, Not only do I have gradients in UV and temps, I also have gradients over time. Its as close as I can get to natural cycles without using natural sources.

As for studies, look here: http://www.uvguide.co.uk/references.htm and there is a few others in google scholar. The UV Guide is a good site (although needs an update) and give you a good idea of how lizards use UV. There is alot of misinformation about this ie. with calcium supplements etc.