Reptiles are usually cold-blooded animals that need to be kept at a certain temperature. But, what if you have plants in the same room as your reptiles? Can I use a reptile heat lamp for plants?
This is up for debate because there are many different types of lamps and they all have their own pros and cons.
You will want to do research on your specific needs before getting one.
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Can I Use a Reptile Heat Lamp for Plants?
No, reptile heat lamps are designed to provide the correct levels of UVB and warmth for reptile habitats.
They do not provide any plants with the full spectrum of light they need to photosynthesize, produce carbohydrates, and grow properly.
The majority of “household” flowering plants require either sunlight or high-output lighting (e.g., metal halide) to survive indoors.
Some succulents such as cacti can be grown indoors successfully with an infrared or halogen spotlight, which emits little or no visible light but lots of infrared heating. Again, these lights would not be suitable for your needs.
I suspect that what you have is a ceramic start socket, which will work perfectly well provided you always place the lamp as far as possible from the plant and make sure it is turned off at night.
Do Reptile Lights Help Sprouts Grow?
Another common use for reptile heat lamps is to help sprouts and seedlings grow. While this may be true, you must also make sure that the light is not too hot as well as using a timer (or forgetting to shut off the lights).
How to Use Heat Lamps as Winter Lighting for Houseplants?
If you still think that reptile heat lamps can be used for plants, then we will provide you with the following guidelines below:
- Place your plant as far away from the light as possible and only use special plant lights at night.
- Use a timer to control when they are on and off (or make sure you remember to turn them off each day).
- Always leave the room when the light is on (even if it’s not directly affecting your plants). Do not go back in until it has been turned off.
- Make sure that all of the safety instructions that came with your lighting are followed without exception. This is for your safety and your plants.
There are many different types of reptile heat lamps and some may be suitable for plant growth. You will need to do extensive research on the proper lighting equipment before making a purchase.
Please do not get any light bulb that is specifically designed for reptiles. This is dangerous for both you and your plants!
What You Should Know About Plant Lights for Bioactive Vivariums?
If you think that reptile heat lamps are the best thing for non-photosynthetic plants, then we want to let you know that there are other options available.
For example, darkroom fluorescent T8 bulbs or T5 fluorescent tubes may be more suitable for your needs. It all depends on what you’re trying to achieve and how much money you want to spend.
Generally speaking, these lights (both tubes and bulbs) tend to produce wavelengths of light that are easily absorbed by plants. However, it is not recommended for live plants.
But tortoises require this type of lighting, too, because they need the proper UVB exposure.
I’ve seen at least one person suggest it and there are other people who go along with it because they assume that if the light is good enough for reptiles, it must be good enough for any plant life.
Unfortunately, this is not true and you will see some negative effects if you try to use a basking/heat-emitting light as a grow light.
If the fixture were sturdy and could hold up under several hundred watts of power, then we might consider its use on plants. But unfortunately, most don’t have the strength to do so.
How to Make a Heat Lamp for Plants?
It turns out that the simple device that heats your house or plants in winter can be easily made into a greenhouse heating system.
It all starts with using old fluorescent lights, but do not worry because you can buy them cheaply at local scrap markets.
To make one heat lamp for plants, you will need:
- 1x – 1×5 feet tube (120V or 240V light bulb), хбост 100W; 0pcs
- 1x – electrical wire; 4 pcs
- 2x – existing socket + cord; 1 pc
- 2x – plug sockets; 3 pcs (optional)
- 1x – screw cap; 1 pc
- 2x – clothespins; 4 pcs (optional)
The only thing you need to pay attention to when making a light bulb grill is the diameter of the window through which the light goes out.
So, in order not to burn your plants and at the same time provide them with enough heat and avoid cold and drafts, it is necessary to use a tube whose diameter will match or exceed that of your grow lamps.
You can find such lamp casings for fluorescent tubes in any hardware store that offers lighting equipment.
Note that the bigger-sized the casing will be, the more intense beam of light it emits. Alternatively, take two matchings and cut off their bottom parts.
Then connect them with tape or glue. Be sure to attach the grill to the window of the lamp casing, so that it does not fall out when you move your flowering plants closer to the light source.
Conclusion
If you want to use a reptile heat lamp for plants, then this is not recommended.
Not only can it dry out the soil and harm your plants, but it emits light that is harmful to photosynthetic plants (which are all plants).
If you think about it, though, if they were good for plants, the majority of pet owners who owned reptiles would also own lots of live houseplants — yet we don’t see too many!
There are other options available such as low-wattage grow lights or special plant “heat mats.” Generally speaking, these types of fixtures do not emit any visible light, which may make them more suitable for your needs.
Key points on whether you can use a plant light for reptiles:
1. Suitable Plant Lights:
- Full-Spectrum LED or Fluorescent Lights: Certain full-spectrum plant grow lights, especially those labeled as “full-spectrum,” can serve as an alternative light source for reptiles.
- UVB Output: Ensure the plant light emits UVB radiation within the appropriate range (around 290-310 nanometers) required for reptiles to synthesize vitamin D3.
2. Considerations for Reptiles:
- UVB Requirements: Reptiles, especially diurnal species like bearded dragons, require specific UVB wavelengths for proper calcium metabolism and overall health. Plant lights may not always provide the necessary UVB levels.
- Visible Light: Reptiles also need visible light, especially in the UVA spectrum, which aids in their perception of the environment and influences their behavior.
3. Limitations of Plant Lights:
- UVB Output Discrepancy: Most plant grow lights focus on promoting plant growth rather than emitting adequate UVB for reptiles. They might lack the necessary UVB spectrum required for reptile health.
- Lack of UVA Spectrum: Plant lights may lack the necessary UVA spectrum, which is essential for reptiles’ behavioral and physiological functions.
4. Importance of Specific Reptile Lighting:
- Reptile-Specific Lights: Reptile-specific UVB bulbs, like fluorescent or mercury vapor bulbs, are designed to emit the specific UVB and UVA spectrums needed by reptiles for health and wellbeing.
- Proper Heat and UVB Balance: Reptile-specific lights often integrate heat and UVB elements to create the necessary basking areas and fulfill the reptile’s lighting needs simultaneously.
5. Best Practices:
- Use Purpose-Built Reptile Lights: To ensure the wellbeing of your reptile, it’s recommended to use lighting designed explicitly for reptiles that meet their UVB, UVA, and heat requirements.
- Consultation with Herpetologist or Vet: If considering alternative lighting, seek advice from a reptile specialist or vet knowledgeable about reptile lighting needs.
6. Cautionary Notes:
- Risk of Overexposure or Insufficient Light: Using plant lights without the proper UVB and UVA output may result in health issues due to inadequate lighting or overexposure to incorrect wavelengths.
- Regular Check-ups: Regardless of the lighting used, it’s essential to monitor your reptile’s health regularly. Look for signs of metabolic bone disease or vitamin deficiencies.
While some plant lights emit wavelengths that might benefit reptiles to a certain extent, they might not provide the comprehensive lighting needs specific to reptiles. Purpose-built reptile lighting remains the safest and most reliable option for ensuring optimal health and wellbeing for your reptile pets. Always prioritize using lighting designed explicitly for reptiles to meet their UVB, UVA, and heat requirements.
