Lighting
Debate continues around the requirement (or not) of UVB for some pet reptile species. Personally, I’d rather have something and not need it, than not have something but need it.
There is a wealth of information that suggests reptiles require a source of UVB and the evidence can be viewed here
In summary? Evidence suggests that reptiles can survive without UVB but those living without UVB have lower welfare conditions than those living with UVB.
In any case, a source of light is essential to create a daily cycle for your corn snake. Without a source of light your reptile has no perspective of day/night cycles that they rely upon for natural day to day behaviours and hormonal balance. Let’s look at the choices:
UVB Lighting is perhaps the most commonly used form of lighting. They are a traditional shaped tube of light that also provides UVB. Usually they are contained within the hood of the terrarium or attached to the roof of the vivarium using a bracket. Be aware that although the light may be visible for a year or two, the UVB will run out after 4-6 months. You can buy cheap UVB detecting strips to check your light’s effectiveness. If you want to find out which light to buy your corn snake, check out this lighting guide from Arcadia and purchase your lights from the links below:
If your lighting is 15-18" away from your snake:
If your lighting is 10-15" away from your snake:
LED lighting is becoming more common throughout the hobby and replacing the more expensive to buy and run UVB lighting. Simply run LED lights along the inside top of your enclosure and put on a cycle for day/night. Not only does this light help with natural day/night cycles of your corn snake but they are exponentially cheaper to buy and run than UVB lighting.
Red or blue lighting there was an incorrect assumption that snakes could not see blue or red lighting and it became common to use one of these at night as a ‘night light’ whereby you could view your pet and it couldn’t see you or thought it was in darkness. This has been debunked and the use of coloured light in this manner disrupts biological day/night cycles in your corn snake.