Fire, the Sun & Its Replication in Reptile Keeping is a practical, easy-to-understand guide that explains how heat and light influence reptile and amphibian health — and how to recreate these essential natural forces correctly in captivity.
Light is not just something animals see. It supports behaviour, activity patterns, digestion, and the biological processes that allow UVB to be converted into usable vitamin D3. This book explores why correct heating and lighting are fundamental to long-term health, growth, and wellbeing.
You’ll learn how lamps work, how to get the best performance from your lighting setup, and how to measure and interpret light properly. It also expands on Arcadia’s Theory of Wild Re-Creation™, helping keepers build environments that reflect how animals live and function in the wild.
This is the first book in a wider series, designed to help keepers understand “overall nutrition” — including the critical role that heat and light play alongside diet and hydration.
What This Book Covers
- How the sun provides energy and how to replicate it in captivity
- How lamps work and how to optimise performance
- UV, infrared and the conversion of UVB into vitamin D3
- Light meters and measuring light correctly
- LEDs, PAR, PUR, CRI and Kelvin explained
- Habitats, basking behaviour and thermal gradients
- Light & Shade principles
- MBD awareness and prevention fundamentals
Product Details
- Publisher: Arcadia Reptile
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 200
- Book Code: RBK04
- ISBN: 978-0-9576570-4-5
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is written in clear, accessible language and is ideal for keepers who want to understand heating and lighting from the ground up.
Does it explain UVB and vitamin D3?
Yes. It explains how UVB contributes to vitamin D3 metabolism and why correct UVB provision is essential for long-term health.
Does it cover how lamps work and how to measure light?
Yes. It explains how lamps function and introduces concepts such as light meters, PAR, PUR, CRI and Kelvin so you can interpret lighting properly.
Is this book only for reptiles?
No. The principles apply to reptiles and amphibians, especially species that depend on correct heat and lighting for normal behaviour and wellbeing.
Does it reference the Light & Shade approach?
Yes. It covers Light & Shade principles and how to create gradients that allow animals to self-regulate naturally.
