Light

Light consists of electromagnetic radiation from our sun and can be divided into different bands. Light with a wavelength of 400 to 700 nm is light that we can perceive with the human eye. So this is only a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Light with a longer wavelength, 780 to 3200 nm, is infrared light. This light provides radiation heat. Light at the other end of the visible spectrum is called ultraviolet light and has a short wavelength of 100 to 400 nm. The light from the sun is filtered by our ozone layer and atmosphere, so that the harmful UVC light and part of the infrared light do not reach the surface of the earth.

Ultraviolet light can be divided into 3 parts:

• Uva:  This is light with a wavelength of 315 -400 nm. Humans cannot perceive UVA light, but many reptiles can. The presence or absence of UVA influences how reptiles perceive their environment, food and congeners. Uva light stimulates their activity, appetite and reproduction.
• UVB: This is light with a wavelength of 280 - 315 nm. Under the influence of UVB, vitamin D3 is formed in the skin of most animal species, including turtles. Vitamin D3 is crucial in the absorption and storage of calcium in the skeleton. In contrast to the dosage of vitamin D3 with supplements/food, an overdose can never occur with vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin.
• UVC: This is light with a wavelength of 100-280 nm. This UV light is harmful, but is blocked by the ozone layer and the atmosphere. UVC light is often used in pond filters to kill algae and harmful bacteria.