In the wild, reptiles tend to spend a lot of time basking in the sun. Iguanas (and other reptiles) are cold-blooded or ectothermic, meaning they depend on an outside source of heat to regulate body temperature.
Why is light important? Sunlight and/or UV lights allow your iguana’s body to create vitamin D — just like sunlight helps a human body produce vitamin D. Natural sun exposure and a basking light will help ensure good health for your green iguana. Not enough D puts your green iguana at higher risk for certain types of metabolic bone disease.
Natural sunlight is great, but you will probably need some kind of incandescent lamp to provide enough light for your iguana. A basking lamp combines the health benefits of light with the warmth your reptile craves for thermoregulation. Basking lights can be placed on a timer — say twelve hours on and twelve hours off — so your iguana has a “day” and “night”.
Why is temperature important? A habitat that isn’t warm enough can lead to lethargy, digestion problems, and immune system issues. So many health issues are preventable — as long as your iguana gets a proper diet and the right ambient temperature. During the day, your iguana’s cage or tank should be between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the temperature should not go below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The basking light will help provide the daytime warmth, but your iguana habitat will also need another heat source, like an under-the-tank heating pad.
You’ll need to set up a temperature gradient — areas at the cooler end of the spectrum (85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day) and a basking spot at the hotter end of the spectrum (95 degrees Fahrenheit during the day) so your iguana can choose the temperature he needs. A pair of thermometers — one at each end of the tank — can help you maintain the appropriate temperature.
As far as tank décor goes, you don’t need to go crazy. Most of the silk flowers, stones, and other decorative items are more for the humans’ benefit than for the iguana’s. Keep in mind that everything in the cage will need to be cleaned regularly and that some decorative items can pose a health risk for your iguana. A good sized branch with the bark removed may be all your lizard needs in the “entertainment” department.
More reptile resources:
- Reptile Basics
- Reptile Basics: Heat and Light
- Information about iguanas
- Iguana Health Issues