How long should my reptile get natural sunlight for UVB, and in shade?

The ReptiSun 5.0 UVB bulb will provide sufficient UVA/UVB lighting for an anole. Be sure it is not obstructed by glass or plexiglass and replace it every 6 months (it loses strength over time). Leonard should have 12-14 hours or lighting each day. The simplest way to ensure this is to place the tank light and UVB light on a timer. If temps drop below 65 F at night, you'll need a supplemental heat source for the enclosure. A ceramic heat emitter (CHE) will emit heat with no visible light so as to not disturb him at night. You can read more about anole care here: http://www.anapsid.org/anole.html

The ReptiSun 10.0 bulb by Zoo Med is widely recommended. It should not be obstructed by either glass or plexiglass or be more than 18 inches away from the basking area. If you can't get one just yet, natural unfiltered sunlight can be provided daily if you can do it safely and without risk of escape.

It is true that vitamin D is obtained through sunlight, however I would still recommend supplementing Loki to ensure you won’t have any issues. The daily amount of sunlight may not be sufficient for him.

One hour of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day should be sufficient until you get the bulbs. Do not mistake a basking light (which provides heat) for a UVB light which provides beneficial (and necessary) UVB rays. Make sure the nighttime temperatures do not get too cool.

Thanks for reaching out about Tofu. Yes, you can provide UV light for your rabbit through the use of a reptile UVB light. This is a common way for rabbits to get UVB light. Sunlight is the most effective way to provide UVB light, but if you are unable to get Tofu outside, artificial light is a good alternative. UVB bulbs must be changed every 4-6 months, whether the bulb burns out or not. When choosing a UVB bulb, you want to have some information available. First will be how you are going to suspend it over her - you will need to ensure that she is unable to contact the bulb directly as she could get burned, and that the bulb is at least 8-10 inches away from her so she doesn't get burned as well. Once you know how you will suspend the light, then you will measure the distance from the light to her level - ideally this would be no more than 18-24 inches away. Most UVB bulbs can't penetrate a distance that is further away than this. Once you have the distance measured, then you can go to a pet store and ask them for UVB bulbs that will be appropriate for the distance that you have. Ideally Tofu would have 15-20 minutes of exposure to UVB light per day - if you provide her with longer exposure, that is okay as well. I hope this helps to answer your question, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This will not provide sufficient levels of UVB lighting. The window and tank glass will block a large majority of the sun's beneficial rays. A UVB light source must not be blocked by glass, plexiglass or fine mesh and should be about 12-16 inches from the surface of the basking area for maximum effect. Without UVB lighting, a turtle cannot properly synthesize adequate levels of Vitamin D3, which is necessary in the absorption and metabolism of calcium. The result will be metabolic bone disease, soft shell and/or stunted growth.

Yes, the hour or two without light won't harm her as long as it is on at other times. Don't worry about her not basking. As stated, she'll bask when she wants. Just keep the UVB light and heat lamp on for 10-12 hours daily.