Meco Reptiles and Enclosures
Arcadia ShadeDweller-Max™ Replacement Lamp (110V) 2.5% UVB, 14 Watt, 22"
ShadeDweller-Max by Arcadia Reptile the latest evolution in the ShadeDweller range. A brand new 14 watt 22”/55cm Full-spectrum+ UV-B lamp and ProT5 Kit.
One area of reptile keeping that has been severely overlooked is the correct provision of UV lighting for snakes, and especially those living in larger more naturalistic or bioactive enclosures. The 8watt 12”/30cm ShadeDweller caters well for smaller species and for snakes whilst coiled at basking, but it became clear very quickly that the most commonly kept species being 3’/90cm in length or more would benefit more with exposure that covers much more of the body, and within the light and shade method.
Being longer and in the case of Royal/Ball pythons, more robust also, it is important to increase the size of area of illumination (projection zone), allow good photo and thermoregulation, which helps to ensure access to full colour vision and the ability to self-regulate D3 levels. This will allow snakes to move and behave naturally, seeking out areas of energy to use and to explore without the risk of them being exposed to higher levels of UV than is safe for them. This is a risk with the more powerful HO-T5 lamps when used in reduced height enclosures and with species that can easily climb.
ShadeDweller-Max has been crafted by experts to provide optimal UV levels of around UVI 1.00-1.50 12/30cm at basking for these species when living in enclosures 3’/90cm long or more. It is the perfect lamp for the most common vivarium sizes, that being 4x2x2/120cmx60cmx60cm +.
ShadeDweller-Max is the perfect choice for these species where an environment has been created to allow self-regulated basking, but also poses very little risk of over exposure as the snake moves around the enclosure (transient exposure). We all know that most snakes love to climb, and we should allow this wherever possible to increase enrichment of the body and mind and to allow the animal to experience light at differing angles. ShadeDweller-Max 14w ProT5 is suitable for use with Arcadia Reptile LampGuardPro, the easy to use UV lamp cage.
ShadeDweller-Max has been designed with the needs of captive snakes in mind, but this should not limit its use, it is just as much a powerful tool for some lizards and amphibians living in larger enclosures that fall into Zone 1-2 and are able to safely climb to self-regulate.