Hi Timmy,
I didnt have a UV globe in for the first few weeks with my hatchy olive python and he was fine without. However, UV apparently promotes activity and ive had a UV globe in for the past couple weeks. Since the addition of UV, my python has been much more active and alert. Id say some exposure would be good for your snakes, but no doubt other people will say otherwise. I think its each to their own.
UVA and UVB are different bands of ultraviolet radiation. The sun naturally delivers UVA, B and C (although UVC wavelengths are too short too reach us and are blocked by the atmosphere). UVB helps in the production of Vitamin D in reptiles and helps prevent metabolic bone disease. It is especially neccesary for diamond pythons and lizards. Here is a link explaining more about the different bands of UV:
http://www.who.int/uv/faq/whatisuv/en/index2.html
Not sure if you can actually pull anything from that ramble so in short:
- most globes produce both UVA and UVB, they are different bands of ultraviolet radiation
- some UV is better than no UV (in my opinon)
- UVB wont get through glass. Plastic will absorb/filter some light, some may get through.
Cheers
Nick
